Five Trends in Glass Shower Doors and Enclosures

When it comes to bathroom design trends in 2019, two things are for sure: shower curtains are out, and so is the bathtub-shower combination. Outside of these two guidelines, the design possibilities are endless. For anyone looking to give their bathroom a facelift, these five trends have become popular with homeowners across the country.

For the Modernist: Transparent Doors

Opaque glass doors were extremely popular in the ’90s, but they can make a bathroom look dated today. Many homeowners opt for transparent glass doors for their sleek look. Transparent doors can make a small shower appear larger and brighter, and they pair well with custom tiles.

For Privacy: Decorative Etched or Frosted Doors

One of the appeals of those old opaque doors was privacy. Decorative etched glass doors and frosted glass doors are trendy, semi-transparent options that don't sacrifice privacy or aesthetic charm.

For Added Style: Barn Door Shower Doors

Barn door shower doors slide past each other, offering easy access to the shower and a classic look for any bathroom. These doors can come in transparent or frosted glass and are an elegant addition to a home.

For Limited Space: Corner Enclosures

Most homeowners would love to trade in their bathtub-shower combinations for a trendier freestanding tub and large shower enclosure, but many families just don't have the space. A corner shower is the perfect way to save space and may even leave room for a soaking tub! Sliding and bifold shower doors also save more space than doors that open outward.

For the Minimalist: Frameless Doors

It seems that more people than ever are adopting a minimalist lifestyle, and that doesn't stop at the bathroom. Frameless doors minimize bulk and add elegance. Homeowners can say goodbye to those dated aluminum frames and hello to sleek, modern glass doors!

For Accessibility: Curbless Enclosures

Most showers have a ledge to step over, limiting their ease of access for those with limited mobility. With its frameless door and lack of ledge, a curbless enclosure integrates seamlessly into any bathroom. These shower enclosures create a spa-like experience and are easily accessible for virtually anyone.

Design Your Shower Door Today

You're the one who will be using your bathroom, so it's important to stay true to your personal style when renovating. Whatever you imagine for your new glass shower doors, Macc's Glass Inc. in Macclenny, FL can bring it to life. From transparent glass to custom designs, we can handle all your shower door, windshield, or commercial glass needs. View our gallery and call Macc's Glass Inc. today at 904-259-6070 to learn more.

Tips for Maintaining a Rat Rod

In the wide world of car culture, the rat rod has become a popular sub-genre of hot rods. While an exact definition of a rat rod may be hard to pin down, the concept is generally defined by a rejection of the glossy, showpiece hot rods of the late 80s and an embrace of more down-and-dirty authenticity. Their unique aesthetic makes maintaining rat rods a little different from other cars.

What Is a Rat Rod?

Modern-day rat rod culture traces its roots back to the 1980s when the Pro Street hot rod style was reaching its peak. Pro Street cars were often loaded up with frills and glossy paint jobs that looked good but had nothing to do with making them faster. Rat rods were a direct reaction to this, with a focus not on looks but speed. Rat rods shun chrome and flash in favor of unrestored, often rusted parts that were usually pulled together from the spare parts of classic cars.

Rat Rod Maintenance

Because part of rat rod culture is the absence of sparkle, day-to-day maintenance isn't focused on deciding which wax to buy. Of course, rat rodders maintain their vehicles with care, but that care is primarily directed at the engine. Spare parts can be welded on by the owner. Dents and scratches can be hammered out or simply left as they are to add to the effect. Like other cars, maintaining a rat rod requires changing its oil every three months and regularly keeping an eye on tire pressure. Brake fluid should also be replaced periodically. Even if the rat rod is just a showpiece, it should be driven every couple of weeks to make sure everything's in working order.

While part of the rat rod look may be a preference for authentic pieces cobbled together from junkyards, that preference doesn't extend to windshields. Even the most diehard rat rod enthusiast would agree that the ability to drive the vehicle—and drive it fast—is critical to its appeal. So when it's time to replace a windshield, a trip to the pros is in order, not a trip to the Pick-n-Pull.

Macc's Glass Inc. provides expert windshield replacement for rat rods, hot rods, and every other type of car on the road. We also offer commercial glass replacement and repair as well as a variety of other glass services in Macclenny, FL. Whatever your glass needs are, you can rely on Macc's Glass Inc. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us at 904-259-6070 today.

When to Repair Vs. Replace a Damaged Windshield

When a vehicle’s windshield is damaged, drivers face the choice of having their windshield repaired or completely replaced. While many drivers hope the problem can be fixed with a repair because it’s the less expensive option, there are times when a replacement is inevitable and is safer to do sooner rather than later. Here are the factors to consider when making this decision.

How Big Is the Crack?

A car’s windshield is actually made of two pieces of glass with a thin layer of plastic in the middle. Because of this, a chip or crack that is limited to just that outer layer doesn’t compromise the entire windshield and can most likely be repaired. If the crack or chip is large or deep enough, however, it probably compromises the structural integrity of the windshield and safety mandates replacement. Further, a crack or chip that goes all the way through the plastic to the inner layer of glass can’t be repaired and will need to be replaced. Putting off windshield replacement will cause it to grow slowly over time as wind pressure pushes against it.

Where Is the Damage?

Another important factor in the replace or repair debate is where the damage is located. Even a relatively small chip that’s right in the driver’s line of sight can present an impediment to safe driving, which necessitates replacing the windshield. If the damage extends to the outer edge of the glass, it should also be replaced. The windshield becomes a load-bearing plane in the event the car rolls, and a crack that extends to the edge may cause the windshield to crumple.

The best way to answer the windshield replacement vs. windshield repair question? Take your vehicle to a professional and get their expert opinion. Macc's Glass Inc. specializes in windshield replacement and a whole host of other glass replacement services in Macclenny, FL. We will assess your situation and give you our honest opinion on the best solution. Check out photos of some of our most recent work and contact us today for assistance.

Image by rmisko.