There are plenty of things to appreciate about moving glass wall systems. For one thing, these systems can be rather beautiful, creating the appearance of more space. Their transparency (or in some cases, the illusion of transparency they provide) gives glass walls the ability to make a home seem bigger and to play with natural lighting. They add a touch of modernity to more old-fashioned homes without requiring, comparatively, too much effort.
But glass walls also are investments, and they require a great deal of effort to install. Therefore, it’s important to know that you’re making the right decision before ordering moving glass wall systems. With that being said, below are some of the things you should be aware of before ordering this option for your home.
1. How Will They Operate?
Obviously, a key component of moving glass wall systems is how they operate. These systems cannot operate in the same sense as most typical windows and doors, after all. There are two main ways through which these wall systems work. One is the pocketing operation. Essentially, if there is enough space a custom wall cavity will be created. The panels of the wall system can then stack and slide out of sight when need be.
The other operation method is folding. Right now, folding is more popular than pocketing. This operating system involves relying upon hinges, creating a kind of accordion effect for the glass wall system. This way, the wall can be stored to one or both sides. This method is easy to use. It allows you to determine the amount of space you want when opening the panels.
2. The Threshold
You need to be careful when considering the type of threshold you want for your moving glass wall systems. Yes, it’s important that these systems are easy to use. But you also need to make sure that it properly keeps debris out of your home and heat inside your home. It’s estimated that about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows, and if you choose the wrong threshold even more heat can be lost through your moving glass wall system. The problem with this issue is that your energy bills can actually rise as heat escapes your home.
In order to ensure that rain is not an issue for your home, glass wall systems should be designed with overhangs. Otherwise, they should be made with weather-resistant thresholds.
3. What Type of Glass Are You Using?
It’s important for you to carefully consider the type of glass you’re using when installing these wall systems. This will of course affect the energy efficiency of your systems, as some types of glass absorb heat in different ways than others. Additionally, different types of glass provide more visibility than others, which obviously affects the overall enjoyment of the systems. If the area you live in suffers from extreme cold or heat, you may want to consider triple-glazed glass, while impact-resistant glass should be considered in areas that are prone to high winds or other types of extreme weather.
4. To Screen or Not to Screen
When adding glass wall systems to your home as a part of a remodeling project, you need to consider whether or not you want screens added in front of your glass wall systems. A lot of people choose screens because they’re able to open their glass wall systems, allowing in a good amount of airflow while at the same time keeping a barrier between the home’s interior and annoying insects.
But there are other benefits to screens. Optional screening can be closed in front of your wall systems, which will keep you from being overwhelmed by bright sunlight. Additionally, screening can aid in blocking out too much heat absorption.
5. How Are You Using Them?
Moving glass wall systems do not need to just act as traditional walls separating the interior from the exterior. You can also use them within the home itself, perhaps as a divider between the kitchen and the living room. Consider different uses for moving glass wall systems before investing in them.
Moving glass wall systems are unique ways of opening up your home. But when making any change to your home, consider all of your options first.