Glass is an amazing building material as it offers many options based on the purpose of its use. It has superior workability and is 100% recyclable.
It can be shaped into various designs without much distortion and is easy to cut. It has a natural light transmission that enhances the aesthetic of any design. It is also safe in fire emergencies.
Flat Glass
Flat glass is a type of clear or tinted glass that is flat. It is the kind of glass used in doors, windows and table tops. It is also used for vehicle windshields. This glass is produced by melting quartz stones in a furnace at high temperatures. Flat glass is a durable material that can withstand impact. It is not easily damaged by water or chemicals. Its abrasion resistance property protects it against damage from scratching or contact with other materials. Its corrosion resistant properties prevent it from being affected by contaminants like heat, humidity and air.
It is a highly versatile building material that offers a wide range of applications due to its workability. It can be blown drawn and pressed to create different shapes. This allows a greater degree of transparency and provides a variety of other properties. Its visibly transmittance is an important property that determines how much natural light passes through it.
Float glass is an excellent insulator for buildings. Its low U value reduces heat transfer and increases comfort for occupants. Its insulating properties come from the air spaces between glass layers. It can be made to a custom size and shape for any project, and is often used in skylights and walls. This type of glass is also fire-resistant and can withstand a significant amount of heat.
Clear Glass
Glass is a translucent material that gives an extraordinary look to any structure. It can easily be moulded into different shapes to suit its design and architecture. It is a tough material that resists weathering, aging and sunlight. Its durability makes it one of the best building materials. Glass is also resistant to corrosion and stains.
It’s a non-combustible material that does not add any extra weight to the building which means that it does not increase the stress on the steel framework. It’s also a highly insulating material, which reduces the energy costs in colder weather. The glass also allows the sunlight to penetrate inside the house, which helps warm up the interiors.
However, the use of glass should be avoided in hot/tropical areas as it traps heat and acts like a greenhouse. The glass also attracts dust particles which makes the interior of the house dirty and unhygienic. It can also be dangerous to use in earthquake proven areas as it is brittle and can break easily. It is also expensive to replace the broken glass as it cannot be reused due to its shattered nature. Using glass can be risky for lower floors as it is not safe against the vertical loads and movements during an earthquake. However, it is possible to make glass earthquake-proof with some costly treatment.
Laminated Glass
The most popular use of glass in modern buildings is laminated glass. This is a stronger, thicker type of glass that is used in window frames, balcony railings and glass floors. It also protects against harmful ultraviolet rays that can fade furnishings. It is often tinted as well, and this can add a decorative touch. Iron oxide can give the glass a green tint, while copper sulphate gives it a blue tint. Other colors are available as well, and they can be combined to create unique designs.
Laminated glass is made of two or more panes of heat-strengthened and tempered glass with a plastic interlayer between them. This makes it stronger than float glass and reduces the risk of injuries from broken glass. It is also more energy-efficient than float glass because it keeps the heat or air inside your house, rather than letting it escape through the windows.
There is a growing interest in the sustainability of laminated glass, especially as a building material. This is because the glass allows natural light into the building, while preventing outside noise from coming in. Additionally, it is fire resistant and has good soundproofing properties. Research on enhancing the sustainability of laminated glass has included experimental and numerical studies using FE models. These models were developed to determine buckling behavior, blast resistance and post-breakage safety.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass adds a unique, aesthetic touch to your building design. However, it’s important to note that the quality of tinted glass is crucial. Choosing low-quality tinted glass might not provide you with the insulating and UV light filtering properties you require, which can lead to higher energy bills in the long run.
You can find tinted glass in automobiles, boats and airplanes, as well as in homes and commercial buildings. It’s often used to reduce sunlight and glare, keeping carpets, furniture and fabrics from becoming discolored or damaged by prolonged exposure. Additionally, it can help to reduce indoor temperatures and save on energy costs by reflecting solar heat rather than allowing it to penetrate the window glass.
Another benefit of tinted glass is that it can be combined with other types of glass to improve its performance capabilities. For example, it can be combined with low e glass to dramatically increase its energy efficiency and insulating properties.
Another option is back-painted glass, which has become a popular choice for livening up commercial and residential spaces. Unlike traditional paints, which can scratch or flake over time, back-painted glass is created by applying a ceramic powder to the surface of the glass. This gives the glass a subtle, elegant hue, making it ideal for areas that won’t be touched or used frequently. Examples of back-painted glass can be seen in trendy restaurants and break rooms at offices across the country.