One of the best things about expertly-installed and well-maintained glass is that it almost looks like it isn't there. This means that you can enjoy views from your house whenever you want, but it also increases the danger of birds colliding with your windows and doors and getting hurt or dying. This article offers suggestions to help you avoid this (one of them isn't to clean the glass!).
1. Get creative with stickers
Stickers are excellent ways to break the monotony of continuous glass, and they alert your flying friends that there's something in their path. You can get creative with pretty decals that work well into your home's theme/décor.
Clean the glass before placing any stickers, as dust will prevent proper adhesion. Make sure you install them carefully to avoid unsightly wrinkling or bubbles underneath the stickers. You can use an old credit card to smoothen air bubbles from the sticker once it's been fixed. Pre-mark spots beforehand to avoid redoing if you install wrongly. The window/door should be shut to prevent wind from blowing dust as you work.
2. Install a screen
While the screen will affect your view of the outside, it's great for introducing an opaque object birds won't miss. Besides, storm screens can protect your glass during bad weather, while bug screens will keep out bugs whenever you want to open your windows to allow fresh air in. vinyl-coated aluminium screens are most popular for their low price, but you can also choose aluminium screens which last longer. Black or charcoal screens are better to improve visibility from inside, as darker colours have lower reflectivity and glare to interfere with your view.
3. Introduce a film
Just like screens, films can serve to improve visibility for birds and also increase privacy. While we love those clean glass windows, the downside is that people can often see in as well as we see out. In addition, certain films can be great for reducing heat gain or loss to reduce energy costs for cooling and heating respectively. Choose films with about 49 percent light transmission, as they offer a balance between preventing glare and maintaining visibility. Mirrored films are great for windows bordering high-traffic areas, as they offer total privacy.
4. Temporary fixes
All the above are kind-of permanent and hence may need a bit of money at the outset as well as much thought. In the meantime, you can use soap to create interesting designs on the windows (treat them like an artist's canvas). An advantage is that you can always wash it off if it doesn't come out the way you like. It also makes for a great family project, especially if you love artsy things.
For more information, contact a glass replacement professional.
Share