Glass Doctor Supports Local Charity

Glass Doctor North Vancouver sees their commitment to this community as a long term relationship and like all excellent long term relationships, they recognize the need to give back. They not only talk the talk, but are also are walking the walk. In the past 12 months  Glass Doctor North Vancouver has donated a total of $4100.00 to North Shore Crisis Services Society. The NSCSS is a remarkable organization that helps woman and children in our very own neighborhood.  Their mission is "to promote a secure and abuse-free environment for woman and children."

In recognition of the support they receive from their valued customers, when you refer your family and friends to Glass Doctor North Vancouver they will make a donation to the North Shore Crisis Services Society. Check out their Referral Program Page or read below to find more information about how you can support the North Shore Crisis Services Society.

NORTH SHORE CRISIS SERVICES SOCIETY was founded in 1979, and has been operating a transition house and related support services since. They offer a variety of programs designed to encourage safe and healthy homes. NSCSS provides a variety of program services to adult women and children from the North Shore who have escaped or who are at risk of abuse, violence or threats. These services include Sage Transition House, Hope’s Place Program, The Outreach Services Program & Multicultural Outreach Services Program, and The Adolescent & Children’s Empowerment Program. 

SAGE Transition House is an 18-bed transition house that provides safety and support to women and their children fleeing abusive situations.  HOPE’s Place program is designed to provide transitional support and provides accommodation and ongoing support for up to fifteen months for women and their children who have left an abusive situation and have been referred by SAGE Transition House, another transition house or a community agency.  The Outreach Services Program (OSP) provides support and advocacy, assistance dealing with the family court and criminal justice systems, referrals to community resources, and assistance in accessing community agencies and related services as appropriate.  In addition, the Multicultural Outreach Services Program (MOS) provides culturally sensitive services to a diverse clientele with a focus on immigrant and refugee women.  Lastly, the Adolescent & Children’s Empowerment Program provides services for children between 3 & 18 years of age who have witnessed or experienced abuse, threats or violence in the home. 

OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM: read below to find more information about how you can support the North Shore Crisis Services Society. The donation amount will depend on the actions that you take.

A donation is as easy as making friends. If you become a friend or just simply “like” their business on Facebook Glass Doctor will make donation to the NSCSS. Glass Doctor would also enjoy having more of our friends following them on Twitter and in return they will make another donation for each new follower.

If you refer your friends and family for Glass Service, Glass Doctor will make another donation.

If you experienced excellent service and have a few minutes to spare, they would like to hear your comments on their Google Places site or on their Website Survey Page. Just by taking the time to make a comment or two, Glass Doctor will make a donation for every Google Places comment and for every Website Survey.

Each action that you take will add up and the funds will be directly donated to the NSCSS. We will keep you all posted on how this new referral program is doing and report our success on this blog.

Glass Doctor appreciates all the actions from their customers that will result in donations. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave your comments. 

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How Efficient Are Your Windows?

How Efficient Are Your Windows?

Windows are more than just a great way to see what the weather is like outside. Not only do they provide warmth and light, they also have an impact on how energy efficient your home is, or isn’t!

Heating and cooling costs can be affected just based on the type of windows you have. If you have an older home and new windows were never an upgrade, it may make more sense to get new windows instead of just trying to improve upon the existing windows. New windows will lower heating and cooling costs, eventually covering the initial cost.

Storm windows can reduce the amount of air leaking out and remove drafts. Weather-stripping and caulking around windows and doors can assist in this as well.  Weather-stripping is designed for things that move such as doors and windows that open. Use caulk where gaps exist.

Another way to improve the efficiency of your windows is to select different options with regards to curtains and blinds. Window treatments can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Often Energy Star approved windows can eve be zoned for your area you know they can withstand the climate you may regularly endure. When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows can help minimize your heating and cooling costs.

Energy efficient windows not only reduce home energy costs and drafts but can reduce noise and help increase light in the home.  Don’t forget about skylights and doors as well. Window replacement in skylights can help reduce condensation that builds up in older models.

If you would like to have a home audit done to see if your windows are energy efficient, or letting your money leak out the door, give us a call! 604-984-4527

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Spring Cleaning Tips from the Experts

Six Expert Spring Cleaning Tips for a Tidy, Healthy Home

It is spring, but along with the blooming of flowers and warmer weather comes the daunting task of spring cleaning. It’s time to open the windows and tackle those chores with these six tips from Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Rooter® and Rainbow International®.

Dishwasher

According to Mr. Appliance, a dishwasher can be cleaned using a small brush dipped in hot soapy water. With the brush, clean the grooves in the rubber seal by going around the door of the dishwasher. Then, place a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a normal cycle.




