If you find it challenging to keep the windows in your home looking clean, you’re not the only one. Many things can make your windows dirty, both inside and outside. The weather, dirt, and much more can mess up your exterior windows, while fingerprints, pets, and more can smudge interior windows.

And, even if you try to clean your windows, you may find specific products leave behind annoying streaks that make the windows look even worse than before you washed them. Luckily, you can follow some practical tips to keep your windows looking clear. Just follow this advice from the experts at Diamond State Glass.

Tip 1: Avoid Using Paper Towels

While you may have heard that paper towels are the best method of cleaning glass, this isn’t actually the case. In fact, they can be abrasive and potentially scratch your windows. Instead, use a cloth or sponge.

Tip 2: Find a Good Cleaning Solution

While some brand-name cleaners do work well, you can often use home solutions for the best results. Different people have their preferred methods, but water with a bit of dish soap is generally a good bet. You can also use vinegar to clean off hard water, but you’ll need to let the mixture sit for a while first. You can also use the same solution for glass shower doors.

Tip 3: Always Use a Squeegee

Remembering to use a squeegee might be annoying as it’s one extra step, but it’s worth it if you want to clean windows. This tool is the most effective way to attain streak-free glass. So, spray on the window solution and then use the squeegee to clean it off.

Tip 4: Keep the Screens Cleaned

It’s easy to forget to clean out the screens, but they also get dirty. And, the build-up of grime can cause your windows to get messier, too. So, you’ll want to deep clean your screens whenever you clean the exterior windows.

Tip 5: Try to Avoid Water Hitting Your Windows

While you can’t always keep water away from the exterior glass, try to at least keep your sprinklers from hitting the windows. This causes water deposits, and these are pretty difficult to remove completely.

Tip 6: Burn Candles Away from Windows

While candles are beautiful and smell fantastic, they can actually create a thin layer of smoke on windows and even on walls. So, when you light candles in your house, keep them away from the glass. This will keep your windows and your walls from getting dirty.

Quality Glass Supply in Delaware

If your windows just don’t seem to look clean enough, it could be time for some replacements. Diamond State Glass offers a range of quality mirror and glass products to residential and commercial clients. Contact us today to request an installation.

Glass shower doors are a great architectural and design choice for any bathroom, as they increase home value while making the space look brighter and adding a clean, modern design touch to the room. However, glass doors are also susceptible to developing spots over time as a result of hard water or soap scum. These spots may be difficult or even impossible to remove, depending on how long they’ve been there. Follow these six tips to keep your glass shower doors clear and sparkling clean.

1. Opt for a type of Glass with a Reflective Coating

If you’re installing a new shower in your home, opt for glass panels that come with a reflective coating. New technologies allow the glass to come pre-treated with a water-repellent and stain-resistant coating. Talk with your glass supplier or contractor about which options might be best for long-term durability in your home.

1. Make Squeegee-ing Part of Your Shower Routine

Ensure that your bathroom is equipped with a plastic squeegee– you can find these tools available for purchase at most big-box or dollar stores. After every shower, start from the top of the glass pane and wipe the squeegee downward to remove all water droplets from the glass. If you don’t have a squeegee, a microfiber cloth should also do the trick. This simple routine can have a big impact on keeping your glass shower doors spot-free.

1. Ensure Your Bathroom Has Plenty of Ventilation

After your shower has been used, it’s important to let the area thoroughly dry out so that mold or mildew will be less likely to grow. Keep the door open, run a fan, or open up a window.

1. Install a Water Softener in Your Home

If your home’s pipe system uses hard water, consider investing in a water softener. Soft water doesn’t leave the same type of spots on glass panes, and bathing with soft water will also leave your skin and hair feeling softer and more moisturized.

1. Try Mixing Together Vinegar and Water

For a more professional clean, use one portion of white vinegar with two portions of water in a spray bottle. Once a week, take some time to spray this mixture on your shower doors, leave it for 2-3 minutes, then wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. For some extra cleaning power, sprinkle some baking soda onto wet glass panes before spraying the vinegar and water solution.

1. Use a Toothbrush to Reach into the Cracks

The metal frame of your glass shower door is just as susceptible (or more so!) to a build-up of mildew and soap scum. Use a dedicated toothbrush as a tool to help you clean those small spaces.

