Types of Glass

What is Glass?

Simply put, glass is a manufactured material created from naturally-occurring substances. The most common types of glass are soda-lime glass created from combining soda ash, limestone, and sand. Glass combines some properties of crystals and some properties of liquids to create something almost entirely different. Being a versatile material makes glass favoured by many.

Characteristics & Features of Glass

There are many noteworthy characteristics of glass, but to go into the details of each would be a lengthy exercise. Instead, we’ve created this list of the four we believe to be the most important.

1. Transparency

Transparency is a funny thing and one of glass’s main features that contribute to its popularity. But what is transparency exactly and what makes glass transparent?

To understand this, you first have to understand how glass is formed. Glass is made from an amorphous solid, which is a solid material with the structure of a liquid. The surface of glass is uniform on a microscopic level. This means that light can hit the surface of glass without being scattered into different directions.

It’s the transparency of glass that makes it the perfect material for products that require light or need light to shine through them such as windows, light bulbs, reading glasses, etc.

2. Strength & Workability

For a hardly visible material, it’s strange to think that glass is strong. Again, what gives glass its strength and determines its workability is a complex and technical thing to understand. All that you really need to know is that glass is a reliable material. And if you’re not quite convinced, there are extra-strength versions available like tempered glass.

3. U-Value of Glass

U-Value is defined as the thermal transmittance of an object. Thermal transmittance is the rate at which heat can escape from something like a room or house. Single pane windows have a high thermal transmittance percentage and a lower rate of heat retention when compared to other kinds like insulated, double-pane or glazed. In cold places, glass with a low u-value is preferred as it means less central heating and electricity is required.

What are the 12 Types of Glass & Their Architectural Uses?

1. Annealed Glass

Named after its defining process, annealing glass is glass that undergoes a slow cooling after its form has been shaped. This process relieves residual internal stresses that occur during the manufacturing process.

The architectural use of annealed glass: Coming in at a cheaper price point than all other types of glass, annealed glass offers architects and designers some flexibility and freedom for experimenting in their work.

2. Heat Strengthened Glass

Said to be twice as strong as annealed glass, heat-strengthened glass is taken through a similar process and the end result is on-par with the strength of tempered glass. Heat-strengthened glass is able to resist external stresses such as wind and snow, as well as thermal loads encountered through solar energy.

The architectural use of heat-strengthened glass: These types of glass are intended for general glazing because of its capacity to withstand thermal loads.

3. Laminated Glass

A popular form of safety glass, laminated glass has the ability to hold itself together when shattered. This is because of a thin polyvinyl interlayer that exists between the two sheets of glass that make up one sheet of laminated glass.

The architectural use of laminated glass: The primary function of laminated glass is safety and security. Second, laminated glass is functional and popular for skylights and balcony balustrades because of its ability to not shatter when falling from a height.

4. Insulated Glass

Purposed for windows and doors, insulated glass is made when two or more glass panes are joined but separated by an air pocket space. This space is what reduces heat transfer and creates insulation.

The architectural use of insulated glass: Traditionally used in houses, as well as large corporate and residential buildings, such as office blocks and hotels. These kinds of buildings require high levels of heating and cooling.

5. Float Glass

Named after the process required for creating it, float glass is a sheet of glass made by floating the glass in its molten state on a bed of molten metal. This adds a uniform thickness and incredibly flat surface to the glass.

The architectural use of float glass: Clear float glass is often used in windows on the exteriors and interiors of buildings. Some architects reserve the use of float glass for only smaller windows in houses as they believe there are stronger glass options available for large buildings.

6. Chromatic Glass

A tintable glass that’s able to control the transparent efficiency and can protect the interior of the space in which it’s installed from daylight. There are different types of chromatic glass that include electrochromic, thermos-chromatic, and photochromic.

The architectural use of chromatic glass: Chromatic glass is popular for meeting rooms and is often used in ICUs.

7. Tinted Glass

Made by adding small amounts of metal oxide to glass during its production process, tinted glass is essentially a protective glass that reduces the effects of sunlight on the interiors of the spaces in which it’s installed.

The architectural use of tinted glass: Tinted glass changes the colour of windows and this might not be to the liking of some. However, it is incredibly effective in reducing the glare from outside. Tinted glass is often used in east-facing homes because they feel the early morning sunrise and late afternoon sunset sun the most.

8. Toughened Glass

Also known as tempered glass, toughened glass is a kind of safety glass. It’s similar to laminated glass, however, it is a lot stronger. Toughened glass is put through a chemical treatment to increase its strength.

The architectural use of toughened glass: A popular glass for doorways, stairways, sliding doors and floor-level windows because it’s essential shatter-proof and won’t cause worry if broken accidentally.

9. Coated Glass

Also known as industrial glass, coated glass is sprayed with metal oxides to form a thin layer. This layer or coating changes the behaviour of the glass making it more resistant to solar radiation.

The architectural use of coated glass: Because of its solar protection qualities, coated glass is popular for windows of residential buildings both large and small.

10. Double Glazing

A form of insulated glass, double glazed or double-paned windows are exactly what they sound like: windows that feature two glass panes as opposed to one. The purpose of double glazing is solely for reducing heat transfer.

The architectural use of double glazing: As a form of insulation, double glazing is popular for doors and windows in residential and commercial buildings located in places that face cold winters.

11. Obscured Glass

More commonly referred to as frosted glass, obscured glass is made from a clear sheet of glass that undergoes sandblasting or acid etching to give it a pitted surface. Obscured glass is translucent and blurs images while still allowing light to pass through.

The architectural use of obscured glass: Frosted and obscured glass are popular choices for bathrooms, water closets and shower doors.

12. Mirrored Glass

Also known as reflective glass, mirror glass is glass with a reflective film applied to it. One side is reflective, and the other is clear or see-through.

The architectural use of mirrored glass: Mirrored glass is often purely decorative and when used in an architectural sense, reflective glass is used for mirrors that face outside areas that receive a lot of sunlight throughout any given day.

What Types of Glass can be Recycled for Architectural Purposes?

Recycling is a band-aid on the pollution and overproduction problem we’re facing as a globe right now. But, recycling in the construction sector is possibly one of the best we can do. Why? Buildings last a long time. At least they’re supposed to. So if portions of new buildings can be made from recycled materials and portions of old buildings can be saved for recycling, we’ll be well on our way to making a difference. Here are the types of glass commonly used in construction that can be recycled:

• Annealed glass
• Laminated glass
• Heat-strengthened
• Toughened or tempered glass
• Heat soak tested glass
• Coated glass
• Insulated glass
• Float glass

Conclusion

Who would have guessed there’s so much to know about glass and its architectural abilities. When you’re choosing glass windows and doors for your next renovation project, and find yourself in need of some guidance, why not reach out to Inso Aluminium. With 21 years of experience under our belts, our team of experts are more than willing and always ready to help. Get in touch today!