Restoring vs. Replacing Old Windows? Here are the Pros and Cons of both!

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

Does your home have old windows?  Are you deciding between restoring and replacing the windows?  Here’s a simple guide on the pros and cons of restoring and replacing old windows from Bell Mirror & Glass! 

Replacement Windows

Pros

Replacement Windows are fitted to your old window space, helping seal any opening and cutting down on energy costs

New windows add light to the room

Add a clean and fresh look to your home

Increases property value

Easily opened, closed and staying open unlike old windows

Installations are quick and easy, which leads to less disruption

New windows are maintenance free

Cons

The cost of replacing old windows can be high

When removing old windows, damage can occur to the surrounding frame and walls

Damage will lead to higher repair costs

Restoring Windows

Pros

The original state of the window, frame and walls will remain the same

Little risk of damage to the frame or walls

The cost is much less than if you replace the windows

Antique beautiful glass will last the test of time

Maintain Historic importance 

Cons

Old Windows tend to be single-pane, which is bad for energy savings

Restoring windows can take extended amounts of time

Old windows must be maintained often to ensure they work properly

If you’re looking to Replace or Restore windows, give Bell Mirror & Glass a call today to schedule an appointment (316) 262 8642.  Remember to LIKE our Facebook page for more information and updates on mirror and glass products and services!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating with Mirrors!

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

Mirrors have a variety of uses while decorating your home.  For example they can be used to reflect light, open up space and generally enhance the decor.  However Venessa Deleon, professional interior designer, offers some guidelines you should follow when hanging mirrors around your house.  

DO use large mirror in smaller rooms

Don’t be afraid to go big in a small room.  A large mirror in a small room can create the illusion of depth.  Installing a mirror in a narrow hallway or staircase can act to widen the space and create better flow from room to room. 

DON’T use mirror on ceilings

Finally her final warning is to avoid mirrors on the ceiling; it is a very cheap and tacky look.  

DO make mirror a focal point

Mirrors don’t always have to be installed or screwed into a wall; Deleon suggests using large upright mirrors that are usually rested against a wall.

 

DON’T go overboard with mirrors in the kitchen

Deleon warns you not to use mirrors in a kitchen.  They are not necessary and they can pose problems such as watermarks and need constant maintenance.  

DO obey the rules of feng shui

She also suggests living by the rules of feng shui, which frown upon mirrors in the bedroom, but suggest a more balanced place like above a fireplace. 

 

DON’T place mirrors randomly around the house

Mirrors are great to have around the house but you must make sure they are placed strategically to reflect something that is worth looking at.  You don’t want those reflecting random things in your home.  

Take the advice of an expert decorator and come to Bell Mirror & Glass, for all your mirror and glass projects.  We offer custom glass and mirror service for your home or business, performed flawlessly since 1963.  If you haven’t done so yet, LIKE our Facebook page to connect with us LINKED HERE!

The History of Glass! From 3,500 BC to Today!

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

Glass is something that is so common today it is easy to forget that it took thousands of years to perfect the art of making and cutting glass. 


Most people are not familiar with the origin of making glass, which according to archaeological evidence is believed to be in eastern Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3500 BC.  The first glass vessels were not made for another 2000 years.  Although humans have been using naturally occurring glass since the earliest humans.  Obsidian was typically used for the production of knives, arrowheads, jewelry and money.  After the creation of vessels, around 1500 BC, production in the glass industry grew rapidly then suddenly declined.  It was revived again around 700 BC in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Syria and other countries along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  At first the production of glass was a very difficult and lengthy project, utilizing very small furnaces that produced barely enough heat to melt the glass.  But in the 1^st Century BC, Syrian craftsmen developed the blowpipe.  This advancement in technology made glass making cheaper, faster and easier.  In 1000 AD the Egyptian city of Alexandria became the center of glass manufacturing.  Production of glass became very popular in the vast Roman Empire and spread to all of the countries under its rule.  The timeless art of creating stained glass on churches and cathedrals became extremely popular across Europe.  The development and perfection of making glass has come a long way since the beginning.

The art of making glass has been derived from the techniques of many different countries and regions.  Making and cutting glass is now so common that some forget how long it took for us to perfect it and use it in everyday life.