Glass Supply Company in Delaware

If you’re looking for glass for your home’s shower doors, windows, or any other use, Diamond State Glass is here to help. We’re a local glass provider with more than two decades of experience serving our community, staffed by a team of experts that looks forward to answering your questions and helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. We specialize in providing sales, installation, and repairs of mirrors and glass for both commercial and residential use. Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.

Every home is different, with its own style and design. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of residential window styles to choose from, so you can find options that perfectly fit your needs and your home’s aesthetic. Here are 12 of the most popular types of home windows.

1. Fixed Window

Fixed windows are the simplest type of window, where a glass pane is set flush with the wall and does not open and close.

1. Sliding Window

Sliding windows consist of several panes of glass that can be slid from side to side along a track to open and allow for air ventilation. They are usually wide and horizontally oriented.

1. Single-Hung Window

Single-hung windows are hung vertically, with a lower pane and sash able to be opened upward and the upper pane of glass remaining in place.

1. Double-Hung Window

Double-hung windows are just like single-hung windows, except both the upper and lower panes can be opened and closed independently of each other.

1. Bay Window

Originally named for their use in the San Francisco Bay area, bay windows are great for locations with a view. These windows extend outward from your home and provide a fuller view of the outdoors.

1. Casement Window

Casement windows are constructed of one large pane of glass and swing outward to open. These provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors and allow for maximum ventilation and fresh air.

1. Round Window

Round windows consist of circular or octagonal panes of glass. They add design interest to a room and may be installed in stairwells or other smaller spaces that could benefit from natural light.

1. Bow Window

Bow windows, also known as compass windows, are like bay windows in that they extend out from your home’s main structure. They consist of four to six vertical windows installed to form a semicircle-type shape.

1. Arched Window

Arched windows have a rounded top in the shape of an arch that adds architectural and design interest to any room. They’re often large, allowing for extensive natural light.

1. 10.Dormer Window

Dormers are an architectural element that can be added to the sloped roof of your home. These look-outs provide structural interest as well as light and ventilation.

1. 11.Egress Window

Egress windows are installed primarily for safety purposes and can also give natural light to a basement room. They’re usually found at the top of the wall in a below-ground space and are often needed to comply with safety regulations since these openings provide an escape route in the case of a fire.

1. 12.Skylight Window

Skylights are installed in the ceiling of your home and go directly through the roof to allow for natural light to enter a space from above. These are popular for the airy, bright atmosphere they create.

Residential and Commercial Glass Supplier in Delaware

No matter which types of windows you prefer, Diamond State Glass can help you make it happen in your home. We are Delmarva’s premier glass company with over two decades of experience providing high-quality glass products and services to residential and commercial customers throughout all of Delaware south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.

As a local and family-owned business, we prioritize our customers and work hard to provide unbeatable service to each individual we serve. Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.

If you’re looking for a new shower door, the good news is that there are plenty of styles available for you to choose from. But with so many options, you may not know where to start looking. Luckily, our experts at Diamond State Glass are here to help. Here are seven common shower door styles that not only look great but will fit with your bathroom’s aesthetic.

1. Framed Shower Door

Framed shower doors are a very standard option for many bathrooms. Since they require a frame, many framed doors can be installed in a variety of different styles, giving you plenty of customization. They are also very easy to install and affordable.

2. Frameless Shower Door

As the name suggests, these types of shower doors don’t have a frame. This makes them more visually appealing compared to a framed door. But without a frame, it can make it more difficult to install and cost more money.

3. Pivot Shower Door

Pivot shower doors can be extremely handy since they are able to fully open in both directions. This type of door uses hinges to operate but requires a more complex hinge than a regularly hinged door since it needs to be able to open in both directions. While this is a very convenient style, it does tend to be a bit pricier.

4. Steam Shower Door

Steam shower doors are made to go from the floor to the ceiling, which means it completely encases the shower. This type of door creates an airtight space, which can help steam build-up while the shower is on. Since it is completely sealed, your shower becomes a steam room, which can be relaxing. They also require professional installation since it is a very complex and specific design.

