Glass is for much more than just windows and skylights. There are many uses for glass in our homes, offices, dance studios and more. From beautiful backsplashes to mirror walls, there is such a thing as the perfect glass for your next project!
Continue reading to check out the different types of glass that we carry and what applications they are best suited for. Best of all, we offer free estimates and install all of the products that we offer!
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass also known as plate glass, float glass and regular glass is one of the most common types of glass used in windows. It comes in a variety of thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 19mm. However, when it breaks, it breaks into big shards that can cause serious injury. It is generally used for home and storefront windows, tabletops, shelves and picture frames.
Insulated Glass
Insulated glass commonly referred to as a sealed unit; double pane glass; or thermal glass, is 2 pieces of glass that are glued together with a spacer bar in between them. Sealed units will better help insulate your home and keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulated glass is most often used for windows and doors.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass often referred to as safety glass is extremely strong from being heated to 1200°F and immediately cooled. It is approximately 4 times stronger than annealed glass and when it breaks, it shatters into small popcorn sized pieces reducing the chance of severe injury. Tempered glass is used in many applications including railings, backsplashes, doors, and tub and shower enclosures.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is manufactured by baking together 2 or more pieces of glass with a vinyl interlayer in between. This type of glass features many benefits:
- prevents approximately 99% of UV rays protecting floors and artwork from discolouration
- noise minimization from traffic or neighbourhood
- hard to penetrate; when glass is broken, it adheres to the vinyl interlayer and prevents immediate entry
Laminated glass is best suited for projects that require a strong glass that is hard to break through like skylights, commercial doors and car windshields.
Low Emissivity Glass
Low Emissivity (Low E) glass is one that has been treated with an invisible metallic oxide coating. This coating creates a surface that minimizes the amount of UV and infrared light that comes through the glass without interfering the amount of light brightening your home. All new vinyl windows come with this energy efficient glass that keeps the warm air in and the cold air out.
Mirrors
Mirrors are available in, 3mm and 5mm, each designed for different applications. Our 3mm are best suited for framed mirrors. The thicker 5mm mirror is best for mirror walls found in dance studios, gyms and bathrooms.
NeoCeram
NeoCeram is a ceramic glass that is specially designed to withstand high temperatures without breaking, bending or warping. It is used in high temperature applications such as wood stoves, space heaters and fireplaces.
Whether your project is big or small, we have the perfect glass to get the job done right! Request a free quote or call 250-383-9300 to start planning your project today.