Refrigerator

Using a hand-held vacuum, remove the dust from coils underneath or on the backside of the fridge. Accumulated dust can cause the motor to overheat and increase the cost of running the appliance.








Sink

To achieve a fresh smelling sink, keep leftover citrus peels. Mr. Rooter recommends putting a cupful of ice cubes as well as citrus peels in the garbage disposal. Turn on cold water and then the disposal for 15 to 30 seconds. Then, turn off the disposal and continue to rinse with hot water for 15 seconds.




Windows

When washing windows, wipe vertically outside and horizontally inside, so any missed areas can quickly be spotted. Glass Doctor, suggests drying the windows as you go with a squeegee or a micro-fiber towel to avoid water spots.



Air Conditioner

Have your central air conditioning system inspected by a HVAC professional, like Aire Serv, before the summer hits. The air conditioner keeps your home cool and it dehumidifies to keep mold from growing inside the walls. Clean or replace air filters monthly to help the AC unit run more efficiently. Remove shrubs, grass and leaves from the condenser coil and within three feet of outside unit.

Rain Gutters

Although often forgotten, rain gutters are important for home defense against storms. According to Rainbow International, water from rain can erode soil around the foundation, splash dirt onto the siding and leak into the basement causing expensive damage.
Utilizing these simple tips in your spring cleaning arsenal can help save you time, frustration and money down the line. Not to mention, you can rest easy in a clean and healthy home.



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Glass Doctor North Vancouver & Athletics for Kids

Glass Doctor North Vancouver is North Shore Proud

Being part of a community means more to these guys than simply providing customers with superb services. They believe that to truly belong to a community, one must invest in it, make connections with its members, and contribute towards its success and growth. This is why Glass Doctor North Vancouver continues to support local charities and has set goals for increasing their involvements well into the future.

Several months ago, Glass Doctor North Vancouver put a post up on Facebook asking for input regarding which charity they should support with their Aeroplan points; Athletics for Kids was the suggestion they followed. A4K's vision is that every child in British Columbia participate in our community through sports. By providing funding assistance, they ensure that all BC children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to youth amateur sport. As a privately funded charity, they are able to get dollars into the hands of those who need it most, quickly and effectively. 

Glass Doctor North Vancouver donated over 150,000 points toward the purchase of silent auction items for this years A4K  annual Gala which was held on April 5th. After a jaw dropping fundraiser gala for the ages in 2012, A4K again brought the Vegas strip to the 604. Vegas Night, Baby! The evening was hosted at Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver, and was a huge success. 

Chosen by A4K, the points were used to purchase the following items; 16 gb i pad mini, Panasonic 3D Blu-ray players, Pentax digital camera, a Birks silver necklace, and Bose headphones.   As noted in a recent Facebook post by A4K, Glass Doctor's auction items were some of the the hottest of the evening. They are thrilled that their contribution will translate into funds for this amazing organization to put to work for local youth.

So where to from here? Well, there are big plans to donate even more points next year and to continue to grow the Glass Doctor family and local connections on the North Shore by adding more organizations to the list of charities this business supports annually. Who do you think it should be? They are always open to input and feedback so please share your comments below.

Stay tuned next week for a post regarding Glass Doctor North Vancouver's long standing relationship with North Shore Crisis Services Society, another local charity organization they support.

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Community Community Community

The title says it all!

In every meeting with Glass Doctor North Vancouver the theme remains constant, they believe in giving back to the community that they call home. A locally owned franchise, these guys are here for the long haul. Glass Doctor North Vancouver sees their commitment to this community as a long term relationship and like all excellent long term relationships, they recognize the need to give back. 

Backed basically through customer referrals and repeat customers, this local franchise is thriving. What is the secret to their success? Community connection. Superb customer service, support of other local business and community services. 

The entire team at Glass Doctor is committed to delivering superb customer service to each person who calls or walks through their door because they know that the most important part of their job, is to make each person feel how important they are. There may be other glass shops that carry the same quality glass products however, faithful Glass Doctor North Vancouver clients will tell you that you will not find another shop that can deliver those quality products with the same level of world-class service.  

JOIN THE NETWORK: Being part of a community includes supporting thy neighbors. Glass Doctor North Vancouver support other local business through word of mouth, as well as their social media endeavors. The North Shore is a tight knit community and if we work together everyone can benefit. Glass Doctor North Vancouver invites you to join their network of local businesses supporting one another on both Facebook and Twitter. 



SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES: Glass doctor North Vancouver supports two local charities on a regular and ongoing basis. North Shore Crisis Services Society, and Athletics for Kids. Please read the linked previous blog post for more about their involvement with A4K (Glass Doctor A4K Charity Endeavors) or stay posted for a blog update on their support of NSCSS later this month. 



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What is your windshield IQ?

North Shore Auto Glass Repair & Replacement

Professional auto glass replacement and repair is critical to your auto's ability to be driven safely as well as everyone's protection. Having sub-standard replacement glass or low-quality installation services is hazardous for everyone in the car.

Your windshield is more than a shield for wind. It is also there to protect you from flying rocks, sand, birds, shredded tires, severe weather and one hundred other likely dangers. What is your windshield IQ?

Most automotive safety experts rank the windshield as the third most important safety component in today’s vehicles, right behind seat-belts and airbags. Laws require seat-belt use and prevent tampering with airbags, but there are no laws about quality windshield replacements.Below are just a few things to be aware of if you need work performed. Discovering the answers before getting any repairs performed will make the experience easier.

To Consider:

1. Is your new windshield or window OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certified? If you don't know, you should make it a point to find out before the work is done.
2. Is the glass professional qualified? 
3. Will the glass company work with your insurance? This is an important question so be sure to ask.
4. Is there a warranty on the glass? Is it in writing?
5. Is there any guarantee for the work? If an issue does occur, do you believe it will get taken care of to meet your needs? 

All Glass Doctor North Vancouver auto glass experts are fully qualified to make your vehicle's glass it's safest. All of our windshields are OEM certified and we are an ICBC Express location. We can also work with most other insurance providers including those from out of province. All of out windshields come with a G12 Guarantee, in writing  that if you require a windshield replacement within a year of the original date that we replaced it, we will repair your windshield or replace it. Terms & Conditions apply.

Split and raked flat windshield on a 1952 DeSoto. 

A little bit of history: Early windshields were made of ordinary window glass, but that could lead to serious injuries in the event of a crash. A series of lawsuits led up to the development of stronger windshields.  They were replaced with windshields made of toughened glass and were fitted in the frame using a rubber or neoprene seal. The hardened glass shattered into many mostly harmless fragments when the windshield broke. These windshields, however, could shatter from a simple stone chip. In 1919, Henry Ford solved the problem of flying debris by using the new French technology of glass laminating. Windshields made using this process were two layers of glass with a cellulose inner layer. This inner layer held the glass together when it fractured. Between 1919 and 1929, Ford ordered the use of laminated glass on all of his vehicles.

Modern, glued-in windshields contribute to the vehicle's rigidity, but the main force for innovation has historically been the need to prevent injury from sharp glass fragments. Almost all nations now require windshields to stay in one piece even if broken, except if pierced by a strong force. Properly installed automobile windshields are also essential to safety; along with the roof of the car, they provide protection to the vehicle's occupants in the case of a roll-over accident

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Windshield = Third Most Important Safety Component

Windshield Replacement Safety Tips

Before you get behind the wheel, remember car maintenance isn’t just under the hood.
A cracked windshield is a safety risk. It can impair the driver’s vision and put passengers at risk. Not to mention, most automotive safety experts rank the windshield as the third most important safety component in today’s vehicles, behind seat-belts and airbags. Laws require seat-belt use and prevent tampering with airbags, but there are no laws about windshield replacements.

Consumers should ask these four questions before a replacement windshield installation:

1. Will the old adhesive be removed from the vehicle frame? If the adhesive isn’t removed down to the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended level, the fit may not be tight and the new adhesive won’t bond correctly.

2. Will the technician wear gloves to keep from contaminating the glass? If oil and dirt get on the edges, the new adhesive (called urethane) may not bond correctly.

3. Will the new urethane adhesive stand up to the high deployment pressure of airbags? The best available manufacturer equivalent urethane adhesive should be used, not butyl tape. Ask for adhesive made by Dow, Sika or the original car maker’s adhesive supplier.

4. How long does the urethane adhesive need to set until the vehicle can be driven? Every urethane has a “safe drive-away time.”

The Auto Glass Safety Council™ (AGSC), formerly AGRSS®, promotes safe auto glass industry standards, which an auto glass technician should follow. Glass Doctor voluntarily supports the standard glass replacement procedures approved by AGSC, and Glass Doctor shops offer original equipment manufactured (OEM) windshields. Only OEM glass can provide the quality necessary to ensure a proper fit, which greatly reduces the safety risks.

For more information, visit www.glassrepairnorthvancouver.com

This month, and every month, be car care aware and stay safe. For more information on how you can be Car Care Aware, visit www.carcare.org.

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