Why Glass Partitions Boosts Productivity in the Workplace

It’s no secret that when employees are happy in their workplace, they tend to be more productive in their jobs. That’s why companies are constantly looking for new ways to re-vamp their work space and create the ideal layout for optimal business. One of the best ways to do this is to create a semi-open floor plan while still maintaining personal privacy for employees. 

While there are a number of ways you could create this ideal floor plan, glass partitions are by far the best way to attain this goal, and for a number of reasons. 

Non-Claustrophobic Layout

Glass partitions are the perfect way to break up a workplace into individual work spaces without boxing employees into tiny areas. Often times, offices with lots of walls and private offices make workers feel as if they’re working in a stuffy, boxed in environment.  Glass creates a very different effect, establishing personal areas without a closed-in feeling. Even if you put glass partitions in every spot where regular walls once stood, the result will be one that employees will respond to. 

Better Lighting

Most people would agree that light has a direct effect on people’s emotions and moods. Even in small areas and tight spaces, studies show that workers are much happier if sunlight is able to steam through a nearby window. However, the only people who tend to benefit from these are, of course, people whose desks are near windows.

Glass partitioning opens up the office and allows sunlight to continue to stream throughout the work space without getting blocked or cut off by solid walls. More people will get to experience the shining sun and thus, tend to be happier and more productive. 

Not only does more sunlight lift people’s moods, but it will also save your company on lighting costs, as you won’t have to depend on electric lighting as much. 

Enhanced Communication

Already we’ve discussed that glass partitions allow people to feel more free and uplifted in their workspace, which in turn, makes them happier people. This, along with the fact that glass partitions give co-workers better access to each other, makes for better overall office communication. 

Giving co-workers the ability to see each other more during the work day is a great way to enhance communication between everyone in the office. They’ll be more likely to talk to each other and collaborate on ideas, which will no doubt increase productivity. Working on projects and presentations is much easier when a small piece of glass is your only barrier. It cuts down on walking aimlessly around the office, trying to find the person you’re looking for, and gives employees the ability to get information much faster from each other. 

Glass partitions also increase productivity because employers are more easily able to keep an eye on the office, making sure work is getting done. While employees may use walls and private offices as a way to get a little more privacy, there’s no question that everyone is more productive when they can be seen from all angles. 

With all the great reasons there are to get glass partitions in your company’s office, there’s no need to brainstorm any more. By making a simple change in the office with glass partitions, you can make a huge difference in your company’s productivity.  

Double Pane Vs. Triple Pane Windows

Stabilizing the temperature in your home can depend greatly on how efficiently your windows are working. If you’re blasting the heat in the winter and the house is still cold, or the opposite in the summer, your windows may be letting out the air that you’re trying to cool or heat your home with. If you think it’s time for new windows, consider the fact that there are single pane, double pane, and triple pane to choose from.

Since single pane windows don’t protect as well from outside sounds, heat or cold, we prefer the choices of double and triple paned windows. Right off the bat, you’d think that triple pane windows are better than double pane, right? Well, sometimes that’s the case, sometimes it isn’t. Both types of windows have their pros and cons, and these factors can help you make your decision on which type is best for your home.

Triple pane glass

First, it’s important to distinguish the difference between double and triple paned windows so you can better decided which type you want. Both types of windows use a gas that is sandwiched between the panes, the only difference being that the triple pane window has an extra layer of glass and gas on the inside. The purpose of the gas is to temper the transfer of warm or cold air through the window, gradually helping to heat or cool your home or business. 

As we stated above, there are pros and cons to both double and triple paned windows. Double paned windows are lightweight, efficient enough to be sufficient for most homes, and are priced fairly moderately. However, if you live in an area that gets incredibly hot in the summer and snows in the winter, they may not be enough to keep your house or office’s temperature comfortable. 

Double pane glass

This may be an instance where you’d want to consider triple paned windows. Triple paned glass is incredibly efficient, providing better insulation a better sound barrier than other types of glass. Just like double paned glass, these windows also have a downside. Triple pane windows cost considerably more than other types of windows. They’re also heavier, making them harder to install and open when you want some fresh air. 

