A comfortable home needs the right glazing for your windows, doors and any other glazing That is why Kitek Windows recommends for you to consider double glazing with the most appropriate glass type – a worthwhile investment to creating a warm, quiet, healthy and prosperous home.
It is important to note that with several glazing options available, some glass types are made to keep the heat inside while others do away with outside noise and light among other things needing careful consideration.
What you need to consider when choosing glass:
The amount of light transmitted Glass thickness Glass toughness
Glass Types Need Explanation
Glass types are a maze of technical jargon only known to specialists, but that should not be a cause for worry. Glass starts in an untreated state, referred to as ‘annealed glass’. From there, it undergoes various modifications to make it stronger, more elegant and energy efficient.
Check the information below to get a glimpse of some of the common types of glasses that you can install in your building.
Toughened Glass
Also called tempered glass, this is treated using heat to make it more resistant to breakage. The procedure involves heating the glass to slightly below the 600 degrees Celsius softening temperature. The heat is followed by a rapid cooling process which enables it to have tension in the inner layer while the outer surface becomes compressed.As a result, the toughened glass is twice as strong as annealed glass. Breaking forms little chunks as opposed to irregular and dangerous shards, making it safer.
Laminated Glass
This glass holds together when shattered. Toughened glass can be made safer by laminating it, through a process of adding one or more polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers during the manufacturing process. Upon breaking, the resin bonded glass layers stay together as the web of cracks forms all over, but the glass does not disintegrate.
Low-E Glass
Low-E stands for low-emissivity. It refers to a thermal glass type that is designed to save energy. The composition consists of a thin transparent coating that absorbs thermal energy and reflects it back inside the interior space rather than allowing it to escape outside.
An E-Activ glass coating detector detects the presence of a low-E coating on the glass before installing it.
Tinted Glass
Manufacturing of tints involves the addition of metal oxides to float glass. The glass absorbs solar energy with the sole purpose of re-radiating it. These types have proven to control the effects of scorching sun. Standard colours include: green, blue, grey and bronze.
Though used to control heat from the sun, the insulation benefit from this glass is still minimal.
Reflective Glass
Reflective glass has more solar control when compared to the tinted types above. We might consider these if we want to create an appealing visual appearance. These glass types contain a metallic coating that is highly reflective. Some of the colours include bronze, grey and brightened.
With this type, you will be able to see the outside world, but outsiders will see their reflections when trying to peep in.
Obscured Glass
There are many glass types under the blurred family that come in a variety of forms which all conform to any rolled glass with a pattern added to the surface. They are mostly used for decorative purposes. Laminated and painted glass types fall under the obscured category.
On the building’s exterior, dark or vague glass windows make your home adorned and provide a sense of security and privacy. Due to the translucent nature, intruders will have a hard time trying to peep through after installation. The only disadvantage is that you will also not be able to see outside. You can, however, consider the reflective types (another obscured type of glass).
Float Glass
This is the universal standard that defines many home windows. The glass is manufactured by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin. It is then allowed to cool slowly, and the result is a flat surface with uniform thickness, It is the cheapest option to go for, but breaking hazards can be substantial, since the shattering forms acute shards of broken glass.
Conclusion
We have not yet exhausted the list since there are more glass types out there that also suit desired specifications. The location of your house or commercial building affects the choice of glass to use between the panes, weather patterns and climate determine the best suited material. That is why it is important to consult with a professional prior to making a final decision.
