Janssen Glass, Author at Janssen Glass

Top 5 Must-Haves for Luxury Showers

steam filled window from your luxury shower

The traditional tub/shower approach to bathroom design is out. Today’s new homes and remodels feature luxury showers. Bath Crashers contractor Matt Muenster, 10 Best Bathroom Remodeling Trends, reports that according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), showers are becoming far more popular than tubs. A consequence of this trend is an increase in high-tech spa-like body sprays, water jets, and shower heads to meet the demands of luxury.

Say Spaaaaah

Regardless of the amount of space you have available, ditching the traditional tub/shower approach and introducing a luxury shower can completely transform your bathroom space into a contemporary retreat for personal pampering. Here are five of the must-have features in your luxury shower.

1. Frameless Shower Wall and Door System

Frameless shower doors make use of heavier glass, which speaks of luxury and quality. A cleaner, unobstructed view not only enhances the illusion of added space but allows you to show off those decorative tile and fixture designs you worked so hard to get your hands on. Besides creating a durable, sleek, modern design, frameless doors add the illusion of extra space in smaller bathrooms.

2. Go with High-Tech Shower Heads

Creating spa-like luxury has to include the actual feel as well as the look. The technology for multiple showerhead functions that include mists, body sprays, water jets, rain simulation, and shower ceilings exists in a wide range of configurations and design elements. Shop the latest technology and find the high-tech showerhead that provides the best possible pampering.

3. Add Steam

Because aromatherapy and detoxification have become major home-health trends, shower design trends have also leaned toward fully enclosed steam/shower rooms. Adding steam allows you to take advantage of numerous health benefits in the comfort of your own luxury bathroom.

4. Don’t Forget Shower Seating

It is a bit hard to relax while standing up. Consequently, the addition of shower seating where you can shave your legs, apply moisturizer, or just lay your head back and enjoy a moment of needed R&R is a must in a luxury shower. A variety of designs and constructions can create the perfect look you’re going for in your bathroom retreat.

5. Do Forget the Curb

Instead of corralling water with a pan and raised curbs on your shower floor, go for the curbless approach by sloping the floor to the drain and leaving off the curb. This not only allows extra space in your shower or bathroom but also makes your shower barrier free. This approach enhances frameless wall and door systems and also transitions nicely for anyone planning to age in place.

If you’re considering remodeling your bathroom, you might as well transform your bathroom space into a luxury retreat where you can enjoy the look and feel of much-needed pampering. Updating your bathroom is a snap when you have the expert assistance of Janssen Glass & Door.

Give us a call at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online, and we’ll be glad to help you create the spa-like bathroom of your dreams.

4 Hacks for Cleaning Up Broken Glass

Here’s the lowdown on cleaning up broken glass. First of all, no one enjoys doing it. Let’s be real: facing the possibility that you’ll be picking shards of glass out of your feet, toes, hands, etc., is not the best way to put a smile on your face and brighten your day. Fortunately, the second thing you should know is that there are some simple hacks using household items that can help you clean up broken glass safely and effectively. Before we get into that, though, here are some things not to do:

Glass Cleanup No-Nos

Don’t use your bare hands to clean up.
Don’t walk around the breakage area in bare feet. Be smart, and protect yourself.
Don’t forget to thoroughly inspect the room where the breakage occurred for remnants of glass. When glass shatters, the force can propel shards further away than you’d think. Be sure to move around pieces of furniture in the vicinity for a more complete inspection.
Don’t use a broom to sweep up glass if you can help it. Pieces of glass can easily get caught in the bristles. If you have to use a broom, be sure to thoroughly clean it afterward so all of the pieces are removed.
Don’t dispose of the glass in the inside trash can. Take it out to the big dumpster. If you do use the inside can, let other household members know so they don’t accidentally cut themselves pressing down the trash with a foot or hand.

