Glass in Construction: Types, Properties, and Applications

What Is Glass?

Glass, with its different types of glass material, is generally the oldest material and fancy material which is used in the building industry and for other purposes. Glass is generally installed to enhance the beauty of the structure and provides a premium look.

Glass is also a fascinating material among people since its discovery. Glass is basically a hard material that is transparent in nature. Glass is formed by providing heat to quartz or sand; glass is also an inorganic material.

Glass is a glazing material that is the first choice for architects for new and unique design & beautiful outlook. Glass is the most versatile material which is used in the construction industry.

Types of Glass Used in Construction

When we explore how many types of glass are available, we find that there are 10 types of glass and more that are available in the marketplace. Specifically, for types of glass in construction, there are 11 main types. Those properties are as follows.

1. Float Glass.
2. Sheet or Flat Glass.
3. Shatterproof Glass.
4. Laminated Glass.
5. Energy-efficient Glass.
6. Wired Glass.
7. Chromatic Glass.
8. Tinted Glass.
9. Toughened Glass.
10. Extra-clean / Self-cleaning Glass.
11. Glass Blocks.

1. Float Glass:

 

Float glass is also a very popular glass type that is widely used for construction purposes. Float glass is made of sodium silicate and calcium silicate.

This type of glass is also known as soda-lime glass. The float glass is termed float because of the manufacturing process as molten glass will float on the molten tin bed.

This process provides us with smooth, clean, flat, distortion-free glass. Float glass does not need to be cut with any kind of special cutters. This type of glass is available in different thicknesses, which are 2 mm to 20 mm.

The weight of float glass is nearly 6 kg to 36 kg. This type of glass is installed in the window openings, in front of shops, and also in public places.

2. Sheet or Flat Glass:

Sheet glass is a type of glass that is widely used for construction purposes. Sheet glass is produced in a special method; at the first molten glass is passed through the rollers to receive a flat and neat surface finish glass.

No special type of equipment is required to cut the flat glass; it needs only a glass cutter to cut the flat glass. Sheet glass is available in the marketplace in different price ranges and different sizes and thicknesses.

The cost of this glass is comparatively lower than other types of glass, and distortion is also less in this type of glass; for this reason, flat glass is used in the glazing greenhouses. Flat glass is also used in domestic windows, doors, etc.

3. Shatterproof Glass:

Shatterproof Glass is a modern type of glass that is used in different places now. Shatterproof Glass is used to resist the shattering shock. This type of glass does not break into pieces.

In the time of preparation of Shatterproof Glass, we add some other thing termed as plastic polyvinyl butyral resin, which prevents the glass from forming any kind of sharp pieces.

The cost of shatterproof glass is a little bit higher than the other type of glass. Shatterproof Glass is generally used in floors, windows, skylights, etc.

4. Laminated Glass:

Laminated glass is trendy nowadays, and this glass is prepared by ordinary glass layers, which are ordinary and flexible materials. Laminated glass is made with three or layers of ordinary glass layers.

Laminated glass can resist UV rays which are very harmful to people. Laminated glass can resist sound; so, it is used as a soundproof material.

This type of glass is used in bridges and aquariums because it has sound resistance properties. Laminated glass is the best material for build canopies because it can reduce harmful rays.

Laminated glass is prepared with two toughened glass which is laminated in the middle portion. The cost of this type of glass is moderate, and it is available in the market in 6 mm toughened/2.28 mm toughened/5 mm toughened.

5. Energy-Efficient Glass:

Energy-efficient glass is a special type of glass that is widely used nowadays. Energy-efficient glass is used as building material which is manufactured by glazing float glass which has a thin coating on one side of this type glass.

The price of this type of glass is very high. The energy-efficient glass allows passing the solar energy in one direction. Energy-efficient glass also allows the transfer of heat energy in one other direction.

This type of glass also requires highly skilled laborers, which is another reason for the price hiking of this glass.

6. Wired Glass:

Wired glass is a shining example of modern technology. Wired glass is a type of glass that is prepared with wire mesh. In the time of preparation of wired glass, a wired mesh is provided in the middle portion of the structural glass.

The main purpose of providing the wire mesh is to hold the whole glass together and resist it from breaking or cracking. Wired glass is available in a large span because the wired mesh protects that large span.

The wired mesh also protects the wired glass from breaking into small pieces. This type of glass is available in the market as clear or obscured. Wired glass is used in the industrial areas and the garage areas.

7. Chromatic Glass:

Chromatic glass, often questioned as what is chromatic glass, is a special type of glass that is used in the ICUs and the meeting rooms. Chromatic glass is used in various applications due to its unique properties.Chromatic glass has a special ability to protect the interior portion from daylight.

