Happy New Year!

Happy New Years From Your Friends at Century Glass!!

Where To See Great Holiday Lights!

As we get closer to the Holidays it’s always a good idea to be festive. Festivity causes happiness and who doesn’t love to be happy? One of thousands of ways to show your holiday spirit is to hang up lights! For years people have hung up lights on their buildings and loved it! From simple white lights to full figurines made fully of lights.

Columbia is now different than any other city and offers great attractions in the field of holiday lights. It’s first show is called the Holiday Lights on the River at the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. This light show lights up Saluda Shoals with over a million bright lights! Making a run from November 26^th through December 31^st, you have a great window of opportunity to go see it. It has many parts like the Dazzling Dancing Forest, Wetland Wonderland Walking Trail, etc. They even offer special events like Nights of Wonder running December 12^th-23^rd. (To read more visit http://www.icrc.net/holiday-lights)

Another great show in Columbia is the Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. This is a great light show put on by Columbia’s local zoo! This light show offers many activities for people of all ages. With nightly Santa visits for the kids and nearly one million lights for the adults it’s great for the whole family! Other things offered are the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular and the Jingle Bell Bonfire. It runs November 21^st through December 30^th. (To read more visit http://www.sciway.net/tourism/sc-holiday-lights.html)

Charleston is also an amazing place to see holiday lights! They are not lacking in that area at all. A great place to go is the Celebrate the Season Holiday Driving Tour at the Old Santee Canal Park. Running November 28^th through December 30^th it gives you a lot of time to see it’s amazing features. Only five dollars per person you get to drive down the river and see tons of lights that are even energy efficient. It even gives its proceeds to local charities!! (To read more visit http://celebratetheseason.oldsanteecanalpark.org/)

So pack up the car with the kids and a few good snacks and hit the road! Aside from these choice spots, most local newspapers list residential houses that went above and beyond and need to be viewed. Rally the family and take in some genuine holiday cheer! This the only time of year we get to see the beauty of a well-decorated Christmas display, so take advantage of it!!

Gift Ideas For A New Homeowner

Many things come to mind when one thinks of a good house-warming gift. Anything from a welcome mat to a piece or art is needed by a new homeowner. So this week, we decided to help give you a few outside-the-box ideas to stand out from the mountains of dishes and glassware that everyone else is giving them:

1. Silverware - Food is one of the main necessities a human needs to sustain its life and live the healthiest it possibly can. To make this easier, humans began to make cutlery, also know as flatware, to cut down the work needed to eat and increase sanitation. A great gift idea for a recent homeowner would be just this. They would need it for virtually every meal they have, and without it they would have to eat with their hands...GROSS!

2. Plants - Decoration for a new homeowner is very important so their house doesn't look plain and bland. So why not purchase something to spice the house up?! If you were to give someone that has recently purchased a house a plant, you can give them a decoration and a hobby. Better hope they keep it alive!

3. Animal Safe Taxidermy - Taxidermy has always been a pretty nice market for homeowners, especially in the South. It has traditionally been used as a trophy for hunters, but a new form of animal safe taxidermy has helped shake the whole "dead animal on the wall" vibe taxidermy had. Using cardboard, wood, duct tape and other synthetic products, animal safe taxidermy removes the need to go out and catch your new wall art before putting it up.

4. Garbage Cans - An often overlooked gift, but humans are very wasteful and all that trash needs somewhere to go. Everything can be thrown away or recycled, so having one is a must. A new homeowner would love a garbage can to throw away all the trash from moving--you can never seem to have enough when moving!

5. Curtains - Most people would say that they are definitely not a morning person. This obviously meaning right when a person wakes up they don't want the sun blinding them, so why not save them the trouble. After figuring out their bedroom theme, if they have one, you can gift them some fancy, new curtains! It would be a great idea for a new homeowner. And just think, every time they wake up, they'll have you to thank for protecting their eyes from the bright morning sun!!!

6. Paintings - Art has always been an amazing form of expression for mankind and many works of art continue to wonder us today. To purchase paintings for a new homeowner would be a great idea! Right now they're probably decorating their house and would love to have a new addition here and there!

7. Wine Bottle Holders - Most new homeowners are old enough to drink (hopefully) and enjoy a glass here and there. A lot of people prefer wine to other forms of alcohol and a wine bottle holder is a great idea for that special new homeowner. After finally unpacking all their aged wines and putting in this great gift you've given them, they can sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine.

