Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to glass, our experts have seen and heard it all! Your questions are always welcome, but to save you some time, here’s a list of the ones we’re asked most often.
Residential
Q: I have a broken/foggy insulated window. Can you just replace the glass, or do I have to get a whole new window?
A: Yes! We’re happy to do repairs like these to save you money! For a double-paned glass window, we’ll need to replace the entire insulated glass piece to maintain a proper seal.
Q: Can you trim a glass shower kit to fit my space?
A: We’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately, glass shower enclosures are made of tempered glass, which can’t be resized or cut down after the manufacturing process. We understand that can be frustrating, but you’ll get the same answer from any custom glass shop. If you’ve already purchased a kit that doesn’t fit, your best option is to see if you can return it and get your money back.
We can, however, help you save money on a custom shower! Custom glass showers don’t have to break the bank, and they can be made to fit almost any space. Browse our complete guide to learn more.
Q: What’s better — a framed or frameless glass shower?
A: Each style has its pros and cons. Framed styles are more stable and watertight. But they can be harder to clean, and they can only open outward. Many homeowners have a preference for frameless styles; they tend to be more flexible, and the glass is easier to replace if it breaks. Frameless styles tend to cost a bit more, but the added cost might be worth it.
Q: I see some condensation on my new windows. Why is this happening?
A: Window seals can fail over time, but if your windows are new, it’s not uncommon to see a little bit of condensation in certain circumstances. For example, you can also expect to see some condensation immediately after a large remodeling project or after a significant temperature change.
But if it’s a persistent problem, it’s probably not your new windows’ fault. The most likely scenario is that your old windows were drafty, which allowed excess humidity inside your home to escape. Your new windows are now air tight, but are showing you that you have a moisture issue inside your home. We’ve compiled a few helpful tips here.
Commercial
Q: My business’s entry door is leaking oil from the closer. Can you help?
A: Yes! Give us a call, and we can replace it for you! Once that part starts leaking oil, it’s no longer salvageable, but we’re known for our quick and friendly service.
Q: How thick should glass shelving be?
A: We recommend that glass shelving be at least ¼" thick, depending on how you support the shelf and how heavy of objects you put on the shelves.
But when you work with us, you don’t need to have all of the answers going in. Just tell our experts what you’d like to achieve, and they’ll give you their best recommendations.
Q: Why does my aluminum entry door frost up when it's really cold out? And what can I do about it?
A: When the temperature difference inside and outside the door is significant enough, moisture from inside the building condenses on the cooler aluminum surface to create frost.
In cold climates like Minnesota, having an interior vestibule or a heat trap is a great solution. You’ll minimize frost issues, and your interior space will be more comfortable. If you’d like to keep your interior more comfortable all year long, reach out! We can also provide weather stripping and door sweeps.
Q: Can you key our new aluminum entry door, so they work with everyone's keys?
A: Unfortunately, we don't do any keying here, so you need to contact a locksmith for that. But we can make your next steps easier.
We can supply you with the cylinders to bring to your preferred locksmith, or you can provide us with your newly keyed cylinders, and we will install them into the new doors. You can also have a locksmith come out after installing doors to key everything onsite — whatever works best.
Q: I own a historic building. Can you help make it more energy efficient?
A: Absolutely! We often work with historical societies to preserve the same look and feel of a historic building while increasing energy efficiency.
Curious About Something Else?
Send us a message, stop in, or give us a call. We specialize in rare parts and pieces, so if you’ve got a unique project that requires some old-fashioned know-how or elbow grease, don’t be shy!
Free Estimate
We're aware that some contractors purposefully underbid, only to charge you more when the work is completed. That's not our style. At East Side Glass, our estimates are always 100% honest and 100% free.