Windows are a ubiquitous part of everyday life. We interact with windows all the time — we look through them to see outside, we open them up to let fresh air in, and we check our reflection in them as we pass by. Despite all this, chances are, you haven’t ever stopped to consider how these windows are made. What is glass even made of? How does it get so clear? Keep reading to learn about the glass manufacturing process and gain a greater appreciation for your windows.
How Is Glass Made?
Most windows are made of glass, but what is glass made of? Glass is created with a mixture of several different materials, including sand, dolomite, limestone, soda ash, and salt cake. These materials are melted together at about 1500 degrees Celsius. At high temperatures, these materials behave like a liquid, so before it cools and returns to its solid state, glass can be blown, poured, molded, and pressed into many different shapes.
Glass production is an intensive process, but glass actually occurs in nature when molten material cools so rapidly that there is not enough time for a crystalline structure to form. This can happen in or near volcanoes, when meteors impact the earth, or when lightning strikes the sand.
Glassmaking as a craft has been around for much longer than you may think. Glass was first created by humans about 4,000 years ago by people from the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. In the time since, we have refined the production process and are able to create perfectly clear, flat glass to use in windows.
When making windows, glass needs to be formed into sheets. To do this, the glass is fed into a bath of molten tin. The melted glass floats on the surface as it cools, becoming a flat sheet. The sheet is then lifted onto rollers, and the speed at which it travels on the rollers determines the thickness and width of the glass.
In order to increase the glass’s strength and prevent it from shattering, the glass sheets are cooled and reheated slowly. If the glass is tempered, that means it was reheated and then cooled with blasts of cold air.
After all of that, the glass may be glazed and coated to improve insulating properties or heat absorption.
What Is the Window Manufacturing Process?
After the glass has been created, it’s time to start the window manufacturing process. First, the glass is cut by precision machines to the desired dimensions. Then, it’s cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner to ensure it’s crystal clear without any debris on the surface. After that, the panes of glass are sealed together and pieces of the frame are cut and welded together. Finally, the frame and glass are assembled, finishing the process of creating your home’s new windows.
How Are Windows Transported Without Breaking?
After your windows are made in a factory, they will need to be transported to your home before they can be installed. The problem is, windows are breakable, and without proper precautions, they can shatter.
The biggest thing to consider when shipping windows is whether they will shift during transportation. They need to be properly stored in a wooden stillage, which is a framework upon which you can secure your windows. Additionally, window manufacturers will use foam sheets, bubble wrap, and cardboard to protect the glass from scratches during shipping.
How Are Windows Installed?
After your windows are made and transported, it’s finally time to install them in your home. Before starting the installation process, the installers will prepare the area around the window by putting down drop cloths to protect your floors from dirt and debris. After that, if you’re replacing your old windows, the installers will need to remove the old ones first, then examine the opening for damage and perform any necessary repairs.
The installation crew will then place the new windows and ensure they fit properly. If everything looks good, they will seal the area around the window and place the trim. Finally, they will clean up any debris and make sure they leave your home looking great.
New Windows From Peak Windows
Whether you need windows for your newly-constructed home or are looking to replace your old, damaged windows, Peak Windows can help. In addition to windows, we offer entry doors, interior doors, sliding glass doors, and basement egress doors. All of our products come with a lifetime warranty, so if anything goes wrong, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to get started!
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