8. Clocks/Alarms - A small gift isn't always bad. If you're running a low budget, but still want to purchase a gift for you new homeowner friend then alarms are a great choice! Being on time is very important and t
hey really need to pay their new house so do your part in making sure they get to work to make the money to pay those bills!

Holiday Shopping: Tips & Tricks!

It’s that time of year again! Christmas trees are going up, stockings are being hung, and everyone is scrambling around, trying to get every last gift on their gift lists before the big day. If you’re like me, and most everyone else, you still have a bit to do before the 25^th rolls around. Not to fear! Here are a few tips to make the last few weeks really count, so you can get the most for the best bargain!

Now there is no harm in starting early. In fact, you might have already picked up a few things here and there but all the real deals come during the holidays. The best way to tackle this is to get organized. List out exactly what you need to get and who to get it for. Research where these items are sold, and where and when you can get the best price. Write it out, and you can create a game plan for where to go first and what to get where. A task like this seems unnecessary, but works wonders when used. Avoid extra frustrations by using the list to make decisions on where to go and what to get for you.

If online shopping is more for you, there are even few tips to know when choosing to shop from home instead of braving the mall. For online shoppers, take into account shipping costs when you plan out holiday budgets. Also do not discount shipping time either, shopping online has a definitive cut off date where you will not get presents in time for Christmas if you don’t place the orders soon enough (for instance, the cut off date for a common online retailer, Amazon is December 16^th, unless you’re willing to pay a fee to get it expedited.) Cut off dates vary from business to business, but the information is readily available on their respective websites. Watch your spam inbox for exclusive deals and coupons. It’s easy to ignore spam when it flows in at a regular basis, but taking that extra five minutes to filter through and see if a coupon is waiting for you.

And if all else fails, do not discredit the power of a homemade gift. Make food or simply offer your time. You can avoid retail insanity during the holidays and truly give a piece of yourself to a loved one instead of a hollow, plastic figurine. You can find countless ideas for small crafts that you can turn into heartfelt presents for any type of person. 

Whatever method works for you, don’t let the stress of getting it all done keep you from enjoying the true reason for the holidays—spending time with the ones you love.

Gobble Gobble...

Happy Thanksgiving From Century Glass!!

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!!

Winter, Cars, and You

Your house isn’t the only thing that needs to be winterized for the upcoming winter. The changing of the seasons can have a significant impact on your car as well; so necessary precautions need to be made. From dealing with small glass cracks to applying sealants, winter-proofing your car is just as important as winter-proofing your house.

As winter approaches, small chips and cracks will be exacerbated. The cold will cause the glass around the crack to morph and eventually the crack will spread. The negatives of this situation are obvious, so get the crack fixed before the chill sets in. Most cracks can be fixed very cheaply if you catch it early. So save yourself the hassle and fix it before it gets out of hand.

Glass isn’t the only thing you’ll want to winterize on your car. Invest in a good sealant to prevent snow (and salt if you live in a snow heavy area) from removing paint from the body of your car.  A good ice scraper or “de-ice” spray will become your best friend when removing snow and ice from the surface of your car. Your tires also need a special treatment to keep the rubber in them from drying and cracking in the winter. Carefully watch your air pressure during the winter as well. Pressure will go down as it gets colder outside, so monitor the pressure in your tires and add more when needed. This will ensure your tires have enough contact with the road to maneuver icy conditions. Get a good car cover as well. If parking outside for the winter, the cover will keep debris and water from getting into the nooks and crannies of your car.

Protecting your automobile during the winter is just as important as winter-proofing your house. Neglecting to prepare your car can you leave you with hefty bills down the road. And since

Time's Running Out

With winter fast approaching, the time you have to make sure your windows are ready for the cold is getting smaller and smaller. If you haven’t already, NOW is the time to fix those broken and cracked windows before winter chill truly sets in. Even the smallest crack can let heat escape, skyrocketing your heat bills. Besides heat, cracks let in moisture, which promotes wear on the walls and floors and in some cases mold. Besides money, a broken window is a security hazard and could attract intruders seeking easy access in and out of a home. Make sure all windows and doors completely fit in their frames and no gaps or cracks expose themselves. Replace fractured frames now before it is too late. Holidays are already tough on the wallet; don’t let a high heat bill be one of those reasons! Repair your windows now!

