Glass has become indispensable in modern architecture, offering aesthetic appeal, functionality, and safety. With various types available, each offering unique properties, glass can be tailored to suit the specific needs of any space, whether for windows, doors, or other architectural features.
When designing residential projects, particularly landed homes in Singapore, selecting the right type of glass is crucial, as it can significantly influence the house’s security, energy efficiency, and overall look. By understanding the different types of glass available for construction, you can design a house that is visually appealing and meets the practical demands of contemporary living.
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass is considered the standard type of glass and is created by slowly cooling molten glass to relieve internal stresses. When manufactured by skilled technicians, it can be durable and has less internal stresses that could lead to breakage. This type of glass can be edged, polished, custom-cut, and drilled to create a variety of products.
Common Uses of Annealed Glass
- Windows and doors in less vulnerable areas: This type of glass is typically used in areas where safety is less of a concern, such as in smaller windows or where additional reinforcement is provided.
- Glass panels: Annealed glass is commonly used in glass panels for cabinet doors, where it is framed and reinforced by other materials for added protection and stability.
Toughened Glass
Toughened, or tempered glass, undergoes a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it significantly stronger than annealed glass. This glass, also known as safety glass, is typically used for installations where increased safety standards are required.
Common Uses of Toughened Glass
- Home windows: Tempered glass is Ideal for areas prone to impact, such as ground-floor windows or full-height glass doors.
- Shower enclosures and glass balustrades: Because of its strength and safety features, this makes it a popular choice for shower doors.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is manufactured using two layers of glass bonded with a durable interlayer, creating a strong and secure bond. This construction significantly enhances the glass’s strength, ensuring that the interlayer keeps the fragments in place even if they shatter, reducing the risk of injury. To meet specific needs, laminated glass is available in various thicknesses and can be customised with different glass combinations or coatings, such as low-emission or enhanced insulation properties.
Common Uses of Laminated Glass
- Safety windows: The increased strength of laminated glass makes it an excellent choice for designing windows and doors with optimal home security. The interlayers reinforce the structural integrity of the glass, making it extremely difficult to penetrate or break through.
- Sound insulated Windows & Doors: The thickness and composition of laminated glass effectively disrupt sound waves as they pass through, significantly reducing noise pollution and creating a quieter indoor environment.
- Low-E Windows: Low-emissivity (low-E) laminated glass could help reduce heat gain from the sun, allowing for less frequent use of air conditioning and thereby lowering energy consumption and emissions.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is produced by adding traces of metals, such as cobalt, iron, and selenium, to ordinary glass during the manufacturing process, giving it a darker shade. This reduces glare and heat transmission, making it an energy-efficient option.
Common Uses of Tinted Glass
- Heat control windows: Tinted glass is often used in windows exposed to direct sunlight to reduce heat gain and glare.
- Privacy windows: Its darker shade offers enhanced privacy while allowing natural light to filter through.
Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is made by sandblasting or acid etching one side of a glass pane, creating a textured, pitted surface. This texture scatters the light that passes through the glass, rendering it translucent and blurring images while still allowing light to filter through. This makes frosted glass suitable for spaces requiring privacy without sacrificing natural light.
Common Uses of Frosted Glass
- Bathroom windows and doors: This type of glass is a popular choice for bathrooms, offering privacy without sacrificing light.
- Glass panels: Frosted glass is commonly used in partitions, doors, or cabinet doors to provide a modern, sleek look while maintaining privacy.
- Full-height doors: Frosted glass is an excellent choice for full-height glass doors that require privacy, such as in bedrooms or home offices.
Wired Glass
Wired glass is reinforced with a metal wire mesh embedded within the glass during manufacturing. This makes it more resistant to impact and helps keep the glass intact in case of breakage.
Common Uses of Wired Glass
- Fire-resistant windows: Wired glass is often used in fire-rated windows and doors, as it can prevent the spread of flames and smoke.
- Secure Windows: Its reinforced structure makes wired glass windows suitable for use in areas where security is a concern.
Double-Glazed Glass
Double-glazed glass, also known as insulated glass, consists of two glass panes separated by a gap filled with air or inert gas and assembled in parallel to form a single unit. These panes are connected by a spacer, typically made of metal or polymer, which is sealed to minimise water vapour penetration. While similar to laminated glass, double-glazed glass differs in that it has a layer of air or gas sandwiched between the two separate glass panels. This type of glass is commonly used in new construction for its thermal insulation properties and soundproofing capabilities.
Common Uses of Double-Glazed Glass
- Energy-efficient windows: Double-glazed windows are a must for energy-efficient homes, reducing heat gain during especially humid days.
- Noise Reduction Windows: Places located in noisy areas benefit greatly from double-glazed windows, which help to keep out external noise.
Patterned Glass
Patterned glass is produced by pressing semi-molten glass between two metal rollers, which imprints a pattern onto the surface. This process results in one side of the glass having a textured pattern while the reverse side remains smooth. Lightweight, decorative, and affordable, patterned glass is effective in diffusing light while ensuring privacy.
Common Uses of Patterned Glass
- Decorative windows: Patterned glass is often used in decorative windows, offering both privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- Doors and partitions: It’s also popular for use in doors and partitions where a balance of light diffusion and privacy is desired.
- Accent panels: Patterned glass panels can serve as decorative accents in various parts of the home, adding character and style.
Mirrored Glass
Mirrored glass has a reflective coating applied to one side, turning it into a mirror. This opaque type of glass offers flawless clarity and can be cut, shaped and finished to your exact specifications. It can also function as a one-way mirror, brightening the home and creating the illusion of more space.
Common Uses of Mirrored Glass
- Privacy windows: Mirrored glass can be used in windows where privacy is needed without sacrificing light or the view.
- Glass doors: Mirrored glass can be used in closet doors or as room dividers, combining functionality with a stylish appearance.
Enhancing Your Projects with the Right Glass
After selecting the appropriate type of glass for your design, it’s crucial to partner with a supplier that delivers high-quality materials and reliable installations tailored to your specifications. This is where Sapphire Windows can make a difference.
Our team understands the unique demands of architects and contractors, offering an extensive range of window and door glass options to meet the needs of every project. Whether you want to implement full-height windows or soundproof doors in your design, we’re here to help you make informed decisions that elevate the spaces you are bringing to life.
For more information on home design tips, check out our window and door ideas that help optimise natural light in your home.