4 Simple Hacks for Cleaning Up Broken Glass:

Use a Piece of Bread
Stick the bread against the glass shards & they should cling to it. It’s an easy cleanup solution.
Whip Out the Potatoes
Another way to get the glass pieces to stick is using the fleshy insides of your standard russet potato. Simply cut the potato in half, clean up the glass, and wipe down the floor afterward.
Something Else Duct Tape Can Do!
As with so many other problems, duct tape can be the solution in this case as well. Carefully wrap the tape around your hand, with the sticky side facing outwards. Gently dab up all the glass shards, and carefully discard the tape. Voila!
Vacuum It Up
Using a vacuum cleaner, especially one with flexible extensions can save you a lot of time. It can also keep you safe as you clean up the breakage.

Feel free to use any of these four hacks the next time you have to deal with broken glass cleanup! If you would like to add glass to your home in the form of glass shelves, mirrors, tabletops, or shower doors, give Janssen Glass a call at (913) 677-5727, or contact us online.

Don’t Recaulk Your Shower Until You Read This

DIY recaulking your shower at home

Puddles on your bathroom floor are often the first sign that the shower door caulk needs replacing. Take a closer look. Is the caulk discolored or wearing away? If so, it’s time to recaulk. For handy homeowners, recaulking is a DIY afternoon project.

Note: You won’t be able to use your shower for 24 hours after you recaulk, so plan accordingly.

How to Recaulk a Shower Door

Every day, caulking is exposed to shampoos, soaps, and cleaners. Over time, caulking starts to wear away. Recaulking not only keeps your shower door watertight, but it also keeps your entire bathroom looking fresh and clean.

Recaulking Tools

You’ll need to gather some tools and supplies before you get started:

Utility and putty knives to remove the old caulking.
Sandpaper to clean and smooth the surfaces.
Mold and mildew cleaner for the seams and gaps.
Stiff bristled brush for cleaning.
Mildew resistant caulking that is suitable for the wet, humid conditions in bathrooms.
Caulking gun to push the caulk from the tube.
Lint-free cloths to clean as you go.
A mask to wear to prevent mold inhalation.

Allow Time for Recaulking Your Shower Door

When you’ve got a few hours to spend on this task, go ahead and get started. It generally requires 2-4 hours of time:

Wearing the mask, use the knives to cut and scrape away the old caulking.
Clean the area with the mold and mildew cleaner, and let dry.
Use the sandpaper, if needed, to remove any remaining residue.
Apply the caulk in one fluid line. Moisten your finger to smooth out the caulk and remove any extra.
Let it dry for 24 hours. You shouldn’t use the shower or tub during this time.
Inspect the caulk and do a wet test to ensure that the caulk is airtight.

If you are still experiencing leaks after recaulking, call (913) 677-5727 or contact us online. Your shower door may need to be replaced. At Janssen Glass, we offer both standard and completely customized shower doors in Kansas City. Updating to a frameless shower door will give your bathroom a beautiful, modern look.

3 Genius Hacks for Painting around Windows

Painting around glass in windows frames can be tricky and painstaking. Tape can be tricky to position properly and can leave residue after removal. Since we’re the glass experts, we thought we’d share some tips to make this task a little less daunting. You have more options than you might think. Here are three ways to make it easier.

Use Paper Strips
Paper strips are similar to using tape but they are easier to apply and cleaner to remove. Simply cut strips of paper (regular copy paper will do) using a paper cutter or straight edge to ensure straight lines. In a pan of water, wet the paper strips until they are saturated but not falling apart. Squeeze the excess water out, and apply the paper strips flush along the glass.

They will stick nicely and since the “adhesive” is just water, it’s more forgiving than tape. The strips can easily be moved around until they are positioned perfectly. Once you are satisfied with the placement of the strips, run a dry paintbrush over them to make sure they stay in place. After painting, simply peel the paper strips off and -voila!- perfect paint lines with no sticky residue.

2. Brush on Masking Liquid
Using a product like Masking Liquid H2O is also fairly easy. Just brush the liquid on the edges of the glass, let it dry to a gel finish, and paint away. After painting, use a sharp edge of a razor blade to slice the gel away from the glass and the flat edge to scrape the gel off.