Types of Windows - What You Need to Know

So you’re thinking of new windows. It may seem odd, but have you thought what kind of windows you are looking to install? Yes, there are a numerous different types of windows, all with their own unique sets of needs and benefits. Consult below to get an idea of how many different types of windows there are and what the pros and cons of them are.

The most traditional, common window would have to be the double-hung window. This window consists of two independent panes that each can open on their own accord. These are the windows you are probably most familiar with. While they are easy to clean and provide fantastic ventilation, their energy efficiency is one of the lowest of all types on windows.

The casement window is popular in today’s architecture; especially coming to rise recently, these windows provide one of the most efficient experiences. They are extremely leak resistant but also offer a lot of ventilation when needed. They are noise reducing, and are easy to operate but still childproof for safety. The main con comes from the extremely high maintenance for the hardware that accompanies them and the large casement windows can prove difficult to open at times.

The skylight is another well-known type of window. Often associated with a modern style, the skylight can actually fit into most home styles with careful planning. The skylight is the best source of light for a room, and with glazed glass, the heat stays out. A large con, however, comes in cleaning. To clean the skylight often requires a ladder in house, and the ability to get on your roof to clean the side that is exposed to outside. But, the skylight still remains the best source for light for those that want natural light in their home.

Gliding windows are often not seen as windows at all—often coming in the form of a sliding glass door. Besides aesthetics, the sliding glass door offers little use to its homeowner. They are not energy efficient and are costly to replace or fix if broken.

Bay windows provide the most personality to a home. They are extremely stylish and provide great views of outdoors. They are reasonably energy efficient depending on the type of window placed in the bay window itself, but provides excellent ventilation either way.

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

From Your Friends at Century Glass!!!

We Hope You Have A Safe 

and Fun Holiday!

Energy Efficient Holiday Decorating

Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, or another celebration, the holidays are the greatest time of year, but also the most expensive. From costumes and candy, to Thanksgiving feasts, to gifts for the whole family; the Holidays are also the most stressful on the family wallet. So today, we’re going to give you some tips to keep those winter bills from going up, so you have more money to spend on getting down. With just a few small tricks and tips, you can save tons of cash on holiday decorating to reallocate wherever you see fit.

The first small trick you can do to save money when you choose to start decorating for the seasons is to throw out those old string lights. Now, everyone loves to use string lights, but they’re notorious energy eaters and an extremely festive family can find themselves left with a hefty electricity bill at the end of the season. To help ease the burden, but to also prevent cutting back on the decorating, use LED lights to light up your house. The LED’s require much less energy than traditional holiday light strands, and you’ll definitely tell a difference by the time the bills roll in. Additionally, if you choose to use ENERGYSTAR® products, there are often many local rebates and coupons available for use at local hardware stores. Invest in a timer. You can attach it to your lights to limit the amount of time your lights remain on, and also will prevent prolonged light use from forgetting to shut them off. Also, the use of reflective surfaces and reflective decorations can help magnify light and reduce the overall amount of light needed. Play with some creative ways to maybe even reflect some of your neighbor’s grandiose display onto yours. Now sit back and enjoy that beautiful, energy-efficient display!

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is right around the corner and soon little trick-or-treaters in a variety of costumes will be on their way in search of candy. Keep in mind these safety tips when prepping for the upcoming crowd of hungry children!

1. Have a clear path - Make sure there are no objects in the way of your front door - look out for toys, trash, yard waste or even decorations.  Tape down any cords you may have plugged in so they don't cause anyone to trip.
2. Keep your yard lit - Turn on your porch light if you are welcoming trick-or-treaters.  If you have Jack-o-Lanterns out, try to use LED candles to light them instead of live flames.
3. If you have pets keep them inside the house or locked up.  They may be frightened by all of the visitors and it's best to plan ahead for their peace of mind and the protection of others.
4. If you're out of candy or not participating, turn all your lights out to let trick-or-treaters know.  You can even put out a "No Candy" sign if you don't want there to be any confusion.
5. Remember if you are handing out candy not to include homemade goods - some parents are wary of having their children eat homemade food from strangers especially with allergy concerns.

So pick out a bag of your favorite candy and enjoy handing it out this Halloween - just make sure to save some for yourself!

