In the current housing market many people are having a hard time selling their homes, especially in neighborhoods where other similar homes are for sale.  Homeowners are often looking for a way to set their home apart from the others in their neighborhood.  But this can be a difficult and expensive project, especially for those looking to gain “curb appeal”.

   But we have found one of the simplest, most cost effective ways to achieve this is simply adding or changing the door glass to something that will stand apart from the other homes in the neighborhood.  Ray Sands Glass has recently started working with Western Reflections, a company that manufactures top quality decorative door glass.  This partnership allows us to provide a wide variety of high quality decorative glass while putting to work our experience with all types of glass, also adding to the services we can provide to the Rochester area. 

  The best part about installing new decorative door glass is that we don’t even need to replace the door.  We can cut a solid door and replace the steel panels with a glass panel or, if there is a pre-existing hole, we can simply bolt in the new decorative panel.  Even an ambitious do-it-yourself-er with a jigsaw and measuring tape could install new decorative glass in a ‘builder’s grade’ steel door.  And whether you choose a half moon window at top, a 1/4 panel window or a full size, top to bottom glass panel - it’s usually a one day job. 

  Western Reflections carries a wide selection of products to suit different needs.  There are glass panels of all size and types of design -  from simple elegant lines to ornately embellished patterns.  There are also panels with shades or blinds enclosed in triple pane glass that raise, lower and tilt with a small switch on the side.  Because of the triple insulation, they are not only exceptionally energy efficient, but also protected from dust, handling and accidental damage.

   Whether looking for a simple quarter panel on the front door or a full entrance makeover with transom and sidelights there is something for every taste and budget.  The entrance to a home is a prospective buyer’s first impression and decorative glass is an excellent way to differentiate your home from others in your neighborhood.

   Many of us have made the effort to “Go Green” in our day to day lives.  People take small steps, like recycling, reducing home energy use, reducing the amount of gasoline used - or larger steps like installing solar panels that power their home and feed energy back into the grid.  But what kind of steps are small businesses taking to be more environmentally friendly?  The amount of energy used by an auto glass shop on a daily basis dwarfs that of the average family home, if every business takes the same energy conserving steps that their consumers are taking, it makes a bigger dent in this energy crisis we are all facing.

   Ray Sands Glass has made a commitment to “going green” in ways that every small business can and we started with an energy auditor from the local power authority, who gave us some great advice.  The auditor pointed out a lot of small changes we could make, and make a big difference.  We got new copy and fax machines, as recommended, and put many of our other small appliances as well as our lighted sign on timers.      

     We also now keep all the chargers for the power tools on a timer, so they are still fully charged for the day’s work - but not drawing electricity when they don’t need to be.  And surprisingly one of the biggest energy hogs we had at the shop was the old pop machine - older pop vending machines are not well insulated and the refrigerant system is not at all efficient.  We spent a few dollars for the timer, and made one call to the vending machine company and those two small steps have saved us 250 kilowatts a month on our electricity consumption.

   Ray Sands Glass has also put three new heaters into the shop.  While they were still working, they were old and therefore energy inefficient and also more likely to break down.  We would have had to replace them in a few years anyway, but replacing them today means conserving natural gas today.  And we have definitely reaped the benefits in the big reduction of our natural gas bill, too.

  Our latest effort is to become increasingly paperless.  Right now we are looking into a program that would allow us to type work orders and schedules into the computer and they would appear in full on a screen in the shop.  If we can stop using paper for schedules and work orders, we can decrease our paper usage by at least half, if not two thirds.

  We plan to take a few more steps later this year, including installing new air conditioners.  Our air conditioners are in about the same state that the heaters were - working, but old and inefficient.  The return on the investment in new heating and cooling systems can often be seen in a few years, and as every business and home owner knows, an old system can be a money pit.  With seemingly no stop to increasing fuel prices, in a few years one might not be able to afford a replacement because of the cost of running the old one.

   Our last step this year will hopefully be replacing the entire lighting system in the shop, to fixtures that are more efficient and use energy efficient bulbs.  While this project may take a little longer to see a return - 5 to 6 years by our calculation - we will also be eligible for an energy tax credit.

   If businesses can afford to face the cost of replacing or upgrading now - then now is the time to do it.  Not only are you conserving energy and resources today, you are saving on your expenses  - ones that will continue to grow if you don’t take action to conserve.

