Construction Industry/glass exterior wall

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Expert: - 5/12/2009


Question
I have plans on remodeling my beach home.  I ran across these two companies http://www.solarinnovations.com/gallery.asp?g=2&s=34#
http://www.nanawall.com/Products/Default.aspx

They got some nice stuff for either exterior glass walls or glass curtain walls.  My plans are to take full advantage of my view with something like this in the second floor.

1. Do you have any suggestions/companies besides the ones I referenced that offer similar products???

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Also, let me mention I ran across a site many years ago that supposedly offered a recipe for pvb manufacture so that it can be made yourself (w/o expesive $1M+ enclave), using a chemical mix of things you can buy from "home depot".  IMO it was soo rediculous I didn't even bother to follow.  They had no phone # + no address.  With confidence I declared it a fraud, for $100 dollars they offered you a way to underwank a multi million dollar operation.  I'd definitely love to experiment making my own structural exterior glass as a hobby and definitely sell it if I became good if there were a way to atleast near the offering of the fraud but in actuality, w/o heavy initial investment.  

2. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Mike,

I know of the two companies you mentioned.  I like the Nanawall products but they are pricey.  

Depending on your weather conditions (hurricane, etc) you may have to consider "high impact" glass.  Have you considered "store front" materials?  Aluminum frame for strength and large glass areas for visibility.  Check your yellow pages for window and store front contractors or manufacturers.  Store front material can also be fabricated as "curtain wall".

As for the D.I.Y. glass - I find it hard to comprehend how common chemicals that can be purchased locally could possibly become "glass".  Plastic maybe but glass??  The manufacturing process for making glass is extensive. (And expensive!)

Just remember the old axiom - "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!


Hope this was helpful.

Roger

Construction Industry

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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