Repair or Replace? - The Great Debate

So you’ve been thinking those windows look a little drab or worn out? Often many will simply jump to getting new windows before truly assessing their situations. Often you will find that most windows aren’t quite ready to throw in the towel just yet. It’s understandable why many do, though. New windows boast a much more appealing aesthetic and are often more effective than older windows at retaining heat or keeping cold out, however; replacement of all windows is immensely expensive and the ultimate energy savings are minor compared to the savings you could see by doing some cheaper home projects (sealing air gaps, reducing water heater temperature, or replacing light bulbs, etc.) To not only optimize energy efficiency but also spruce up your windows for the several more years they have in them, check below to see exactly how you should approach the situation. Sometimes though, there is no option but to replace, so the hard part comes in deciding which to choose. We put together this explanation to help you sort out where your windows stand, and what options you have when it goes to rectifying their issues.

Probably one of the biggest and trickiest problems people have with their windows is rotting wood that allows free movement of air in and out the house. The reason rotting wood is considered tricky is simply because often the appearance is much worse than the actual damage, leading owners to falsely believe a replacement is needed. Sometimes replacement will be your only option, but make sure to take a close look below the top layer of the wood. Minimal rotting can be fixed with a small application of epoxy. Any substantial damage to the sill or framework is worth replacing, since the cost of repair would only cost slightly less than a new window installation (on average anywhere form $100 - $150 more). In this case, replacement would most likely be the best choice for the long run.

Another issue that almost guarantees need of a replacement is a broken pane. The cost of hiring someone to remove the window, install a new pane, then put the window back in is virtually the same as replacing it with a new window. The real only time to not replace a window with a broken pane is when the window itself is vintage or unique and would cost hundreds upon hundreds of dollars to replace. Since most of us don’t have this problem, it is usually safe to say replace.

What about foggy windows? A window that has a permanent fog in between panes has a broken seal. Basically this means that due to excessive expanding and contracting from temperature changes, the seal along the window has broken, allowing condensation to form between the panes causing a permanent “fog” that will not go away. With “blown” windows, as they’re called, only a repair is necessary. Installing a new sash is less costly than a replacement and refreshes the life and look of a window.

In general, any windows reluctant to open or close, or that have jammed parts are easily repaired with simple replacement of hardware. This project is easy for any non-handyman to do, and only costs the small amount for the hardware itself. The only time a handyman should be called for something as small as this is if your windows were installed before the discontinuation of lead paint treatments on windows (1978-ish). This is for your safety only; the handyman will be trained on the proper routines for dealing with lead paint treated windows.

Ultimately, it comes down to proper assessment when deciding between repairing and replacing your windows. But with this guide, that will prove no issue for you! We at Century Glass have made sure to include all the information you need to make a confident decision and get your windows back into tip-top shape!

Time To Strut Your Stuff!

Remember folks, come join us all at Century Glass at the Okra Strut Festival that kicks off tonight, Friday, September 26, 2014, at 6PM with a show stopping performance by Tokyo Joe, and Mother’s Finest bringing down the house at 9PM. Then get some sleep because you’ll need it for the jam-packed activities that are in store for Saturday. Games, rides, food, a parade and more wait at the 2014 Okra Strut!

To find information on parking, maps, and other news, check out the Festival’s website below! Looking forward to seeing you there!

http://irmookrastrut.com

It's TIme!!

Next Friday marks the beginning of Irmo, South Carolina’s famous Okra Strut! This

two-day festival dedicated to celebrating one of the Southeastern United States’ major crops, started all from a small fundraiser for a library back in 1973. The annual festival has been held each year since then, and has grown from a modest arts-and-crafts sale into a grand scale festival featuring vendors, rides, food, and performances. This year boasts an impressive line up of activities and performances. Columbia’s own Tokyo Joe will kick off the festival on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 6:00PM in the Palmetto Health Amphitheater, followed by featured guests, Mother’s Finest going at 9:00PM.

Day 2 of the festival brings the famous Okra Strut Parade and outdoor festival. The festival is spending its first year in its new home at the Irmo Community Park in Irmo (7505 East View Drive). The brand new park was constructed specifically for housing the festival, and the excitement is building throughout the city in preparation for the upcoming festivities. The festival will continue into Saturday night, to be closed by musical performances from Fatback and The Groove Band, J. Edwards Band, and RJ Rockerz. All money raised during the festival goes back the community in form of various enrichments programs. Come help support the Okra Strut and enjoy some good vibes while doing so! See you there!!