5. Sliding Shower Door

Sliding shower doors are a great option if you’re looking for easy access to your shower. Most of the time, this style of door can open from either side. They are also available as framed or frameless, allowing you the customization you want for your shower door.

6. Hinged Shower Door

Similar to a pivot shower door, a hinged door also uses hinges to allow the glass door to open and close. These doors can be framed or frameless and will swing open in one direction to allow entry to the shower enclosure. One of the great things about this design is that it can be used on both small and large showers.

7. Neo-Angle Door

If you have a corner-built shower, neo-angle doors are a great option. This type of shower door connects to the two walls of the shower through three glass panels, with the central panel being at an angle and operating as the door. This type of style can give your bathroom a very elegant look.

Professional Shower Door Installation in Camden, DE

If you’re looking to install a new shower door, trust our experts at Diamond State Glass in Camden, Delaware. Our professionals are able to install a variety of different shower doors so that you can get the perfect style that matches your bathroom. Contact us today for more information on our shower door styles or to have us schedule an installation.

Not sure how to understand all the jargon you might hear thrown around when talking about glass and mirrors? Here’s your essential guide with definitions for common vocabulary used in the glass industry.

Annealing
Standard glass is manufactured via a process called annealing, in which hot glass is slowly cooled to a lower temperature in order to increase strength and durability.

Beveling
Beveling is the name of the process by which the edges of a flat pane of glass are finished to a beveled angle.

Double Glazed
A double glazed window is one that has two layers of glass, to improve insulation and energy efficiency.

Etching
Etching is a process by which designs, icons, or words can be cut into the surface of glass through the use of an acid or abrasive substance.

Fabrication
Fabrication refers to when an item is manufactured or created from existing materials as opposed to from scratch.

Fire Resistant Glass
Fire-resistant glass has been specially manufactured to serve as a protectant against fire or extreme heat.

Fire Protection Rating

This describes how fire resistant a type of glass is– a 30 rating can withstand fire for 30 minutes, a 90 rating for 90 minutes, etc.

Float Glass
Also known as flat glass or sheet glass, this type of glass is the standard variety, which is made by “floating” a ribbon of molten glass over molten metal such as tin.

Frame
A frame is a structure made out of aluminum, wood, or another hard material that can support the weight of a pane of flat glass.

Glazing
This is the industry word for the process of fitting and installing glass into a window, door, etc.

Heat-Strengthened
Heat-strengthened glass has gone through an extra heating process in a furnace and is usually around two times the strength of regular annealed glass.

Laminated Glass
Also known as safety glass, laminated glass consists of two glass panes adhered to a layer of plastic in the middle, so that when the glass breaks it does not shatter.

Pane
A pane of glass is one single piece of glass cut to a specific size needed for glazing.

Panel
A panel of glass consists of multiple panes which are cut and installed together.

Plexi-Glass
Plexi-glass is a thick, transparent material that’s actually not glass, but durable plastic.

Sash
A sash is a frame within a window that’s made to hold the pane of glass; it usually slides vertically, horizontally, or outward to allow the window to open.

Sealant
Sealant is a thin liquid solution that’s applied to a pane of glass to improve its ability to withstand water damage, dirt, etc.

Security Glass
Security glass is a type of laminated glass designed to protect against forced entry, often used in storefronts.

Shower Enclosure
A glass enclosure is often installed around a shower area in a residential bathroom to allow for enhanced privacy; it may be clear or frosted.

Tempered Glass
Tempered glass undergoes additional thermal or chemical treatments that make it four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass.

Two-Way Glass
Two-way glass, or mirrored glass, has a reflective surface on one side, meaning you can only see through from one side of the pane.

Professional Glass Company Serving the Dover, Delaware Area

If you’re still experiencing some confusion around the glass, no need to worry. The professionals at Diamond State Glass can help answer all of your questions and help you select just the right glass option for your commercial or residential needs. Based in Camden, Delaware, Diamond State Glass specializes in providing sales, installation, and repairs of mirrors, residential glass, commercial glass, and more.

As a family-owned and operated business, Diamond State Glass takes pride in being a local glass provider that has been exceeding customer expectations for two decades. Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.