3. Plain Old Lip Balm
This method is almost exactly like using masking liquid but doesn’t require a razor blade to remove. It’s also a little cheaper. Apply the lip balm generously around the edges of the glass with your fingers or a cotton swab. After the paint dries, use a clean dry rag to remove the lip balm from the glass. You may need to use a glass cleaner if the lip balm residue leaves a film.

Pro Tip – Cotton Swabs
This is less of a preventative measure, more of an emergency solution because, let’s face it, mistakes can happen to even the most careful crafters. Precision cotton swabs are just the right size for wiping away a stray drop of paint that lands outside of the safety zone. Have these on hand just in case!

The experts at Janssen Glass & Door can provide solutions for all of your glass-related needs, including replacing existing glass or custom-fitting new glass for shelves, tabletops, mirrors and more! We’ve also got a great collection of shower doors and expert installers. Contact us today to turn your project dreams into reality!

Magical Holiday Tablescapes Featuring Mirrors

At Janssen Glass, we make homes more beautiful by adding a touch of glass. Whether it’s a new shower door, glass shelves, a tabletop, or even a mirror, the clean simplicity of glass is an eye-pleasing addition. For the holidays, glass can add a hit of elegance in many places, and what better place than the table where you serve your holiday meal? A beautiful tablescape for your Christmas dinner will make your home feel so festive! We’ve scoured Pinterest to bring you the most magical of tablescapes using, what else?…mirrors.

A Snowy Scene

A simple rectangular mirror surrounded by votive candles lends an upscale feel to any meal. Add a few glass vases filled with faux snow, wintery branches, and some silver ornaments for sparkle. Accent with a touch of greenery, light the votive candles, and your guests will be mesmerized.

Winter Wonderland

Use a dark blue (or even a light blue) tablecloth to create this frosty feast. The contrasting color makes the white placemats, dishes and napkins really pop. Silver candle holders flank an etched glass hurricane lamp surrounded by a wintery wreath. A collection of candles on square mirrors stand like sentinels on either end of the table while small votives in mercury glass add their own light. Don’t forget to dangle snowflakes from your chandelier

Easy as One, Two, Three!

Purchase an inexpensive wall dressing mirror from your local discount store. Paint the frame gold or silver, and then place the mirror in the center of your dining table.
Gather a grouping of glass and crystal candle holders, making sure you have a variety of sizes and styles. Arrange the candle holders along the surface of the mirror.
Add a few flower bunches, placed in decorative vases, along the mirror surface. And you’re done!

Red & White Peppermint Delight

Red and white is always a fun and festive look. Fill a small white garden urn with red and white striped ornaments mixed with solid red. Throw in some swirly white or silver branches or berries and you’ve got a great centerpiece. Place it on a round mirror base with red tulle peeking out from underneath and sprinkled with berries. Add a few clear votives for twinkling light and you’re done. You could even put a peppermint candy on each plate as a sweet, after dinner treat.

Ring in the New Year!

If you’re planning a New Year’s Eve dinner, this tablescape is perfect. It mixes gold and silver elements atop a rectangular mirror. The light from star-shaped glass tealight holders reflects off the mirror. A large glass vase filled with silver ornaments and a pillar candle draws the eye to the center. It is flanked by two other pillar candles. Each place setting is decorated with a party hat and horn.

Whether you plan to actually serve dinner, or you just want your dining room table to look incredible all season long, you can’t go wrong with one of these beautiful tablescapes. You’ll never look at your mirrors the same way again!

If you need help with glass shelves, mirrors, or shower doors, give Janssen Glass a call at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online. We’ll be happy to help measure, create, and install any kind of glass for your home!

Custom Glass for Any Project You Can Imagine

At Janssen Glass, customization is our specialty. If you have a glass project for your home that’s not just the run-of-the-mill, we are the company to call. We will come to you, measure, discuss options, finalize a solution, create it, and install it. Because we stock most kinds of glass (types, thicknesses, patterns, etc.) and we cut it right here in our full-line glass shop in Overland Park, turnaround time is impressive. We can usually have most residential projects finished within a few days. So call us today and let’s get started!