The Future of Glass

Not everything in the glass world is as clear as the glass we work with everyday. In fact, just recently have been some amazing advancements in the world of glass. And while you may not be seeing these products in your everyday life anytime soon (some! But not all,) we thought we would take this week to share with you some   

of the awesome developments in the glass world, and give you a crystal clear picture at what’s going on in the glass world today.

            One of these products has actually been around since 1902, but is just now making its way in the spotlight with the announcement of Apple’s new line of smart watches. The face of Apple’s new watch is made out of an extremely durable glass known as sapphire glass. Sapphire glass is touted as the strongest glass of any kind—garnering a rating of 9 on Moh’s Hardness Scale (the highest score is 10 for a hardness akin to diamonds.) Sapphire glass is made from the same process that is used to synthesize sapphires (hence the name), in which aluminum oxide is grounded to a powder, heated to 3500 degrees, and then spread into a fine layer that cools and forms a sheet of one of the most durable types of glass in existence. The implementation of sapphire glass has been around a while for use in devices that would be rendered almost useless if their glass parts were scratched (camera lenses, microscopes, etc.) but it is now given a global stage by being one of the main selling points of Apple’s new product. Expect to see sapphire glass usage grow even more as its price drops and the demand for unscratchable glass increases as most phone companies are biting at the chance to utilize sapphire glass in their touch screen devices.

            In the industrial field, scientists managed to create the world’s strongest and toughest material (Yes, the two adjectives are different when it comes to glass!) Strength refers to the amount of energy an object can undergo before it deforms. Toughness refers to specific amount of energy needed to break the object. So typically, you would find an object that excels in one category and fails in another. For example, a rubber band is tough but not strong, it takes almost no energy to deform it, but quite a bit of energy to actually break it. Glass is typically known for being the opposite, it can take some hits and still retain shape, but one concentrated smack to the pane will leave it shattered. This new glass is made from Palladium, and its chemical structure allows it to retain the strength of glass but also makes it tougher than steel. Essentially, the arrangement of the molecules because of the Palladium in the glass, allows the atoms in the glass to “bend” (not visible to the eye, but on a microscopic level) and take additional pressure before giving way. This development could potentially revolutionize the world of architecture with a brand new, stronger medium to build their masterpieces with. The glass allows for reinforced airplane windows, elevator panes, and overall creating a glass that is safer and more reliable to use in building. Just imagine not having to worry about a baseball soaring through your window at full force destroying all in its path, this new glass can easily withstand that. Currently the price of Palladium glass is too expensive for mass production, but it gives a glimpse into the future of glass and even further into the futures of architecture.

 If scientists can now turn one the world’s most fragile substances into the strongest, one can only imagine what could be around the corner. If only seeing into the future was as easy as looking through a glass pane, but it isn’t. However, we here at Century Glass are very excited to see just what discoveries are on the horizon.

Auto Glass Safety Advisory

Please be aware of the latest Auto Glass Safety Council Advisory

Ford Recalls 2014 Ford Escape over Potential Sunroof Urethane Issue

To read the full advisory please click HERE

Just another way Century Glass is looking out for our customers and keeping them safe!

Updating Your Home For Fall

With Labor Day weekend comes the unofficial start to Fall.  Just as you begin to transition your wardrobe (no more wearing white!) - change up your home interior for the season's change with these quick tips below.

1. Update your throw pillows. Use decorate pillows to add pops of color in some of Autumns best hues - orange, gold, red or brown.

2. Bring out the blankets! If you've been storing your blankets and throws - now is the time to freshen them up and put them on display.

3. Light up your candles.  As the days get shorter take advantage of the instant ambiance of candlelight.  Use unlit candles as opportunities to show off more fall colors.

4. Change out your bedding.  Bring out the comforters and layers of blankets in preparation for cooler temperatures.

5. Spruce up the outdoors with seasonal plants.  Decorate your entryway with mums or hydrangeas. Use dried flowers, plants or branches inside to create natural works of art.




While you're working on your home interior. Don't forget the bath! Let Century Glass help you achieve a spa like environment you'll enjoy year round!

What do you do to dress your home up for Fall?