The Roman empire is the first known civilization to use glass for windows around 100 AD. Since that time, glass features have been used to ornament structures of importance, incorporating elements of great beauty and mingling practical function with breathtaking aesthetic. Glass, as it was in the past, continues to be incredibly diverse, and the right window installation in your Utah home or office can serve more than just a single purpose. In the interest of exploring these purposes, let’s discuss not just what glass can do, but what glass is. When looking for ways to add dimension to your space, either as a partition to the outside or as a feature indoors, glass is the difference-maker.
Glass is the Eco-Friendly Choice
The past decade has seen all sorts of discussions revolve around environmentalism and “going green.” Concerned individuals will ask themselves about energy conservation, biodegradable materials, recycling, and renewable energy sources. On the whole, glass is one of the most environmentally friendly materials one can use for reasons such as:
- The creation of glass doesn’t pollute the environment. When considering other types of building materials, the process of creating these often lead to spewing noxious fumes into the atmosphere. Glass is a special exception since its creation is entirely from raw, naturally occurring materials.
- Glass is more resilient in all types of weather conditions. Thanks to the glass’s ability to keep its structural integrity, even in the face of inclement weather, it can last much longer than other materials before needing to be recycled. Rusting, erosion, and melting are not a concern for those who invest in glass.
- Glass is 100% recyclable. While we have a long way to go to improve our recycling habits generally (only 33% of glass waste is ever recycled), glass can be recycled entirely. This slows the consumption of natural resources and lessons the energy it takes to reproduce new glass since glass waste has a lower melting point.
When you choose to build and decorate your building with glass, you are ultimately choosing the invest in the environment, and the earth could use all the allies it can get.
Glass is the Value-Increaser
Take a look at any property for sale and those with major glass features often raise the value of the listing. Not only does glass decrease energy costs (especially if using special Low-E variations), but it increases curb appeal and the positive energy within the house. You can increase the value of your home or office by:
- Installing a window wall. The popularity of glass walls has skyrocketed in the past few years, as they are a great way of letting in lots of natural light while also celebrating the beauty of the surrounding environment. People with window walls generally find more reasons to spend time outside and generally deal with lower levels of stress.
- Using glass for shower and bathroom enclosures. What began as a mainstay in high-end restaurants and office buildings is finding its way into residential homes. Glass walls for the shower and toilet are not only beautiful but can be customized to fit any style.
- Investing in more glass doors. Beautiful glass doors are in huge demand these days. Whether you want a smoked glass front door or sliding glass doors that let out onto balconies, porches, and patios, glass doors help a space feel bigger and more luxurious.
However you want to incorporate glass on your property, our expert team at Smitty’s Quality Glass can help. Not only are we experienced in using every type of glass, but there is no feature that we haven’t installed ourselves at one time or another. If you’d like to discuss how glass can change your property for the better, call us today and speak with one of our glass professionals.