  We see a lot of questions online about the proper way to apply Aquapel, so we have some answers today, as well as a few tricks and tips we have learned over the years of working with this product. 

    To start - the surface must be clean, weather using it on a glass shower door or an auto windshield.  On the car windshield we recommend a high quality glass cleaner without ammonia or high alcohol content.  Clean it well, that often means a few times, making sure you remove all the grease and bugs to allow Aquapel to bond to the glass.

  As the instructions say, Aquapel should be applied when the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees.  I would add to that, that in the summertime it should be applied in the shade since the sun can make surface much hotter than the surrounding temperature.  Aquapel has been known to “flash off” if the windshield is too hot or if you are working in direct sunlight, which can cause streaking problems.  If you apply it evenly, with long even sweeps (no scrubbing action) covering the whole windshield, the application is pretty foolproof. 

   But after application Aquapel must be wiped off before it dries, because if it starts to dry it will start to cloud up, and you will be spending a while buffing it off with a dry paper towel.  If spilled or dripped on the paint or moldings Aquapel won’t cause any damage if wiped up immediately.  And unlike Rain-X, Aquapel won’t wear off over time and cause that damaging orange and white residue that builds up around the windshield.

  Aquapel can also be applied to the side and back windows of the car.  When applied to side and rear windows, Aquapel lasts about a year, where as on the windshield it will last about six months.   This is due to lack of windshield wiper wear and less road wear from wind and debris.  Aquapel really helps with visibility through side and back windows as well aiding in snow removal.  One creative idea we’ve seen is people applying Aquapel in the shape of a company logo to the back window, and in the rain you can see it quite clearly.  We’ve heard of people doing a Chevy or Ford logo, even a Harley-Davidson.

   If anyone out there was wondering if Aquapel needs to be removed before applying Clearplex - a windshield protection film - the answer is a resounding yes!  We tried this out when we first started working with Clearplex, with catastrophic results.  The Clearplex turned white and bubbled up all over the place, so Aquapel absolutely must be removed before applying Clearplex.  The only way we have found to remove Aquapel is with the white pads, also available from PPG, which are actually meant to prepare the windshield for Aquapel.

  Aquapel can be left on side and rear windows for tinting, since tinting film is applied to the inside of the windows and Aquapel on the outside.  Aquapel will last through car washes, gas station squeegees, and ammonia cleaners, and you will have great visibility all the way around for months.

Visit the Ray Sands Glass website to order Aquapel Glass Treatment online.

  Ray Sands Glass was excited to participate in teaching the Continuing Education courses for Insurers in 2007.  This program allows insurers to keep their licensing current, and really learn things they can apply to their every day business.  Many of the courses are helping the insurers understand some of the safety issues that can help them save lives, as well as things they need to know about repairs, shops, and fraud.  

  To become a Certified Continuing Education Instructor, our Dave Burns had to go through a rigorous training himself.  He was screened by the FBI and had state and local background checks, then was sent to a three day working seminar.  “It was a very, very intense training process”  Burns said “We trained 12 to 13 hours a day and studied all night.”  Not only did potential instructors have to memorize the 4 hour class,  they also had to teach a course, which was videotaped and evaluated before certification.

  The State of New York also issued him a Continuing Education Teaching license as well as a monitoring license to monitor those who want to take the continuing education courses online.  We also offer a host of online services available to those who want to take the classroom Continuing Education courses at a greatly reduced rate.

  We cover a variety of topics, with the longest, most in-depth courses being “Windshield Replacement” and “Windshield Repair” -naturally.  But one of the most valuable to the upcoming years is the class that teaches the ins and outs of Hybrid and Electric vehicles, the new generation of cars.  And we have a course on “Vehicle Inspection” to let them know the sure signs that a vehicle just isn’t right. 

   But we also cover other issues that are really necessary for insurance agents to keep up with, although they may not be the day to day things, such as our “Theft and Fraud” course.  In this class we tell them about how cars are stolen and run through “chop shops” and auto theft rings.

  We are excited to add the Continuing Education courses to the broad spectrum of auto services that Ray Sands Glass can provide to our community. 

  We received this message from a customer who was recently in the shop for a windshield replacement and had Aquapel applied as an afterthought. 