The price of this type of glass is higher than other types. Sometimes, chromatic glass maybe have electric lamination (electro-chromatic). Chromatic glass also has thermo-chromatic (as heat-sensitive lamination) and photochromic (has light-sensitive lamination).

8. Tinted Glass:

Tinted glass is a very well-known and popular glass, and it is widely used all over the world. Tinted glass is basically colored glass that is mainly used in buildings.

In the time of preparation, we add some special type of iron in the glass mix to get those different colors in the tinted glass. The main advantage of using this glass is it looks very attractive and colorful, and the color does not affect the property of the glass.

Tinted glass is used in the windows, roofs, etc. At the time of manufacture, we added iron oxide to get green color in the tinted glass and added sulfur to get blue color.

9. Toughened Glass:

Toughened is a type of glass that is used in general industrial areas. Toughened glass is the most potent glass which is used in the construction industry.

This type of glass is used to resist breaking; that’s why It is termed tempered or safety glass. In the time of breaking, it does not break into smaller pieces like ‘safer,’ but it breaks into larger pieces like a float glass.

Toughened is generally used in interior places like the kitchen because it has good resistance properties. This type of glass is also used in the glass balustrade, swimming pool fencing, and shower screens.

Sometimes, toughened glass is used in the laminated panel. The price of toughened glass is also higher than ordinary ones.

10. Extra-Clean / Self-Cleaning Glass:

 

Extra-clean or Self-cleaning Glass is a new type of glass, which is not used frequently in the previous time. Extra-clean or Self-cleaning Glass has a hydrophobic and photocatalytic type of nature.

The hydrophobic and photocatalytic property makes the self-cleaning or extra clean glass a stain-proof material. Extra-clean or Self-cleaning Glass is very attractive to look at, and it is easy to maintain.

11. Glass Blocks:

Glass block is a very well-known and popular material. Glass blocks are manufactured in two different types, one is solid, and another one is hollow.

Glass blocks are generally manufactured into two separate halves; when the glass is molten, then two halves are pressed together. Some vacuum portion is still there in the portion of joining.

Hollow glass wall blocks are generally allowed to access the sunlight into the inside portion of the building. Highly skilled laborers are needed to install the glass blocks, that’s why the price of this is also a little bit high.

Qualities of Glass

There are generally five engineering properties of glass, and those properties ensure the use of glass for construction purposes. Those properties are as follows.

1. Transparency: The main property of using glass is transparency. Because of this, we can able to see from inside to outside. Transparency also allows us to see from outside to inside; so, it is a two-way process, and sometimes it also acts as a mirror; that time, you can only be able to see from one side.
2. Workability and Recycle property: Glass has excellent workability, and it is molded into different shapes and sizes. Glass is also a 100% recyclable material, and it is used as a raw bacterial of construction.
3. Strength: Glass is naturally a brittle material, but if we add some admixtures and laminates, then the strength of glass will increase. The strength of glass is measured by the modulus of rupture value.
4. Transmittance: Transmittance is the property of glass by which a visible fraction of light passing through the glass.
5. U value: U value is the property of the glass, which refers to how much heat is transferred through the glass. Generally, insulated glass particle shows lower U value because the insulation is not the conductor of heat.

Advantages of Glass

When discussing the advantages and disadvantages of glass, we find that there are many advantages of using glass in construction. Those properties are as follows.

1. Good Transparency: One of the best transparent materials is glass which allows passing the light, and the objects behind the glass are visible clearly. The main advantage of using glass is you can connect the outer world visually. If the door and windows are closed, then the glass allows to enter the light and saves the energy of electricity.
2. Waterproof and Dustproof: The advantage of using glass is it’s waterproof. It saves all the things behind the glass from the water. Another advantage of using glass is it’s dustproof. Due to its smooth surface, it becomes dustproof and easy to clean, and easy to maintain.
3. Availability of color: Glass is available in a wide range of colors in the market. If you combine the glass sheet in the insulated or laminated units, it changes the color and enhances the beautiful appearance. Generally, laminated glass is made with a wide variety of colors, and it shows different lighting effects.
4. Recyclable: Another advantage of using glass is it is recyclable, so you can save energy. It is also a cost-effective process and also reduces water pollution and air pollution. Glass material is fully recyclable, and after the recyclable process, the quality and purity have remained the same as the previous one.
5. UV stable: Glass can resist UV rays, and it is free from disintegration and discoloration. This is another advantage of glass.
6. West and Rust Resistant: Glass is anti-corrosive material among all the building materials, and glass is rarely attacked by some chemicals. Glass is totally weather-resistant, and it helps to resist wind, sun, rain, etc.
7. Easily Moulded: Glass is prepared by applying heat to the sand; it is a transparent material that is remolded into different shapes. The glass is prepared into different shapes for using different places like building windows, building doors, shop fronts, workshops, etc.
8. Electricity insulation: Glass material is a good insulator and resists conducting electricity; so, it can protect you from all types of electrical damages. For this unique property, glass is used in wall light decoration, ceiling light formation, and other electrical applications.

