O'Brien Glass^® glaziers are experts in all things glass. We have a long history of using glass to enhance homes and office spaces.

So, here are a few pointers from our glazing experts on how you can utilise the many benefits of glass to assist you with making informed decisions when building or renovating your home or office.

Indoor climate control and energy efficiency

Modern architectural design often uses glass for a stylish, contemporary feel whilst providing natural light inside the home or office and protection from outside elements.

However, you may not be aware that a standard piece of glass can be a poor insulator, making it less effective in controlling heat gain or loss. As a result, the glass industry has developed a variety of solar and thermal control glass that can help mitigate the harsh extremes of the Australian climate – making it ideal for buildings countrywide.

O'Brien^® offers a range of specialised window film solutions that deliver several climate control benefits to your home. For instance, our ‘Energy Star Rated’ solar film can help keep your home cool, protected from UV rays, and safe from glare, which provides resistance to heat flow and can help lower your heating or cooling costs.

Noise reduction and sound insulation

Is your home or office located within a busy environment? If so, sound control is vital to keep your space peaceful and comfortable.

All types of glass allow the passage of sound but in varying degrees. Generally, the thicker the glass is, the better the sound dampening properties.

Due to its makeup, laminated glass has better sound insulation qualities, and double glazing also helps with sound dampening.

Gaps or cracks around the window frame can also compromise the acoustic qualities of the glass. So, if you need help reducing unwanted noise, we recommend consulting an O'Brien^® glazier for expert advice and quality workmanship.

Storm and bandit resistance

One of the most common causes of glass breakage is external impact. Therefore, installing the correct type of glass is essential to protect your property against unfortunate incidents such as theft and severe weather.

Because of its Polyvinyl Butyral interlayer, laminated safety glass is recommended by O'Brien^® experts in high traffic areas like shopfronts. When it breaks, this type of glass forms a web-like pattern with a tendency to remain within its frame, increasing the amount of time and effort needed to access your property or office. However, even when broken, laminated safety window glass can continue to be a barrier against intruders, debris, projectiles and the weather – an extra layer of protection for you, your business and your family.

Privacy

Other than installing blockout blinds or curtains, several glass solutions offer varying degrees of privacy depending on your preference and needs. For example, O'Brien^® offers different types of window tinting and films for your privacy. With this solution, you can usually customise the level of light required in your space to suit your needs.

It is, however, important to note that tinted windows don’t always offer much privacy at night, especially when the illumination inside your home is greater than the outside environment. Therefore, for optimum privacy, we suggest you pair tinted windows with blinds or curtains.

Decorative and frosted glass are also effective solutions to increase privacy in your home or office. These can make bathrooms, meeting rooms, offices or room partitions more private. If you’re looking for a more affordable and temporary alternative, decorative glass can also be a great option. O'Brien^® can supply, install and replace decorative and frosted glass tailored to your needs.

Fire protection

When using glass in the kitchen, such as splashbacks behind stovetops, it is important to use glass products that meet the requirements under Australian Standards AS4551/AG101 and AS5601/AG601. These Standards are designed to help prevent excessive heat and possible fire in combustible materials such as walls that sit behind a glass splashback.

For bushfire prone areas, Australian Standard AS3959–2018 prescribes the use of fire-rated glazing to help reduce your home’s risk of ignition. Fire-resistant glazing helps reduce the spread of fire in your home through the use of specialist glass, framing and installation methods.

Be sure to consult your trusted O'Brien^® expert and local relevant authorities for the appropriate glazing solution to your individual needs.

Are you ready to make your home or workspace better with glass?

At O'Brien^®, if there is one thing we know, it’s glass and how it can make a difference to our customers. With over 95 years of experience, we are here to help you make your home or office a better place – no matter where you are in Australia.

Simply reach out to your trusted O'Brien^® experts and talk to our friendly advisors for the appropriate glazing solution that’s tailored to your needs. Call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message.

The post 5 Ways Glass Can Help You Build A Better Home Or Office appeared first on O'Brien.

The new year period is often a time of making resolutions and setting goals to improve our lives in the coming year. However, we often overlook our home. It’s not only the place where we spend most of our time, but it’s our sanctuary that we retreat to. So it deserves a bit of love too!

As we kick into 2022, let’s discuss the ways you can refresh your home aesthetics with O'Brien^®.

How to improve the look of your home with glass

Glass is used throughout our homes, from splashbacks to showers, windows to doors, and it offers so much potential to give your home a fresh new look. Not only can glass help revitalise and brighten up your living spaces, but the right glazing services can help improve the value of your home, making it more liveable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

8 ways to refresh your home using glass

Here are some of the different ways you can refresh your home with glass:

1. Repair or replace damaged and old window panels

If you’ve got damage or cracks in any of the windows in your home, it’s best to have them repaired before they become more of an issue. The same goes for any windows that may be rattling or loose.
Your local glazing experts at O'Brien^® can help you with all your glass repair and replacement needs.

2. Install safety glass

To comply with the latest Australian Safety Standards, safety-rated glass such as toughened or laminated glass should be used in certain areas of your home, such as low windows.

3. Complement your front entrance with textured glass

Textured glass elements can be a creative way to redesign and enhance your entryway. It can also help maintain privacy while increasing the natural light that enters your home.

4. Use glass to present your living room as a larger space

Your living room is where you spend a lot of time relaxing with your family or entertaining guests. As such, it’s important for this space to feel open, inviting and comfortable.
A great way to provide the illusion of a larger space is to install wide or tall windows that help bring the outside world in and increase the natural light in your home.

5. Apply window tinting and film solutions

Window tinting and film solutions can help to cool your home, improve your home’s energy efficiency, protect you from UV rays and reduce the potential for your furniture, curtains or carpet to fade in the sunlight.

6. Revamp your bathrooms with glass shower screens

To improve the look of your bathroom in your home, consider installing modern glass shower screens. Transparent, sleek glass screens can help make your bathroom look bigger and more modern while also being easier to clean and maintain.
If you’re looking for more natural light in your bathroom but still want to ensure your privacy, you can use glass bricks or frosted glass windows as well.

7. Re-style your kitchen with glass cupboards and splashbacks

Glass cupboards can add a touch of style and transparent elegance to your kitchen while also making it easier to find the things you need.
Adding glass splashbacks along your benchtops can also help open up your kitchen, providing the illusion of more space and being easier to clean after cooking up a storm.

8. Add a pet door to your glass door or panel

Give your pets the freedom and convenience of moving from inside to outside and back again without having to bother you.
At O'Brien^®, we can install pet doors in glass doors or panels with ease. Pet doors are most suited to low-level glazed panels or lowlight panels and sidelights, and we can also install pet doors in sliding doors where possible. Click here for more information.

So, are you ready to refresh your home in 2022?

At O'Brien^®, we can help you improve your home and tick off that new year’s resolution.

Our local glazing experts can provide you with all kinds of quality glass products and glazing services – from emergency replacement and new glass installation to shower screens, window tinting and pet doors.
Contact us today, and we’ll help you prepare, protect and improve your home with quality glazing services for 2022 and beyond.

For more information about our services, call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message to speak with one of our friendly staff.

The post Refresh Your Home in 2022: Glazing Tips to Give Your Home a Fresh New Look appeared first on O'Brien.