Friday, October 29, 2010

How Best To Clean Glass

800 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1500 Topeka, KS 66612-1200
(785) 271-0208 Fax: (785) 271-0166
www.glasswebsite.com
Mirror Informational Bulletin GANA MD 01-0105
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Flat Glass Mirrors
Mirrors provide both functional and aesthetic performance in the interior design for today’s homes, office buildings, schools, medical and institutional facilities. In addition to the function of providing reflected images, mirrors are being use to move natural light further into buildings and enhance the openness of rooms. Proper cleaning procedures must be followed to ensure the long-term performance of mirrors.
Care and Cleaning of Mirrors
Many people are unaware of how to properly care for and clean the mirrors in their homes and offices. Many cleaning products make claims to be the best for mirrors. The truth is the care and cleaning of mirrors is simple and inexpensive. Care should always be taken to avoid getting the edges of the mirror wet with any liquid or substance. This can result in damage to the mirror edges, commonly called “black edge”. Should mirror edges become wet, they should be dried off immediately.
The following are recommendations from manufacturers of quality mirrors:
 The very best and safest cleaner for a mirror is clean, warm water used with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wring all water from the cloth before wiping the mirror. Dry the mirror immediately with a dry lint-free cloth.
 Don’t use acid or alkali cleaners for mirror cleanup after installation. Either substance can attack the front surface and edges as well as the backing of the mirror. No abrasive cleaners should ever be used on any mirror surface.
 Don’t spray cleaners directly on the mirror. Always apply cleaner directly to a soft, lint-free cloth and then wipe the mirror. This will help prevent the cleaner from contacting the edges of the mirror and damaging them.
 Don’t clean across the face of multiple mirrors at the same time. When cleaning several mirrors installed on a wall, wipe the joints in the same direction as the joints. This will keep the cleaner from collecting in the area where the mirrors join.
 Don’t use commercial mirror cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar.
800 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1500 Topeka, KS 66612-1200
(785) 271-0208 Fax: (785) 271-0166
www.glasswebsite.com
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 Do use 0000 oil-free steel wool, not solvents, to remove surface marks or stubborn dirt. Use of solvents can attack and damage the edges and backing of mirrors.
 Do use soft, lint and grit free cloths to clean a mirror. This reduces the chances of scratching the mirror surface.
 The last step to cleaning a mirror is to make sure all joints and edges are dry so that no liquid or cleaner comes into contact with the edges and backing.
Transparent Mirror Products
Transparent / two way mirror products allow vision through one direction while giving the appearance of a standard mirror on the opposite side. These applications typically expose the coated surface to the mirrored room. With the exception of the 0000 oil-free steel wool procedures, the cleaning procedures provided above also apply to cleaning the coated glass surface. In addition, extreme care must be taken to ensure that no hard objects such as rings or metal surfaces of cleaning equipment contact the coated surface. Permanent damage to the coated surface may result from improper cleaning procedures.
Construction Site Conditions
Mirror products must be protected during construction site storage and installation. Mirrors should be stored in a dry, well ventilated area, free of chemical fumes and away from high heat sources such as steam or water pipes. Exposure to excessive moisture or harmful construction materials can result in hard to remove surface conditions. Mirrors should be the last materials to be installed. Sprayed material such as wall texture or adhesives for wall covering should be completely cured before mirror installation. If conditions are found that mirrors cannot be cleaned using the above procedures, contact the mirror supplier for guidelines for construction debris removal.
Failure to properly clean mirrors can result in damage to the mirrored surface and deterioration of the optical quality of the mirror reflectance.
GANA Provides Additional Information
Members of the Mirror Division of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) encourage, home owners, construction trades, general contractors, building owners and facility maintenance staff to be aware of proper cleaning procedures for mirrors and conditions that can adversely affect long-term performance.
Additional information on mirror products and applications are available on website of the Mirror Division (www.mirrorlink.org) and official website of the Glass Association of North America (www.glasswebsite.com).
The Mirror Division of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) has produced this Mirror Informational Bulletin solely to provide general information as to the proper procedures for cleaning mirror products. The Bulletin does not purport to state that any one particular type cleaning process or procedure should be used in all applications or even in any specific
800 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1500 Topeka, KS 66612-1200
(785) 271-0208 Fax: (785) 271-0166
www.glasswebsite.com
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application. The user of this Bulletin has the responsibility to ensure the cleaning procedures from the mirror supplier are followed. GANA disclaims any responsibility for any specific results related to the use of this Bulletin, for any errors or omissions contained in the Bulletin, and for any liability for loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of this Bulletin.
This bulletin was developed by the GANA Mirror Division – Technical Committee and approved by the Mirror Division membership and the GANA Board of Directors. This is the original version of the document as approved and published in January 2005.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Digital Communicators for Transaction Hardware From CRL