I just wanted to let you know that the salesman that talked me into
the Aquapel treatment when I had my windshield replaced awhile ago, may
have saved my life.  About a week after I had the treatment I was on 390 in
a blinding rain storm.  Somehow a twig got stuck under my windshield wiper
so the wiper couldn’t touch the windshield.  Because I had the Aquapel on
the window the rain rolled right off and I was able to see where I was
going.  Without that treatment I would have had a real problem!  That was
the best investment I ever made!
Thank you,
Sharon

We always love to hear from our customers and readers about what they think of our products and services.  So if you have used Aquapel, Clearplex, or any other Madico films - Please let us know what you think.  Visit our website RaySandsGlass.com to Buy Aquapel Glass Treatment Online 

 There has been lots of comparison between RainX and Aquapel, because they are both made to serve the same purpose - windshield rain repellents.  But they work in completely different ways, with different types of chemicals. 

    RainX and similar products are silicone based materials that make a filmy layer on the windshield causing the water to roll off , similar to the effect of rinsing greasy hands.  But eventually it wears down and degrades. The film left behind can affect the clarity of the windshield, as well as build up on the wipers and moldings, especially if you also use the RainX wiper fluid. 

  Aside from leaving a white or orange crust another downside of this RainX film that develops is that it robs the moldings and wipers of their ability to retain their own moisture and stay soft.  Then if the film has worn off the windshield in the wiper area and dried out the wipers, the hardened wipers themselves could cause permanent damge to the windshield.

  I have found the best way to remove RainX from your windshield at home is actually with soft scrub and a paper towel which won’t damage the car or glass.  Since RainX is silicone based, a grease, wax and tar remover should work and that would take off and bugs and other road grime as well.  This type of product would be available at any auto parts and supply store - it’s used to remove grease and wax to prep a car for paint.  Grease remover is a pretty high test chemical so you would need to wear gloves when using it and if it gets on the paint it need to be wiped up so it won’t dry there.

  Aquapel, however, doesn’t leave any film on the windshield because it actually chemically bonds to the glass.  It is made with a chemical engineered for the aviation industry, so the bond between Aquapel and the windshield can withstand all the ravages of time much better than RainX.  Even as the Aquapel wears down some bonded particles remain, so each application lasts longer than the one before.  Overall, not only does Aquapel last longer than RainX - it lasts better.

We are excited to announce that Ray Sands Glass will now be offering decorative glass door lights, transoms, side lights and decorative windows.  We have partnered up with PPG Auto Glass and Western Reflections a company the specializes in the manufacturing of superior decorative glass.  This partnership between other small glass shops and a large manufacturer of high quality decorative glass allows Ray Sands Glass to provide its customers with a high quality product at competitive prices.

  This comes at a great time - when the real estate market has taken a hard hit and people are really looking for creative way to make their home stand out.  Nothing is as lasting as the first impression and decorative glass can really make a striking entrance to a home.  The natural light and designs - from elaborate floral to simple patterns - can add an air of elegance to any home.  The decorative windows can be designed to match any door light, and are a beautiful way to update the old glass block windows while still allowing natural light in and retaining privacy.

 When most people have a problem with broken or cracked door glass, they really don’t know where to turn, and often assume they will have to replace the whole door.  We can actually repair some door glass or even custom cut a new decorative pane in an old door frame, saving time and money. 

You can view the variety of designs available through the Interactive Gallery on the Western Reflection website.   There is something to suit every taste, and it is a quick, easy and affordable way to update your home and really add a touch of class.

  With the nice weather coming drivers and passengers are dreaming of rolling down the windows with their sunglasses on, the wind in their hair, feet on the dash.  But not so fast.  Putting your feet up on the dash can turn and minor collision into a life threatening situation. 

    When the airbag opens up, it does so with quite a bit of force.  This force can break your spine in the blink of an eye causing paralysis and even death.  It only takes a minor collision to set off most airbags - about 10 to 15 mph, and even at that speed there is no time to react.  It is crucial to your safety that driver and passengers remain seated in the proper position, with safety belts.

  I found a few other Auto Accident Safety Tips and an article about a woman paralyzed in an accident that she might have walked away from, had she not had her feet on the dashboard at the time.