Glass to Get Organized

Need an instant message board to keep your family on track? Don’t go with the ugly, store-bought variety. Create your own with a simple frame and a piece of custom cut glass. That way, it looks much more custom and built-in than a cheap board you’d buy at the discount store. You can even customize the color behind it to complement your room’s decor.

A Clearly Exceptional Backsplash

Glass backsplashes are becoming more and more popular. We can cut glass to fit any space you need. Don’t forget, we also have patterned glass to add an extra touch of style. Clear and simple or etched and elegant, we’ll make your backsplash unique.

Go Ahead…Be Shelf-ish

Simple glass shelves add interest to an ordinary window. Add plants, decorative china, whimsical signs, or anything that suits your fancy. Give your window some personality!

Island Fun

Who says your kitchen island has to be made of wood? Only your imagination is the limit when it comes to glass. Add colored glass, etched glass, or patterned glass to create a one-of-a-kind kitchen centerpiece that really makes an impression!

Patio Privacy Screen

Don’t forget about using glass outdoors too. Create a privacy screen that adds bright colors and a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.

We can cut glass to fit any dimensions, so just give us a call. Our phones are answered by real people 24 hours a day. We are extremely proud of our 99% customer satisfaction rating. We offer free estimates for any project and fast turnaround. Let us help you make your home exactly what you want it to be with unique custom glass projects.

If you have a dream for your home and it includes custom glass installation, call us at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online. We’ll work with you to make your dream a reality!

What to Look for in an Emergency Glass Repair Company for Your Business

Whether you have a cracked window on the seventh floor of your office building or the front door of your store is shattered, broken glass often requires emergency services. When you have a situation with glass, you want to know that you can rely on a competent company that will show up at your Kansas City business within a reasonable amount of time, and they will be able to repair the problem as quickly as possible. The following are three things to look for in a commercial glass repair company for your business:

Common Sizes Always in Stock

When you have an emergency, you don’t have time to wait for someone to buy material for the job. You want a company that has a decent amount of inventory for most standard types of glass, doors, and hardware that might be needed to complete a job.

Ability to Do On-Site Glass Repairs

For sizes that aren’t standard, you want a company that can cut glass on site, and fix your problem immediately. If the display window of your storefront breaks, you don’t want to hear that your service repair company has to go back to their shop to cut the glass to size while your store remains exposed.

24-Hour Emergency Glass Service

If you have an emergency in the middle of the night, you shouldn’t have to wait until morning to call for assistance. A reputable glass repair company should provide 24-hour services for security, employee, life or loss, and other emergency situations.

At Janssen Glass and Door, we understand the issues that are involved with broken glass. We stock standard commercial doors, frames, and hardware as well as a deep inventory of different types of glass. We can even cut glass on-site for custom sizes. We offer our services 24 hours a day.

If you are a business owner in the Kansas City area, add (913) 677-5727 to your cell phone so you can call us immediately in case of emergency. Feel free to call or contact us online for more information.

Make Your Home Clear, Light, and Modern with Glass Shelves

Without a doubt, glass shelves lend their own sense of chic style to any room they adorn. From powder rooms to patios, they elevate the decor with their air of sophistication and sleekness. Here are some wonderful examples we found on Pinterest to help inspire you to incorporate glass shelves into your home and take it from regular to refined.

Powder Room Perfection

Simple and sleek, these glass shelves in the bathroom automatically give it a more upscale attitude. Be careful, they could spark a spa-inspired makeover!

Get That Gallery Look

The clean lines and minimal visual weight help to keep the focus on the items being displayed rather than the shelves themselves. The effect brings to mind a serene museum setting. These shelves are perfect for displaying collections of just about anything.

Simple Elegance

These inset glass shelves perfectly complement the clean lines and cool white walls of these built-ins. The look is simple and elegant at the same time.

Floating Glass Shelves

A single central support creates a sense of airiness while differing shelf lengths keep the eye moving in a gentle circle. The hint of blue in the glass introduces a liquid element adding to its calming capabilities.

Maximize Sunlight

Glass shelves in kitchen windows add space without sacrificing light. Plants, pretty dishes, cut flowers, or canister sets will all look stunning when on display on these shelves.

