Glass is a translucent or transparent material which is made by pouring molten glass over a layer of tin. Molten glass is made up of limestone, iron oxide for color, dolomite, slat cake and sand exposed to a temperature of 1500o Celsius for a considerable time
UNDERSTANDING GLASS
Following are the various types of glasses available with us:-
FLOAT OR ANNEALED GLASS
Annealed glass are glass sheets having great optical clarity and can be easily drilled, polished or machined. This type of glass is produced by heating molten glass and then left for cooling at room temperature.
TOUGHENED GLASS
This type of glass is four times stronger than an annealed glass. It is a highly safe glass as when broken it shatters in small cubes of glasses that are harmless. This type of glass is produced using an annealed glass which is heated to over 500o Celsius and then suddenly exposed to cooling. Sudden cooling gives it extra strength and makes it impact resistant. Cutting, drilling and machining is difficult in this glass
HEAT STRENGTHENED GLASS
This type of glass is stronger than annealed glass as it is subjected to controlled heating followed by controlled cooling. It is highly thermal resistant and does not shatter in small pieces when broken. It breaks in larger pieces of glass that stay together making it harmless for the public nearby. Cutting, drilling and machining is difficult in this glass
FROSTED GLASS
It is also called as a privacy glass. It allows very less light to pass through as it is made up from acid etching method.
INSULATED OR DOUBLE GLASS
When 2 or more glasses are sealed together, with air in between, it forms an insulated glass. This type of glass has the best thermal performance.
TINTED (COLORED) GLASS
Tinted glass is also called as a colored glass. It is used for anti-glaring purpose to offer a soothing experience to eyes. This type of glass should be carefully selected as the light transmission through it is lesser than the other types of glass.
REFLECTIVE GLASS
This type of glass has the property of significantly cutting down the light as well as heat as it is covered with advanced coating. It allows natural light to come in however blocks the heat and radiation. This type of glass is used to cover huge buildings or offices.
BOROSILICATE GLASS
It also called as Pyrex glass and used as a heat resistant glass. It is not affected by heat as it has low heat coefficient of expansion. However a sudden change in temperature can cause it to break but not shatter which also makes it a safe glass.
GLASS MYTH BUSTER
Over the past decade, lot of modifications have taken place in the methods of producing a glass. As a result the glass types have also evolved. In such a case it becomes difficult for a layman to decide as to which glass would best suit his/her purpose. Along with it also comes in lot myths that are discussed below.
MYTH BUSTER 1:
People think that more the glazing of the glass better would be the sound insulation
This is not true as more the thickness of the glass better is the sound dilution. Therefore as an example, a 12mm gazing gives a better sound insulation than a 7mm gap plus 12 mm glazing.
MYTH BUSTER 2:
While installing glass there is no need of validating wind flow
This is again not true. Glass should never be installed without wind validation. It is just not a material. Your glass provider would be the best judge to guide you.
MYTH BUSTER 3:
Thick glass reduces sound
The sound insulation property works in a different way in glass. More the thickness of the glass better is the sound insulation.
