What Is Specialty Glass and How Is It Used?
Specialty glass is used in several different ways. It can be patterned, laminated, reflective, or restored. These types of glass are used in various places, from the home to the workplace.
Patterned Glass
Patterned glass is used in a wide variety of applications. It can be applied on any surface, including the interior or exterior of a home. Aside from adding a unique flair to any home decor, patterned glass can also be a great way to add privacy.
Patterned glass is manufactured using a process called rolled glass. In this process, molten glass is rolled between two rollers. This process produces an attractive, textured pattern that enables light to pass through.
Patterned glass is often used in privacy walls and partitions and in bathroom shower doors, shelves, and floor panels. It is also used in patio furniture and front and back doors.
Patterned glass is available in a wide range of thicknesses. Depending on the size, it can be used for different levels of obscurity. Some patterned glasses are drilled, mirrored, or even beveled.
The texture and design of patterned glass can be customized to create a decorative effect that fits any style. The different shapes and patterns allow different levels of light to pass through.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of specialty glass West Palm beach used in architectural structures. It comprises two or more plies of annealed or semi-toughened glass held together by a plastic interlayer.
Laminated glass is a popular choice for storefronts, windows, and curtain walls in high-rise buildings. It provides extra protection against impact and penetration.
The glass is also resistant to harmful UV rays. These damaging rays are a primary cause of damage to furnishings, pictures, rugs, and other items. In addition, the laminated glass helps reduce the potential for injury and fatalities due to breakage.
Another everyday use of laminated glass is bulletproof glass. Bulletproof glass is made of multiple pieces of laminated glass that are joined together. This makes the glass impervious to a gun’s impact and helps protect people in urban areas.
Other laminated glass uses include skylight glazing, windshields, balustrades, photovoltaics, sunspaces, and glass floors. Some applications include car windshields, police cars, and prisons.
Reflective Glass
Reflective glass has several benefits that can make your home or commercial building more energy efficient. It reduces glare, improves privacy, and lets you enjoy optimal daylighting. Reflective glass can help you achieve LEED credits and reduce heating and cooling costs.
You can choose from a variety of reflective glass designs and finishes. These include tinted, opaque, low-E, and reflective coatings. Some of these options also offer unique aesthetics.
A metal oxide coating is applied to the glass during the manufacturing process. The reflective coating helps the glass to absorb the sun’s UV rays. Different oxides are available, such as silver, gold, and chromium. However, it’s essential to consider your project’s particular solar performance needs.
Although reflective glass has various uses, the most common applications are structural facade glazing, entrance doors, and projection rooms. In addition, reflective glass can be combined with other types of glass and laminated to create an insulating glass unit.
Restoration Glass
Specialty glass for restoration is a type of mouth-blown glass that is ideal for historic restoration projects. It is also perfect for period-style reproductions. These glass products suit various applications, from light to complete distortion. A wide range of colors and distortions are available.
If you’re looking for a glass restoration company, look only as far as Brita. They specialize in restoring damaged or stained glass. Not only do they have various restoration products to choose from, but they also offer installation, pick-up, and delivery services. Their designers work with clients to create a design that suits their needs.
There are a variety of specialty glass fabricators who can create custom glass in various shapes and sizes. These glass products can be used in interior or exterior applications. One popular product is ceramic lamination, which is produced by permanently fusing ceramic frits into the surface of the glass at very high temperatures. The result is a hard coat with an emissivity of just 0.15.
