Specialty Glass: An Inside Look

Glass can be a great addition to any home or commercial property. When incorporating glass, there are many options to consider beyond the basics of tempered versus annealed. While most of these specialty glass options use tempered or annealed glass, they have many other features that make them unique. If you are looking for the perfect glass for a skylight, you might consider silk screened glass, but if you want glass countertops, back painted glass may be your best option. Each specialty glass type offers its own set of benefits and understanding those will help you decide which is right for you.

Fire Rated Glass

Fire rated glass is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and thermal shock. While this option possesses the same visual appeal as standard glass, its added safety features are what make it imperative to the development of high traffic facilities and other locations where fire prevention may be a potential concern. The unobstructed view it provides also allows people to be located more quickly in the event of a fire or other potential crisis. Fire rated glass is ideal for places such as hospitals, schools, airports, and other high traffic properties.

Tinted and Reflective Glass

Tinted glass is designed to make spaces more comfortable by lowering solar light transmission and reducing glare. Visible light, direct heat energy, and UV transmission are effectively absorbed by the metal oxides within tinted glass, giving it the capability to reduce up to 50% of the sun’s direct heat.

Reflective glass is characterized by it’s mirror-like appearance which helps reflect and absorb the sun’s direct short-wave solar radiation. When compared to tinted glass, reflective glass types offer improved thermal control, but allow for less natural light transmittance. This makes reflective glass more fitting for commercial properties, where energy efficiency may be more of a concern.

Back Painted Glass

Back painted glass is exactly what it sounds like, it is a standard glass which has had a color applied to the back of its surface. This is a popular choice for homeowners and designers, as it can be used to add a fun and unique pop of color to virtually any surface. It is also useful for temperature control and glare reduction since the back of the glass cannot be seen through.

Silk Screened Glass

Silk screened glass is produced through a screen, which is imprinted onto the glass surface to create standard or customized designs. The imprint helps improve the glass’s solar control performance and can be combined with both clear and tinted glass. There are almost an unlimited amount of options for working with silk screened glass, it can be used to create a bold statement or subtle effect within any building.

Learn More

These are just a few options you have to choose from when it comes to specialty glass. Whatever the project, there is a specialty glass out there that fits just right. The experts at Horizon Glass can walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your property. To learn more, call 303-293-9377 or email us today!