Glass Types You Could Use For Window Replacements

Despite glass being one of the more common building material found in the home, not many people know what it is made of. Conventional annealed glass is made by melting limestone, dolomite and sand. The melted mixture is then floated upon molten tin to create the plate glass, also referred to as float glass. Float glass is one of the staple material used for residential windows. However, it is not the sturdiest type of glass as it is prone to breakage is exposed to high impact. As a result, other types of glass options have steadily increased in popularity as they lend increased functionality to your windows. So what are some of the glass types that you could use for window replacements?

Safety glass

This kind of glass is also referred to as toughened glass. It is created by tempering annealed glass in a furnace to enhance its overall strength. As the surface tension of the annealed glass becomes altered, it becomes better capable of withstanding high heat. The process is completed by rapidly cooling down the glass to toughen it.

Safety glass is a versatile option as it can be used for a broad range of applications around your home. Not only would it be suitable for windows, but you could also install it for shower enclosures, balustrading, pool fencing and more. It should be noted though that toughened glass is not immune to breakage. If exposed to considerably high impact, it will not shatter but will instead break into large shards. Hence, minimising the risk of injury.

Laminated glass

As the name implies, this type of glass comprises of laminated sheets of glass that have been stuck together by an internal resin layer. Laminated glass will typically have two layers of glass, but you could find multiple layers if you would like enhanced strength. One of the reasons why laminated glass is attractive is that it can also function as decorative glass while still providing you with increased safety. The manufacturers will incorporate colours into the resin layer, which would then help form patterns or effects that would make the glass stand out.

Another little-known benefit of laminated glass is that it is capable of providing your home with sound insulation. The interlayer functions to trap noises, which ensures that your household is not disrupted from sounds streaming in from the outside. This sound insulation makes it ideal for homeowners living in proximity to busy streets or noisy neighbourhoods.

Share