Types of Glass
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass is manufactured by heating annealed glass to approximately 620 degrees Celsius and then cooled rapidly in a controlled environment. The result is a tempered panel which if broken will fragment in small relatively harmless pieces.
Heat Soaked glass
Heat soaking is a process that complies with BS EN 14179. In this process the glass is heated and maintained at a high temperature then slowly cooled in a heat soak oven which encourages the conversion of the Nickel Sulphide inclusion to its more stable form, thus resulting in fewer spontaneous breakages on site.
Toughened laminate glass
Toughened laminated glass is available in 8.6mm – 39.5mm. Triple laminate is also available. Screen print / sandblast can also be used in conjunction with laminated glass to achieve virtually any desired finish such as dot matrix or logo designs. If a laminated panel is broken, only one side will ‘shatter’, however it will remain in place as it is stuck to the other panel – therefore leaving a guard in place.
Screen Printed glass
Screen printed glass is available in many different colours (RAL chart) in an etch or block out finish.
Designs are also available such as logos or dot matrix finish. The benefit of screen printed laminated glass means that the print is stuck between two panels so it should not wear away or get scratched/damaged.
Sand Blasted / Frosted
Sand blasted or frosted glass is available as an all over finish or can be used in a design. Obscuring a glass panel(s) can sometimes be a condition of building regulations when the balcony maybe overlooking neighbouring properties.
Low iron glass / Opti-white
Low iron glass or Opti-white has a minimal green cast which means it is ultra clear and provides a higher level of transparency than normal clear glass. It is achieved by removing most of the iron oxide content used to produce glass. This does result in an increased cost over normal clear or float glass.
GlassGuard coating
GlassGuard provides the glass panel with a water repellent coating and helps cleaning become easier and less frequent (required 50-70% less often).
Glass Weights
To calculate the weight of a glass panel, a general rule of thumb is multiply by 2.5.
(all at 1m sq)
10mm = 25kg
12mm = 30kg
13.5mm = 33.75kg
15mm = 37.5kg
17.5mm = 43.75kg
19mm = 47.5kg
21.5mm = 53.75kg
25mm = 62.5kg
The above is provided for information purposes only and you should always consult a professional.