The architectural decision to use glass for your building implies that you want to be able to get a glimpse of the outside from the inside. Whether used for doors, windows, walls, roofs, and even floors, glass is a way to invite the outside in.
If this is the effect you are going for, there’s no doubt that glass is the perfect material for the job. Glass is a mostly transparent, brittle, crystalline solid formed during the rapid cooling of the same substance in molten form.
In designing the interior of buildings, there are varieties of glass that can be used aesthetically to add a certain function or feel to the building. Let’s look at these different kinds of glasses and how they can be used:
· Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is created when clear sheet glass is sandblasted or acid-etched to form a pocky surface on one side of the glass. These techniques result in a ‘frosty’ translucent material with varying levels (usually 10-20%) of opacity that disperses light shone on it, thereby producing blurred images. A frosted finish can as well be achieved by installing a frosted contact paper that sticks directly to glass surfaces.
The purpose of frosted glass is to give privacy while still fulfilling the basic requirement of glass - for light to pass through. Acid-etched glass has a smoother design and is not as prone to scratches and smears as its sandblasted counterpart, which is rougher and requires more maintenance. Often, a customer’s choice of frosted glass is determined by how much privacy they require.
· Insulated Glass
When it comes to technologies in the world of glass, insulated glass takes the medal. Despite its high pricing, it is one of the most preferred types of glass when it comes to utility. Insulated glass is also known as IG units and has very high heat-resistant properties.
Insulated glass is made up of two or more glass panes sealed together with a vacuum in-between them. The amount of space determines the temperature regulation and its soundproofing capabilities.
Investing in insulated glass is a great choice because it helps you conserve money in the long run as it saves you energy bills and can be extremely durable.
· Tempered Glass
Also on the list of exceptional glass types is tempered glass. Tempered glass, sometimes referred to as toughened glass, is made by heating, softening, and then cooling the glass rapidly to make a glass material that’s about five times sturdier than regular glass.
The process of tempering causes the interior of the glass to go into tension and the outside into compression. Tempered glass is in a state of stress, so when broken, the glass shatters into granular fragments, unlike regular annealed glass, which breaks into larger chunks with jagged edges. And the sturdiness of tempered glass makes it a good building material.
· Acrylic Glass
If you’re hunting for eco-friendly glasses, you should go for acrylic glass. It is formed from polymerisation and is usually sold in sheet form. Acrylic glass, also popularly known as plexiglass, is an incredible invention as they are 30 times stronger than glass and two times lighter.
See why we say it’s incredible?
Acrylic glass is quite safe to use and can even be used to make furniture for children. They are seen on tabletops, picture frames, display shelves, etc. They are also really affordable and versatile.
· Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is created by placing a layer of resin between one or two layers of glass and binding them together to give a product that is five times stronger than ordinary glass. This method is what adds enough brittleness to make laminated glass a remarkable building material.
Laminated glass is great for windows, especially in commercial settings like office complexes. Its hard-to-break property makes it able to resist a storm as it's difficult to break, also intruders will have a hard time gaining entry into your abode.
· Clear Glass
Clear glass has its name because it lets 80-90 % of light in. They are best used in dividing spaces and can be used to make door knobs, lamps, and chandeliers.
· Reflective Glass
Reflective glass, as its name implies, reflects heat. It is similar to tinted glass in this regard, but unlike tinted glass which is coated in colour, reflective glass has a clear, metallic coating. This coating keeps the cool air in and the hot air out and does not allow outsiders to see through it.
· Spandrel Glass
This type of glass is not ‘vision glass’, meaning that it’s not created to be see-through. Instead, spandrel glass is an opaque glass formulated to hide things. Spandrel is also super malleable, so it can be bent to fit in crevices.
It comes in different colours to match the design or colour of your home while creating the perfect disguise for covering up annoying wires, vents, walls, columns and cracks.
Glass is a very versatile building material, and sometimes it can be difficult to pick the best one for your interior. We hope this article serves as a helpful guide for you when faced with this dilemma. Also, if you’re looking for glass installation experts, you can reach out to us and request a free technician visit. We can’t wait to hear from you.