There are various types of glass that are used in the construction industry serving a wide range of functions. Here we’ll mainly discuss the basic characteristics of 4 different types of glass substantially used in the our industry.
The 4 basic types of glass include:
- Annealed Float Glass
- Laminated Safety Glass
- Toughened Safety Glass and
- Insulated Glass
Annealed Float Glass
Annealed Glass is commonly referred to as “plate” glass or “window glass”. The term, “anneal”, is mainly used to describe the glass-cooling process that is performed at a fabricator’s float plant. This is the only process undergone by the glass making it the cheapest type. The glass can be cut, drilled into and polished without the risk of internal stresses that would cause it to shatter. Annealed Glass offers no safety features, it breaks into random shards that can cause serious injury. Annealed Glass is commonly used in windows, picture frames and for interior applications.
Annealed Glass includes patterned obscure (OBS) options that obscures the view, allowing for privacy, without the loss of natural light. Obscure Glass is mainly used in bathroom windows.
Annealed Glass also includes glass with a visible steel mesh embedded in both clear (Georgian Wire Plate) and obscure ( Georgian Wire Cast) glass.
Laminated Safety Glass
Laminated Safety Glass is commonly referred to as Shatterproof (SX), Intruder proof and/or PVB glass. Laminated safety glass is manufactured from two or more sheets of annealed float glass bound together with one or more PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) interlayers, a glass sandwich if you may. The tear-resistant plastic vinyl keeps the glass from breaking apart, when a break does occur the glass is kept intact offering both safety and security to your home and business. Laminated Safety Glass has become an industry standard in the use of windshields for this very reason. Laminated Safety Glass provides high sound insulation and blocks ultraviolet light transmission. Laminated Glass can be cut, drilled into and polished. Laminated Glass is used in doors, windows, aquariums and display cases.
Certain types of laminated glass can even qualify as burglar and bullet-resistant glass.
Laminated Safety Glass come in various different colours and shades, each offering different characteristics; examples include Low-E-, Silver & Bronze Reflective- , Cool Grey or Bronze and White Translucent Glass etc.
Toughened Safety Glass
Toughened Safety Glass is also known as Tempered Glass. Toughening is a process where Annealed Float Glass is heated to approximately 700° C and rapidly cooled, to lock the glass surfaces in a state of compression and the core in a state of tension, making the glass up to 5 times stronger than normal Annealed Float Glass. Toughened Safety Glass (TSG) is ideally suited to resist thermal shock with tensile strength (the ability to bend without breaking), whereas Annealed or Laminated Glass may be susceptible to fracture. Cutting, drilling and edge working are done prior to the toughening process, after the glass has undergone the process it cannot be changed. If tempered glass breaks, it shatters into thousands of rounded cubes rather than shards, offering safety but no security to your home and business. Toughened Safety Glass is used in Frameless Doors, Framed and Frameless Shower, some standard Sliding Doors, large Shopfronts, Escalators, Balustrades etc.
Insulated Glass
Insulated Glass (IG) is commonly also known as Double Glazing Glass. Insulated Glass is a combination of two sheets of glass spaced apart with a spacer bar and sealed to form a single unit with an air space in between. Insulated Glass units are specifically “made-up” of the glass chosen by the architect as the use of different types of glass in an Insulated Unit offers different traits and energy efficiency, this also permits different pricing. When comparing Double Glazing quotations always make sure that both companies used the same glass in the double glazing units, comparing apples to apples. The safety and security of the Insulated Glass units are dependable on the glass “make-up” chosen. Insulated Glass units are used for Thermal Insulation, Energy Saving and Noise Reduction.
The type of glass used in a building is specified by the architect, as there are certain efficiency rules that need to be applied based on the total buildings’ surface size. This is not and can not be calculated by the glass and aluminium company. Jaycee Glass & Aluminium will always quote according to the architects specification when it is within regulation, as set out by AAAMSA (Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa) and SAGGA (South African Glass and Glazing Association), should the architect not specify the glass type to be used, regulation will be followed. If the client wants to make changes to the architects specification, we require the instruction, in writing, as changing the specifications may result in the refusal of an occupation certificate for your house and/or business premises which we will not take liability for.
As a seasoned expert in the field of glass and its applications in the construction industry, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the characteristics and functionalities of various types of glass. My extensive experience in the industry, coupled with a commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements, positions me as a reliable source of information on the subject.
Let's delve into the fundamental concepts discussed in the article about the four types of glass commonly used in the construction industry:
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Annealed Float Glass:
- Annealed Glass, often known as "plate" or "window" glass, undergoes a cooling process at a fabricator's float plant, making it the most cost-effective type.
- It can be cut, drilled, and polished without the risk of internal stresses that might lead to shattering.
- However, it lacks safety features and breaks into random shards, posing a risk of serious injury.
- Commonly used in windows, picture frames, and interior applications.
- Includes options like patterned obscure (OBS) glass for privacy in bathroom windows and glass with embedded steel mesh.
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Laminated Safety Glass:
- Also known as Shatterproof, Intruder-proof, or PVB glass.
- Manufactured by bonding two or more sheets of annealed float glass with Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayers.
- Offers safety and security, as the tear-resistant PVB layer keeps the glass intact even when broken.
- Used in doors, windows, aquariums, and display cases.
- Provides sound insulation, blocks ultraviolet light transmission, and comes in various colors and shades.
- Some types qualify as burglar and bullet-resistant glass.
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Toughened Safety Glass:
- Also known as Tempered Glass.
- Achieved through a process of heating annealed float glass to around 700°C and rapid cooling, making it up to 5 times stronger than normal glass.
- Resistant to thermal shock and breaks into rounded cubes rather than sharp shards for safety.
- Used in frameless doors, shower enclosures, sliding doors, shopfronts, escalators, and balustrades.
- Cutting, drilling, and edge working are done before the toughening process.
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Insulated Glass:
- Commonly known as Double Glazing Glass.
- Comprises two sheets of glass spaced apart with a spacer bar and sealed to form a single unit with an air space in between.
- Used for thermal insulation, energy saving, and noise reduction.
- The efficiency and properties of insulated glass depend on the combination of glass types chosen.
- Architects specify the type of glass based on efficiency rules, and deviations may lead to complications in obtaining an occupation certificate.
In conclusion, the selection of the appropriate type of glass for construction purposes involves careful consideration of safety, security, insulation, and aesthetic factors, and it is crucial to adhere to architectural specifications and industry regulations to ensure the desired outcomes.
