Building Materials - Glass

Some glasses are designed for speacific purposes:

• Thermal insulation - double glazing or tinted glass.
• Noise reduction.
• Safety in areas of impact risk - safety glass.
• Privacy and fade protection - tinted glass.

Other glasses will do all of these things, such as double glazing.

Double Glazing

Double glazing is made using two sheets of glass with an air cavity between. It is designed to reduce heat loss and condensation. This allows greater areas of glass without heat loss either outward in winter or inward in summer.

Double glazing maybe tinted and toughened to afford greater sun protection. It is also effective at reducing reduces noise from outside.

Insulating Glass

Insulating glass is available that has an insulating coating.

Noise Reducing Glass

This type of glass is designed specifically to reduce noise. It is made from two sheets of glass bonded together.

Saftey Glass

Safety glass is designed to be used in areas where falls are likely, for example, ranch sliders, shower enclosures, or around stairs or swimming pools.

Security Glass

Security glass is highly strengthened to deter break-ins. It is resistant to breaking if hit with objects like a hammer.

Self Cleaning Glass

Self-cleaning glass is useful for external windows that are hard to reach. This is ideal for hillside home and beach front homes where the salt build up is continuous.

Decorative Glass

Decorative glass is available for design effects in frosted, leadlight, coloured or textured.

Structural Glass

Specially formed glass bricks can be used for walls, partitions and special effect. Glass bricks provide full structural strength whilst retaining both light and privacy. They can be constructed as straight or curved walls, or used in flooring, decks and skylights.

Also See Glazing Options for Building Green and Sustainable Homes

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