Raise the Bar

What better choice for a wet bar than heavy glass shelves. With ample space for glassware and the strength to support liquor bottles too, heavy glass is a perfect choice – bar none! The mirror behind collects ambient light and reflects it back keeping the corner, and perhaps your guests, lit.

We hope we’ve inspired you to add some glass shelves to your home. If you need help with custom sizes, beveled edges, or installation, give us a call at Janssen Glass and we’ll be happy to help create your new glass shelf addition. Call us at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online.

From Swinging, to Sliding, to Folding, Window Walls Are Practical & Impressive

We always think of glass when talking about windows, but glass can be used to create walls as well. Window walls are are making a splash in modern home design. Take a look at some of these ingenious ways to use glass walls as interior room separators as well as doors to the outside.

This folding interior window wall allows the kitchen to be closed off from the adjacent room without reducing the amount of light in the room. It also allows for a wide walkway when open for easy access even if there’s a crowd of people.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/256494141257154076/

These interior pocket doors disappear into the walls when not in use. Even partially closed, they create a feeling of privacy and coziness despite the fact that they are mostly clear glass.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/822751425648512304/

These pivoting exterior doors create an easy way to extend the room to include the adjacent patio. They also allow for an uninhibited view when closed, so nature always seems near.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/159174168052867877/

This sliding window wall with its triple track almost disappears when open. The sections slide back to the width of only one panel when fully open. It’s a great way to separate rooms with a large expansive opening between them.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AaHOeTLvjMXdYaxvxrgL_QPcD6xSgwj0fQEDHnLp1kDcMWEORKPQ_zc/

If you’re looking for a way to open up your floor plan, consider removing solid walls and replacing them with window walls. They will give you walls when you want walls and open spaces when you don’t. Plus, we think they look pretty impressive too.

If you’d like to see more ways glass can enhance your home, check out our blog or stop by our showroom to see a wide variety of bathroom shower doors, shelves, glass tabletops, mirrors and more. Call Janssen Glass at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online.

Digitally Printed Glass: Welcome to the Wave of the Future

A new, cutting-edge technology is changing the way that glass can be customized. Introducing digitally printed glass! Many designers believe that digitally printed glass is not only the trend of the future but admit that it is becoming wildly popular right now as a way of decorating a home. It allows homeowners to personalize their homes in ways that just weren’t possible before. Not only does it allow a completely new way to express yourself in your home, but each design, photo, or piece of art you choose to have digitally printed, becomes a piece of virtual reality because the process brings whatever is printed vibrantly to life.

How Is Digitally Printed Glass Made?

Digitally printed glass is created by using a digital file of a symbol, image, or pattern which a machine then prints onto the surface of the glass. The ink used is ceramic and is then thermally cured which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to damage. The ceramic ink comes in an assortment of colors depending on the colors in the digital file provided. Your imagination is the limit to what you can create!

Digitally Printed Glass Is Durable

The digital printing process begins with digital glass printers, ceramic inks, and image processing software that is integrated and infused with each other to create any customized and one-of-a-kind look in any piece of glass. The inks, once tempered, become a part of the glass, resulting in a scratch and weather resistant final piece.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Printed Glass into Your Home

But in reality, the process starts with imagining new ways to use glass in your home. Do you have a favorite picture of your child from a recent trip? Show it off in your living room. Are you a lover of art? Then display that love in your kitchen or have a large glass panel display in your living room. Do you have a whimsical side? Then let the guest bathroom shower display that. Do you want to add some “warmth” to a room? Then get a fireplace. The brightness and clarity of digital glass will bring you back to a calm sunny day each time you shower or relive a special and momentous day each time you walk into your living room.

Digitally Printed Glass for Outdoors

Digital printed glass is not limited to the inside of your home. Imagine making your patio more private and colorful by surrounding it with glass panels or adding a serene scene around your pool with a digital glass fence.

These are just a few ways customers are utilizing this new technology. If you’d like to learn more about what digital printing can bring to your home or business, give Janssen Glass a call at (913) 677-5727 or contact us online today!

Author: Janssen Glass