   So enjoy the beautiful spring weather, and drive safely!

  While paintless dent repair has always been popular with dealers and auctions, many consumers still go to the body shop when they get a large dent.  But paintless dent repair is much more budget friendly and often times a lot faster than traditional body work, because we use a completely different process.  Instead of the sanding, spraying and welding used in traditional body work, we use tools of various shapes and sizes to reshape the dent from the inside out.

  This is why experience is the most important factor in choosing the shop and technician to perform your paintless dent repair.  This type of dent repair is much more of an art than a science.  Different makes, models and years of cars are made of different body materials in a range of thickness and strength.  All those things and the location of the dent on the car factor into which tools you would use as well as angle, force and placement of the tools.

  Even if the dent appears to be repaired properly, an unqualified or inexperienced technician can damage the inside of the body.  If some of the undercoating or body deadener that is sprayed on the inside is scraped off, it will cause the cause the car to eventually rust from the inside out.  An experienced technician knows where these materials are and whether or not they are removing them.  If the undercoating is removed or scraped, it needs to be replaced to prevent further damage. 

   But don’t spend too much time shopping around for the right technician, paintless dent repair should be done as soon as possible after the damage occurs.  Metal and plastic both have “memory” which makes them want to go back to the original shape.  Anyone who has squeezed an empty soda can has tested this theory.  The longer the dent remains in the materials, the more difficult it is for the technician to manipulate the material into its original shape. 

  Paintless dent repair does have some limitations.  If the paint is chipped, cracked, scraped, or broken in any way, paintless dent repair isn’t really an option since our process only reshapes the panel.  Dents in the hood or trunk lid will be much trickier because of the flatness of those surfaces and the high visibility. And really any dent that is longer than a foot is probably just to big to be eligible for paintless dent repair. 

   Surprisingly enough, the color of the car makes a big difference - white and light colored cars are much harder to fix than black or dark colored cars.  The art of paintless dent repair requires the technician to be able to see the damage very clearly, especially on the outside of the car.  While it is much harder for the technician to see the damage on a light car, that also means that any imperfection left behind will be much less visible than it would be on a dark car.

  All around, the budget and time saving benefits of paintless dent repair usually outweigh any perceived drawbacks - as long as you have it done by an experienced trained professional. 

 Ray Sands Glass is excited to announce that we will also be participating in the Greater Rochester Home Show at the end of this month.  This is always a huge event, with dozens of local businesses exhibiting all their home related products and services.  There are displays for everything from interior design to outdoor recreation, and every type of home improvement.

  We will have an exhibit set up featuring all the products and services we have available for homeowners.  One of the services that always generates a lot of interest at the home shows is our residential window tinting.  Our top of the line Madico films can lower energy bills by blocking 100% of UV light, and help keep heat from escaping through windows in the winter.  It also helps protect your valuable personal belongings from the harmful effects of the sun, preventing UV damage to your rugs, fabrics, art and furniture.  The other added benefit of the energy savings is a 10% tax rebate from the federal government.

  There are many more options for residential tinting than the traditional mirror tint used on office buildings.  Many newer films are virtually invisible from the outside, ideal for neighborhoods with strict guidelines regarding the outward appearance of the home or anyone who wants a more discreet look.  The films can also hold shattered glass together in the event of a natural  or man-made disaster or even an intruder.

  We offer other exterior residential products, such as storm windows and garage door windows which both help the energy efficiency of your home, an increasingly important issue at this this year’s home show. 

  Of course we will be displaying one of our favorite all around products - Aquapel.  Not only is PPG Aquapel great for auto windshields, it has a few residential uses too.  It can be used on exterior windows to make them easier to clean, and when it rains water beads up without streaking.  Aquapel is also exceptional at fending off the soap scum and hard water film as well as mildew growth on your glass shower doors.  Just squeegee after every shower and you never have to scrub it again.

   The  Greater Rochester Home Show will be at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E Main St.  Hours and Admissions are as follows:

Greater Rochester Home Show Hours: 

  Fri. Mar 28th,  10am-9pm
   Sat. Mar 29th,  10am-9pm
   Sun. Mar 30th,  10am-6pm

2008 Rochester Home Show Admissions:

Adults - $8.00
Children 6-12 - $2.00
Children under 6 - Free