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It's impossible to drive through any city and not notice all of the glass on the exterior of commercial buildings–large and small. This is due impart to the fact that glass has become a popular construction for a number of different reasons. Those reasons include security, increased productivity, and visual appeal and aesthetics. In order to achieve these various other goals with your commercial building, there are different types of commercial glass that can be used. The most common types of glass used in commercial applications include: flat, plexiglass, tempered, laminate, tinted, insulated, spandrel, and security glass. Some of these you’ve probably heard of, and others you might be wondering what they are or why you should consider using them. Here is a brief overview of some of these options to hopefully answer some questions that you might have. Flat Glass Probably the most common type of glass to be used not only in commercial applications but residential ones as well. Flat glass is generally the starting point for creating glass doors, walls, and windows. Flat glass is also known as plate glass, or sheet glass and is often the material used to create double-pane windows. When flat glass breaks, it will break into sharp jagged pieces. Plexiglass Plexiglass is a type of plastic material that is highly shatter resistant and can be applied in a variety of useful applications, such as skylights, panels for building windows, signs, displays, and more. Plexiglass is available in different shades and colors, with the ability to apply tints and coatings to plexiglass, leaving you with an unlimited array of possibilities. Spandrel Glass Unlike most other types of glass, spandrel glass is not see-through. It is primarily used as a decorative accent or as a means to conceal a portion of a building structure. Because it is not transparent, it is available in various colors, giving you the ability to customize it to suit your design and decor preferences. Laminated Glass Laminated glass is a safety/security type of glass that is often used in buildings that need an extra layer of protection. When broken, the laminate glass will hold together, thanks to the thin layer of plastic located between the layers of glass. Not only is it strong and safe, but laminate glass has the capability to reduce the glare and fading of interior components. Additionally, it can be tinted to reduce solar heat gain. In commercial glass applications, laminate glass can be used in windows, curtain walls, and storefronts. Security Glass Designed to be a step up from safety glass, security glass is designed to protect those who work on the other side of the glass from what is outside. Depending on the design, this can be anything from bullets, blasts, forced entry, or burglary. Additional options available for security glass include sound dampening, fire-rated, tinting, and high performance. Insulated Glass Insulated glass works to keep inside a building in the winter months, and out during the hot summer months. While helping to control the heat, insulated glass still allows light and sun heat to come into interior spaces. Due to its ability to cut down on the amount of heat loss, insulated glass is ideal in areas where that experience extreme, cold winter months. Regardless of the type of commercial glass that you need or want, Gordon’s Glass has extensive knowledge and experience with all types of commercial glazing. Not sure where to start or what glass option is right for you, give Gordon’s Glass a call today and talk to one of our commercial glass experts.
If you’re a contractor or architect working on a commercial building design, you undoubtedly understand how selecting the best glass can make a significant impact on your bottom line. No matter the budget or business type, there’s a commercial glass option that’s perfect for you. These are the 12 types of commercial glass to know when planning your next job.
Insulated Glass
Insulated glass’s primary design goal is to significantly reduce heat transfer and increase energy efficiency. The multiple layers of glass add to the design element’s strength and durability. This increased strength is one of the primary reasons why insulated glass is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings.
Utilizing two or three panes of glass separated by a spacer, it is then filled with an inert gas to improve the energy efficiency of the window. The most common type of gas used in insulated glass is argon gas or krypton. Insulated glass is perfect for businesses that want to reduce energy costs and need a solution for reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Low-Emissivity Glass
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a type of energy-efficient glass that is coated with a thin, invisible layer of metal oxide. This Low-E coating helps to block the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) and infrared rays while still allowing visible light to enter the building.
The Low-E coating helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer, making it an ideal choice for businesses in colder climates. Low-E glass is also a great option for businesses that want to reduce glare and protect furniture and carpeting from fading.
Plexiglass
Plexiglass is a type of acrylic glass that is shatter-resistant. It’s often used in place of traditional glass because it’s safer and more durable. Plexiglass is a good choice for businesses that deal with potentially dangerous materials or for applications where shatter-resistant glass is required by law.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a plastic interlayer. This type of glass is incredibly strong and is often used in hurricane-resistant windows. Laminated glass is a good choice for businesses that are located in areas prone to severe weather conditions.
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass is a type of heat-treated glass that is very strong and durable. It’s often used in bulletproof windows and windshields. Annealed glass is a good choice for businesses that need shatter-resistant glass.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is a type of heat-treated glass that is much stronger than Annealed glass. It’s often used in applications where safety is a concern, such as in shower doors and car windshields. Tempered glass is another shatter-resistant option.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a type of glass that is highly reflective. They’re often used for decorative purposes or to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors are a good choice for businesses that want to add a unique touch to their decor or for applications where space is limited.
Fire Rated Glass
Fire-rated glass is a type of heat-resistant glass that is designed to withstand high temperatures. It’s often used in fire doors and windows. Fire-rated glass is a good choice for businesses that need shatter-resistant glass.
Clear or Transparent Glass
This is the most common type of glass and it’s also the most versatile. Clear glass can be used for everything from windows to display cases. It’s also relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for businesses on a budget.
Tinted or Coated Glass
Tinted glass is perfect for businesses that want to reduce glare or protect against UV rays. It’s also a good choice for privacy purposes. Coated glass, on the other hand, has a special coating that makes it more durable and scratch-resistant.
Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is perfect for creating a unique look for your business. It’s also great for privacy purposes since it diffuses light and makes it difficult to see through.
Safety Glass
Safety glass is a must for businesses that deal with potentially dangerous materials. It’s also required by law in some areas, so it’s important to check your local regulations before choosing this type of glass.
Contact United Plate Glass Today!
At United Plate Glass, we work with general contractors and architects to help you find the right type of commercial glass for the job. Whether you’re replacing a storefront or building a hospital, our knowledgeable project managers stay current with the newest design trends and current products on the market. Contact us today to get started!
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