Thru-Glass Two-Way Digital Electronic Communicators Provide Clear, Reliable, Hands-Free Two-Way Conversation CRL’s Thru-Glass Two-Way Digital Electronic Communicators contain the latest advancements in electronic sound transmission devices.
Standard units fit barriers from ¼” (6 mm) to 4” (102 mm) thick, and bullet resistant models are available up to Level 3. CRL’s Transaction Hardware Brand Manager, John Bower explains, “CRL Thru-Glass Two-Way Digital Electronic Communicators allow clear, distortion-free two-way conversations through secure barriers.

Because they utilize digital electronics, the units sense sound levels and automatically increase volume when speech begins.

The user friendly, multi-function controls turn the Communicator on and off, set it to mute or activate the ‘auto-mute’ mode, and adjust the volume. In an industry first, a full-duplex mode is available for certain applications, allowing persons on either side of the barrier to speak at the same time without cutting in and out.” Model choices include standard or bullet-resistant 120V AC Plug-In Transformer Models and 12V DC Rechargeable Battery Powered models.

The absence of exterior screws or fasteners makes them tamper-resistant. Three headset styles and many other accessories are available from CRL.

All units are supplied with mounting hardware and instructions to fit ¼” to 1” (6 to 25 mm) thick barrier glass and up to a 4” (102mm) barrier when using the extension screw kit.

Standard finishes are satin or black anodized. Bower concludes, “These digital communicators are ideal for service windows at facilities such as drive-through restaurants, banks, stadiums, gas stations or other applications where security is important, but clear communications with a customer is paramount.

They can also be used with our new Plug-In Boom Microphones and Plug-in Headsets, which provide excellent sound quality, and also with our Wireless Headsets that have a range of up to 300 ft (91.4m).

CRL continues to provide a broad range of transaction and security hardware for the secure transfer of cash and merchandise.

Our newest Communicators as well as other products can be seen in our Transaction and Security Hardware Catalog in print form and online at crlaurence.com.”





C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. is a leading supplier to the glazing, railing, architectural, construction, industrial, and automotive industries. Offering more than 50,000 products, the company serves the industry from 25 locations throughout North America, Europe, and Australia.

For additional information, contact CRL at (800) 421-6144 in the United States and Canada, or (323) 588-1281 from outside the United States and Canada, or visit the company’s web site at crlaurence.com.
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-crlaurence.com

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Cleaning Your Frameless Shower Glass

Maintaining Your Glass
For best results, Cardinal Shower Enclosures should be cleaned with a squeegee or towel after exposure to water.

Cardinal Armor Care and Maintenance
Follow these steps to keep your Cardinal Armored shower enclosure in top condition:

Shower enclosures can be maintained spotless by wiping off the few remaining drops with a dry towel after each use
Neglected residue can be cleaned with the Cardinal Armor Wash or a damp micro-fiber towel
Using the Cardinal Armor Wash every other week will enhance and prolong Cardinal Armor’s protection perpetually
NEVER USE HARSH CHEMICALS, such as ammonia, abrasive or acid-based cleaners, as they may break down Cardinal Armor’s chemical protection and void your warranty
-cardinalshower.com