Glass is one of the oldest and most reliable materials used in construction. Being introduced thousands of years ago, glass has remained as one of the most widely used materials around, being used in places and fixtures like windows, doors, and roofing. Over the years, glass has evolved into a very versatile material that can take many forms and shapes, and be used in a wide variety of applications. In the construction industry, glass is a fundamental material used along with steel, wood, and concrete.
Like metals, there are many different types of glass used for construction, all of which fulfill a purpose and need for each part of a project. Construction materials are required to be flexible and versatile, making glass ideal for a wide number of applications and functions.
What are the types of glass used in construction?
Glass comes in many forms in the construction industry, being the ideal material to use for windows, doors, and roofing. Glass is a reflective, transparent, and strong material that is easy to shape, allowing it to come in different types. With that in mind, here are some of the common types of glass used in the construction industry.
Shatterproof Glass
Used for windows, floors, and roofs, shatterproof glass is designed to withstand heavy impact. While it is able to resist breakage to a certain degree, shatterproof glass is also designed not to leave sharp edges on the occasion it breaks, making it one of the safest glass types to use in construction projects. Shatterproof glass is made through a layering process that combines polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which gives it its strength and durability.
Float Glass
A very common type of glass used in places like malls, storefronts, and other commercial and retail establishments, float glass is one of the most reliable types of glasses around. Float glass is also a very sturdy material that can withstand a significant amount of impact. Depending on the need, float glass can come in different thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 20mm. It is also worth noting it is very transparent and has a lot of glare, which is why it is commonly used in different commercial areas.
Laminated Glass
If you are looking for a regular type of glass with extra strength, it is best to use laminated glass. Produced by combining different layers of glass together, laminated glass is used for areas that require a protective layer against UV rays and loud noises. These qualities make it an ideal material to use for large aquariums, staircases, glass facades in buildings, and bridges. Due to its layered nature, laminated glass is very heavy, and can cause optical distortions.
Tinted Glass
A colored variant of regular glass, tinted glass is mainly used for decorative purposes. This makes it a regular fixture in windows, doors and other locations where color is needed. Tinted glass is produced by adding coloring ions to the glass during manufacturing to add the desired color. Each ion provides a different shade of color, which means that some are combined together to form new shades. While different ions are composed of a variety of elements, they do not compromise the strength and quality of the glass.
Glass Blocks
Hollow in structure, glass blocks are produced by combined two halves of glass through a process called annealing while being melted to form the final product. Another type of glass used for decorative purposes, glass blocks are able to distort light going through, which provides an aesthetic effect.
Patterned Glass
Using glass provides many ways to create a wide variety of designs, and one type of glass that is known for its variety of designs is patterned glass. This translucent glass is produced by etching patterns on the surface to create a wide variety of designs. This type of glass can be used for decorative windows, balconies, bathroom walls and windows, and even on stairwells.
Chromatic Glass
A glass type used to reduce and distort the light coming through, chromatic glass provides a protective layer in light-sensitive locations. Chromatic glass is produced using a lamination process that involves light and heat-sensitive layers of glass that gives its ability to distort light. This is a glass commonly seen in meeting rooms in offices.
Wired Glass
A type of glass that is lined up with mesh to prevent it from shattering under stress and pressure, wired glass is a type of glass used as a protective layer against fire and smoke. This makes it ideal for use as a glass fence in buildings.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to versatility, durability, and the ability to distort and reflect light, glass provides a protective layer for different kinds of buildings and facilities. Glass is an important material used in many forms in construction projects. By identifying different types of glass, you would be able to utilize them correctly.