Throughout history, many buildings have used glass as a building material. But glassmaking methods restricted their use to window panes mostly. Glassmaking techniques have gotten better, making it possible to make more unique sheets of glass.

Architects use glass in many ways today. For example, they can use it to make building parts like curtain walls or decorative pieces. Consider these six kinds of glass and how you can use them in your home or business today.

1. Float Glass

Float glass results from floating molten glass on top of a bed of molten metal, mostly tin. This method is the most common method used to make sheet glass. Float glass is very strong and durable, and has a very smooth surface that is ideal for glazing. It is also very clear, allowing for good visibility.

Float glass is an essential material to make window panes. Float glass can also feature in the construction of skylights, as it allows for good visibility.

2. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass results from a process that involves heating the glass and then cooling it quickly. This process makes the glass stronger than regular annealed glass. It also gives it superior resistance to thermal and mechanical shock.

Tempered glass is useful in applications with a risk of human impact or where the glass could face extreme temperatures. Common examples include shower doors and architectural glazing.

3. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass features two or more layers of glass bonded together with one or more layers of plastic interlayer. The PVB interlayer bonds the layers of glass together. Laminated glass is a strong and durable type of glass that is resistant to shattering and breaking.

Laminated glass is helpful in applications where safety is a concern, such as windows and doors. Laminated glass also has excellent soundproofing qualities and can help reduce noise levels in a space.

4. Extra Clean Glass

Extra-clean or hydrophilic glass is a type of glass treated to be more repellent to water and other liquids. This treatment includes adding a coating of silicon dioxide, which helps the water bead up and roll off the surface of the glass. Builders use extra-clean glass because it keeps buildings cleaner for longer. Also, the glass makes it less likely that water damage might happen since it repels moisture.

5. Tinted Glass

Tinted glass is a type of glass treated with a chemical or metallic compound to change its color. Tinted glass can possess many different colors. Also, the level of tint can also vary. Tinted glass can create a unique look or reduce the amount of sunlight that enters a space. Glass manufacturers add metal oxides to the molten glass during the manufacturing process to create the tint.

6. Insulated or Glazed Glass

Insulated glass combines two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer. The glass manufacturer fills the spacer with a desiccant to absorb moisture and keep the air space between the panes dry. The space between the panes of glass features an air-tight sealant to prevent outside air from entering.

Insulated glass has many benefits over single pane glass. It is stronger, so construction contractors can use them in larger windows and doors. It insulates better, so it keeps homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. And it blocks out noise better, making it ideal for use in bedrooms and other quiet areas of the home.

Glass is a versatile, attractive, and functional building material. It can complement a building's design and add to its functionality. Thus, you should wisely choose which type of glass you would like featured in your building to increase its functionality. Contact us at Monterey Glass Specialists Inc. for all your glass needs.