While both are better for your home than simple single pane glass, double and triple pane windows are very similar. When making your decision, consider the area in which you live and if you think an investment in heavy duty windows is worth it. 

Most of the time, double paned windows will work just fine, so don’t lose sleep over this decision. Whether they’re double or triple paned, you’ll be hands down happier once your new windows are installed!

How to Repair Cracked or Chipped Glass

If you’ve ever driven a car or lived in a home with windows (both likely), you’ve probably experienced the unpleasantness of a broken window. Whether your windshield has been chipped due to flying rocks, or the windows in your home have a crack or two, we have a few quick and easy fixes for the beatings your windows take. 
 
When working with damaged glass, make sure to always wear a durable pair of gloves, like heavy duty rubber kitchen gloves. No matter how small the damage may be, take precaution. It can be hard to spot a shard of glass sticking out from a window, and protection can prevent a potential injury. 

Once you’re equipped to work with the broken glass, make sure it’s clean, especially if the window was damaged by something dirty, like a rock. Ball up a moist cloth towel and wipe the entire area gently until any particles of dust or dirt have been removed. If you can’t get it clean this way, use a glass-cleaning solution to do the job.  

Now that you’ve prepped the glass for fixing, it’s time to get it done! 

For a super easy and very temporary fix, think simple. Use a strip of strapping tape to completely cover the damaged area. Any heavy duty tape will do, but we recommend using strapping tape over others such as masking tape because of its waterproof properties. Smooth the tape against the glass, making sure it’s secure. This will prevent the crack or chip from spreading until you can get the glass permanently fixed. 

For a longer lasting solution, take some clear nail polish and dab a thin layer to fill the damaged glass. Allow the polish to dry, and then repeat the process, allowing time to dry in between, until the crack or hole is completely filled. Once the glass is even and sealed, the damage will be practically invisible. 

If you’re willing to go the extra step to really fix that window, here’s the option for you. You’ll need a plastic putty knife and silicone sealer. Place a small glob of the sealant onto the crack, and using the knife, smooth the product down until it’s flat and blends with the rest of the glass. Wipe the blade with a paper towel, then smooth one more time for an extra smooth finish. 

These methods are, for the most part, for small cracks and chips. If your window is in disrepair to the point of no return, or if you aren’t sure, give us a call at (303) 777-4491. We’re here to help!!

How to Start a Custom Glass Project

Welcome to Santa-Fe Glass’s blog!! Here, you’ll be able to find stories, tips and tricks of the trade involving what we do best… everything glass. Sometimes you’ll come to us for a quick fix, other times you’ll want to do some major renovations. In honor of the New Year, we’re anticipating re-models, re-models, and more re-models. Here are some things to think about before starting any project using custom glass. 

When beginning your custom glass journey, start by deciding what exactly it is you want out of the project. You might want to rip out your shower and replace it with glass, or you might just want to fix and upgrade cracked windows or chipped glass tabletops.  

After you’ve determined what you want to replace, think money. Being realistic on your budget can avoid a lot of problems down the road, like being disappointed that you can’t afford something you want. It’ll also eliminate the dreaded issue of running out of money and not being able to finish your project. Nothing is worse than living and working in a construction zone with no end in sight. Make a list of your priorities, so if only certain things can be done at a time, it’ll be what you need most. 

Now that you have all of those practical business angles in order, it’s time to have some fun. Think about what you want your new item or space to look like. The best part about custom glass design is that the sky is pretty much the limit. Aside from the standard ‘regular’ glass most of us are used to, there are a large variety of hand-crafted glass types that can create a unique space that’s pleasing to the eye. 

Texture is more important in glasswork than one might initially think. If you decide to flip through some magazines for inspiration, you’ll discover a world of glass that you probably didn’t even know existed. Adding imperfections and designs like bubbles or lines right into the glass is a fun way to add some privacy while still allowing natural light to shine into your space. 

Take your time when planning any glass-related project for your home or work. Rushing into something you’ll most likely be looking at every day isn’t the smartest move. Make sure you’re happy with your decisions and that you love the custom glass you’ve picked! Getting exactly what you want will provide you and the people around you years of comfort and happiness.