Disadvantages of Glass

While there are numerous types of glass and uses, each with its unique properties, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Those properties are as follows.

1. Higher Cost: The manufacture of glass is a very costly process because it requires a high temperature for processing. Using glass increases the total cost of the building, and it also reduces the privacy of the building because it is transparent in nature.
2. Brittleness of Glass: Another disadvantage of glass is it’s very brittle in nature. Glass is rigid and stiff then applying loads of glass will break down without showing any significant strain. The broken glass piece is very harmful and dangerous.
3. Low Impact Resistance: Glass is very weak in impact load; it suddenly collapse without showing any type of failure signs after applying impact loads.
4. Corrosion Due To Alkali Solution: Glass is highly sensitive to alkaline ions. Alkali corrosion takes place in the glass.
5. Unsafe for an earthquake: In earthquake-prone areas, the buildings are specially designed for lateral loads and movements, but glass can not take those types of movements. So, it will break down easily.
6. High Maintenance Cost: In dust and humid areas, dust particle sticks with the glass and then it will be very difficult for maintenance.

FAQ: Glass in Construction

What is glass and how is it made?

Glass is a transparent, inorganic material created by heating quartz or sand. It is a hard, versatile material widely used in the construction industry for its aesthetic and functional properties. The production process involves heating the raw materials to form a molten substance that cools into glass.

What are the different types of glass used in construction?

There are several types of glass used in construction, including:

1. Float Glass
2. Sheet or Flat Glass
3. Shatterproof Glass
4. Laminated Glass
5. Energy-efficient Glass
6. Wired Glass
7. Chromatic Glass
8. Tinted Glass
9. Toughened Glass
10. Extra-clean / Self-cleaning Glass
11. Glass Blocks

What is float glass and where is it commonly used?

Float glass, also known as soda-lime glass, is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin. It is smooth, flat, and distortion-free. Common applications include windows, shop fronts, and public places. It comes in various thicknesses from 2 mm to 20 mm.

How does laminated glass differ from other types of glass?

Laminated glass consists of multiple layers of ordinary glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). It is known for its soundproofing and UV resistance properties, making it ideal for use in bridges, aquariums, and canopies.

What are the advantages of using energy-efficient glass?

Energy-efficient glass has a thin coating that allows solar energy to pass through while controlling heat transfer. This type of glass reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice despite its higher initial cost.

Where is wired glass typically used and why?

Wired glass is often used in industrial and garage areas due to its enhanced safety properties. It contains a wire mesh that helps hold the glass together if it breaks, preventing it from shattering into large, dangerous pieces.

What are the benefits of tinted glass in construction?

Tinted glass is colored glass that enhances the aesthetic appeal of buildings while reducing glare and heat gain. It is often used in windows and roofs. The color does not affect the glass’s properties and can be achieved by adding iron oxide or sulfur during manufacturing.

What makes toughened glass suitable for high-stress environments?

Toughened glass, also known as tempered or safety glass, is heat-treated to increase its strength. It breaks into large, less dangerous pieces rather than small shards, making it suitable for areas like kitchens, glass balustrades, swimming pool fencing, and shower screens.

How does extra-clean or self-cleaning glass work?

Extra-clean or self-cleaning glass has hydrophobic and photocatalytic properties that help prevent dirt and stains from adhering to the surface. This makes it easier to maintain and keeps it looking clean for longer periods.

What are the main properties of glass that make it suitable for construction?

The key properties of glass in construction include transparency, workability and recyclability, strength, transmittance, and a low U-value. These properties ensure that glass is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.

What are the disadvantages of using glass in construction?

Despite its many advantages, glass has some drawbacks, including:

1. High cost of production and installation
2. Brittleness and low impact resistance
3. Sensitivity to alkaline solutions leading to corrosion
4. Unsuitability for earthquake-prone areas
5. High maintenance requirements in dusty and humid environments

How can the brittleness of glass be mitigated?

The brittleness of glass can be mitigated by adding admixtures and laminates to increase its strength. Types of glass like laminated, toughened, and shatterproof glass are designed to withstand greater stress and provide enhanced safety.