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Frequently Asked Questions from Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

We have compiled a list of different FAQ’s from our loyal customers over the years.  Take a look if some of your questions are below, if not don’t hesitate to give us a call any time at (316) 262-8642.  We hope you find this list very informative and helpful!

Do you service Auto Glass Repairs?

No, sorry we do not carry auto glass.  We do, however, replace and repair side view mirror glass.

My Shower Glass Doors are foggy, what do I use to clean them?

You’re in luck!  We offer a variety of effectively shower glass cleaning products.  We recommend Diamon Fusion, it is a two-part system that not only cleans but protects your glass showers.  The main benefit of Diamon Fusion is that it protects from soap buildups and water spots, giving your shower glass a clean look.

Can you recut my glass to another size?

This depends on the specific item you want cut.  If the piece of glass has been tempered, were unable to recut the glass because the piece will shatter.  Any other circumstances, yes we can recut your glass to another size.

Are you able to resilver or bevel an old mirror?

In most cases no, resilvering can be very expensive and older glass tends to separate when we put it through the beveling machine. 

What is best to clean my mirrors with?

It’s best to clean your mirror with a clean rag and an ammonia or vinegar free product.

Once the glass is ordered, how long will it take to arrive?

The range will depend on what you ordered.  Straighline edge and shape work will take between 2-3 days, beveling 3-5 days, custom hand done work 7-10 days, and larger works such as shower enclosures 7-10 working days.  Other special orders include Metal for shower enclosures and heavier glass showers can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks.

To read up on more of our Frequently Asked Glass Questions visit -- http://www.bellmirrorandglass.com/mirror-glass-faq.shtm

Remember to LIKE our Facebook page and FOLLOW us on Twitter for more information and updates!

Have You Considered the Benefits of Recycling Clear Glass?

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

The next time you go to throw a glass item in your recycle bin consider what exactly you’re throwing away.  

Certain glass items that should not be recycled are:

• Mirrors
• Ceramic Items like dishes
• Crystal Glasses
• Light Bulbs
• Window Glass
• Jar lids that are Metal
• Heat-Resistant glass
• Used glass can be recycled in different creative ways such as:
• Used as drinking jars 
• Flower Vases
• Old Jars are great for canned foods
• Creating beautiful artwork or counter top finishes

If you have any questions about different types of glass and what can be recycled please message us on our Facebook page Linked HERE!

From Earth’s Natural Elements to Glass: How Glass is made!

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

Have you ever wondered how glass is made?  Well, glass is formed from a few of Earth’s natural elements – sand, limestone, soda ash and fire.  Below are steps on how glass is made.

Step 1: A combination of sand, limestone, soda ash, and recycled glass in put together and sent to get melted.

Step 2: A furnace will heat the ingredients to over 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit, melting the raw materials into molten.

Step 3: The molten is removed from the furnace and placed into different shapes to be cooled. 

Step 4: Machine form the cooling molten into different products.             

Step 5: After the molten is cooled it will then have the clear glass appearance we recognize today.

Step 6: Each glass product is inspected to ensure strength and perfection.  There is your finished product!

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Let us Help You Fulfill your 2013 New Year’s Resolution!

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213

316-262-8642

www.bellmirrorandglass.com

2013 is HERE! The New Year brings an old tradition of many determined to fulfill their New Year’s Resolutions.  While many claim to better themselves with self-improvements, healthy or money related issues, home owners are planning for future Home Improvements! 

Here at Bell Mirror and Glass, we are ready to help fulfill your New Year’s Resolution and get to work on your home improvement projects!  We offer a variety of custom glass and mirror services for your home and business.  Each project is custom designs to your specific liking and cut to fit perfectly.  

Below is a list of some of the products and services we offer:

• Custom-Cut Mirror for Residential and Commericialblo
• Custom Colors, edging and shaping
• Custom Shower Doors and Enclousures
• Custom Cabinet, Window, Railing/Decking, Tabletop, and Shelving Glass
• Custom Requests also welcome

Let us give you peace of mind and fulfill your New Year’s Resolution home improvements.  For more information about Bell Mirror and Glass visit our website bellmirrorandglass.com.  Remember to LIKE our Facebook page and FOLLOW us on Twitter!