Ever Wonder about the Different Types of Glass & How It’s Made?

glazierGlass is one of the most versatile building materials and provides added visibility and beauty to commercial and residential real estate alike. Understanding the different types of glass and how they are made can help you make the right choices when restoring broken windows, doors and furniture to like-new condition and when installing new glass for your Houston home or business. Here is some added information to consider when planning a glass repair or renovation project.

Types of Glass

Glass is typically composed of a mixture sand, calcium carbonate and sodium carbonate that has been heated until it melts. When these components cool, they produce a clear and relatively fragile substance that can be shaped in a variety of ways. Large sheets are usually referred to as float or plate glass and are commonly used in residential mirrors and windows. Smaller, more intricately shaped items are produced to serve as glassware, measuring cups and other household items. Glass blocks and textured glass can be used to create walls, shower enclosures and table tops for use throughout your home. This basic form of glass can also be processed in a number of ways:

  • Tempered glass has undergone heat treatment to increase its resistance to impacts and to allow it to shatter into small, less-sharp pieces to prevent injury.
  • Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass attached by one or more plastic adhesive layers to create a thick and transparent sandwich. Commonly used in commercial glass applications, this type of glass further reduces the potential for injury by ensuring that most glass shards and pieces adhere to the plastic layers rather than flying free after an impact.
  • Low-emissivity (Low-E) glasses are used in windows, doors and other entry points to reduce the amount of infrared light and heat into homes and buildings. This can significantly improve the energy efficiency of these structures. Depending on the coating used, Low-E glass may also be referred to as reflective glass.
  • Insulated glass is designed with two or more layers; between these glass layers, an inert gas provides added protection against temperature changes and moisture. This can reduce the transmission of heat and cold from the outdoors into homes and other buildings.

Glass can be configured and customized to complement nearly any exterior or interior décor, making it one of the most practical and versatile materials in the construction industry.

The experts at Northwest Glass & Mirror can provide you with the right commercial and residential glass services to suit almost any need. We can design and create custom mirrors or install and replace any type of exterior or interior glass. As a leading Houston glass company, we take pride in serving our customers with the most beautiful and practical solutions for all your glass repair and replacement needs. Contact us today at 281-463-7801 to discuss your project with one of our skilled glass technicians. We look forward to working with you.