There are several types of glasses used in the building and construction industry. The growing demand for glass in facades and the rise in the high rise buildings have been using very expensive glass types. Even buildings can now save on the energy bill by using a special kind of glass.
What are the major construction glasses types used in the construction market?
Joshua Martínez
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass is the simple flat glass which comes through the floating process. It is the most commonly used glass. Further types of glass are formed using annealed glass such as clear, tinted glass, patterned, wired, extra clear and ceramic painted.
Toughened Glass
Toughened/tempered glass is made by heating the annealed glass. It is suitable for safety purposes, as it is to some extent resistant to breakage and even when it breaks, it breaks into small square pieces which are not dangerous. It is mostly used for sliding doors, building facades, partitioning in homes and offices and windows.
Laminated Glass
It is made by placing polymer/cellulose in between flat glasses. So, when it breaks, plastic layers hold together the broken glass into large sharp pieces. It protects UV rays (99%) and sound (50%) from entering into a building. It is used in building facades, floor slabs etc.
Insulating Glass
Insulating glass (double glazing) is made up of two glass panes, filled with air. The air minimises the heat loss or gain and also makes it sound insulator. This type of glass is mostly used for commercial windows and walls.
Others
Heat-strengthened glass, heat socked tempered glass, reflective glass and mirrors.
Vivaan
Over 40% of all energy consumed in the EU is in buildings. One of the ways to save energy is to use low-E insulating glass units. They can save energy by reducing the heat losses from a building through the glass as well as allow a substantial amount of the sun’s heat to enter in the building, which minimises the need for artificial heating in the building.