9 Different Types of Glass and Where To Use Them

Glass is a versatile material, and many people use it for construction purposes even now. It has unique properties making it a popular material for many to construct. However, there are different types of glass; thus, you can apply them in different settings. Glass is majorly categorized using the different compositions that it has. Like any material, glass has different grades and qualities for varied uses.

When applying interior glass solutions in Austin, we may have different needs than situations that beget external glass. We’ll tell you all you need to know about the different glass varieties and what you must do to ensure that you make the right decision as per your requirement.

9 Different Types of Glass and Where To Use Them

Glass is quite a hard material, but this property, including its transparency, makes glass one of the most widely used materials in construction. Glass has both functional and aesthetic properties. The different types of glass include:

Float Glass 

Float glass is called so because it’s made from glass that floats on molten metal. It is made from two major compounds Calcium silicate and sodium silicate. It is one of the most common kinds of glasses.

Use: You can use it in shop fronts and display glass due it its clarity and strength. In-home applications, people primarily use this glass for windows or even mirrors where transparency is important.

Tempered Glass 

Tempered or toughened glass is treated to be extremely resistant to impact, cracking, or heat. There’s a cooling process in this type of glass that doesn’t allow it to shatter. Instead, if an impact is strong enough to break this glass, it will break down into squares like pieces, making it less prone to injury.

Use: Applications include car windows for executives and shower doors that face high temperatures. Glass furniture is also made from tempered glass, and other uses include oven-safe kitchenware.

3. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is made by joining two or more layers to create a sheet. Manufacturers will place a layer of plastic in between for maximum reinforcement. Thus, laminated glass doesn’t usually shatter on impact. Thus, it has greater use in high-security situations.

Use: Major applications for laminated glass include any place requiring extra security. You may use laminated glass for the maximum effect on front doors, car windshields, and skylights.

4. Tinted Glass 

Tinted glass helps to keep you away from prying eyes. This type of glass is a good choice if you want to maintain an increased sense of privacy. Tinted glass has a tint to it, so there is less visibility. It still allows you to see outside, but there’s the added benefit of limited UV rays entering your home.

Use: You may use this glass in your home or car windows. If you want to create an office with a lot of natural light but still want to protect people from UV light, then you may as well use some variation of tinted glass. Tinted glass also has aesthetic use.

5. Insulated Glass 

Insulated glass is also one that occurs in layers. It is made using two or more layers with a layer of trapped glass inside it. The best thing about insulated glass is that it can save you a lot of money in heating and cooling by keeping the temperature inside constant.

Use: They can be used in energy-efficient offices and homes. Applying insulated glass units is a great way to ensure your home is environmentally friendly.

6. Patterned or Frosted Glass 

Patterned or frosted glass has low transparency. Thus, it can be used in applications requiring a degree of privacy. Patterned or frosted glass isn’t easily available.

Use: It allows for privacy. You can use frosted or patterned glass for decorative purposes. It still allows light to filter in but isn’t too harsh, so you get a muted effect. Applications include office cubicles, bathroom doors, and shower doors, to name a few.

7. Mirrored Glass

With this type of glass, a mirror coating made using chrome or silver is applied to one of the sides of the glass. It’s available in all sorts of sizes for different uses.

Use: Most mirrored glasses are used as mirrors. Using them in wardrobe areas for full-length mirrors is a recent trend. However, these mirrored glasses have countless decorative purposes apart from function. Mirrorwork is becoming more popular in hotel lobbies and homes. There is also an increase in mirror furniture to impact the perceived size of your rooms.

8. Low Emissivity Glass 

This sort of glass has a coating on the inside to prevent emissions from the inside out. Double-glazed Glass is also a type of low-emissivity glass and thus can reduce energy consumption and emissions. It increases thermal insulation, so temperatures inside remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Use: It is majorly used in doors and windows. You can also add an argon gas filling to the glass for a more efficient power rating. It requires no special cleaning and may protect the furniture against UV fading.

9. Stained Glass 

Stained or painted glass is available in different colors. It is made by adding colors to the glass production process. It isn’t very transparent. Thus, it may help with decorative purposes and allow for increased privacy.

Use: Glass walls with different colored patterns can create a decorative effect in your home. These glasses are also used in churches and museums.

Shop For Different Types of Glasses With Go Frameless Austin

Different glasses serve different purposes; therefore, you must know the most common types before fitting them in your home or office.

Are you trying to find custom interior glass? Austin citizens find everything from interior glass solutions to frameless glass mirrors at Go Frameless Austin.

Visit their website for more information on different types of glass, or contact them to get a free quote.