Do you know that commercial glass is liquid sand? You can produce glass by heating sand made of silicon dioxide. But it is not as simple as you think it is.
Why is it popular in commercial buildings? What type of commercial glass is ideal for storefronts and tall buildings? How does it maximize energy efficiency? Budget-wise, is it better to repair or replace? How much does it cost?
Get to know the answers behind some of the most frequently asked questions about this type of glass.
· What is commercial glass?
Commercial glass, also known as safety glass, is manufactured for commercial buildings. It is composed of sand, sodium carbonate, and limestone raised to an extremely high temperature until molten. It is thicker than regular glass. The large panes are customized to serve as windows, doors, or walls of commercial properties. The production process must strictly adhere to industry standards and regulations to ensure the safety and welfare of the building occupants.
· How is it made?
A specialized furnace emitting high temperatures (1,350–1,600°C) helps make this glass. Its ingredients like sand, waste glass from recycled collections, soda ash, and limestone are mixed and fed to the furnace until it is molten. You may add coloring agents during the process. When cooled, it is poured or floated on top of big molten tin metal. The result is perfectly flat sheets of glass that have the properties of both liquid and solid structures.
· Why is glass popular in commercial buildings?
Have you seen a commercial building not using glass nowadays? The visual appeal makes it trendy in the market. There is a feeling of grandeur and openness whenever you are inside a building surrounded by glass. On a practical note, commercial glass is heat and abrasion-resistant. It can help lower energy consumption by transmitting daylight. It is also an insulator of electricity and safe to use in commercial buildings.
· What are the different types of commercial glass?
Here are some of the common types of glass used for commercial purposes:
- Tempered Glass – It is a safety glass that is durable and not easily breakable.
- Insulated Glass – It increases energy efficiency and is UV-resistant. Inert gas fills the vacuum space between glass panes for high energy efficiency.
- Laminated Glass – Two or more glass panels bonded by inter-layers of polyvinyl. It reduces noise and protects your property from burglars.
- Plexiglass – Due to its shatter-resistant nature, it is used in the construction of building windows, skylights, and security barriers.
- Frosted Glass – It gives privacy in commercial spaces by offering a one-way view. The frosted effect restricts you from seeing the other side of the glass and vice versa.
· What type is ideal for use in tall buildings?
The glass used in tall buildings should be sturdy, thick, and heat resistant. Therefore, it should weather the storm. As such, tempered glass, laminated glass, and plexiglass fit this purpose.
· What type of glass is ideal for use in commercial storefronts?
The storefront is like a window to the soul. The customers and passersby could see what was inside the store. So, they should be able to view various merchandise on display to entice a sale. Therefore, the most common types to consider in storefronts are tempered glass, insulated glass, security glass, and annealed glass.
· What causes damage to commercial glass?
Damage to commercial glass may be due to acts of god or fortuitous events, accidents, and poor maintenance and upkeep. AYou can do nothing about acts of god or natural forces, but you can maintain and upkeep to make the glass last longer.
· Is it better to repair or replace commercial glass?
It all boils down to the extent of the damage. For example, minor damages like small scratches in tint film and hard-to-open windows may require simple repair. Meanwhile, huge damages like large cracks in glass, deep scratches on window surfaces, and loosely installed windows and glass panes require a quick replacement. Any signs that show an unstable glass warrant immediate replacement, pronto! The health and safety of all building occupants must be protected, regardless of replacement cost.
How to Improve Glass Maintenance
It is prudent to seek assistance from an expert in commercial glass repair, replacement, and maintenance. And part of good maintenance is scheduling a qualified inspection from Glass King – the most trusted glass repair and replacement service provider in Chandler, Az. We specialize in glass repair and maintenance, home window repair, and home glass repair. Call us at 480-389-5656 or email sales@glassking.com for inquiries.