Understanding Your Options for Commercial Glass

When remodeling your commercial or residential property, you have many choices to consider. What color will you paint it? Hardwood flooring or carpet? If you have chosen to incorporate glass features, what type of glass do you use? There are hundreds of glass types to choose from, but in the end, just about all glass types are manufactured from glass which is either annealed or tempered. To help make your decision easier, we have broken down these two types to help you figure out what you need.

Annealed Glass

Annealed glass is your basic standard, flat glass. It is considered to be a softer glass, and when it cracks it breaks into sharp long shards. This is why annealed glass is typically used in smaller pieces, such as tabletops or cabinet doors. While not as strong as tempered glass, annealed glass is cheaper and can serve as a great option for smaller, interior designs.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is up to five times stronger than standard annealed glass. It can be utilized in spaces that might require it to support a heavier weight. This product can withstand consistent heat up to 470 degrees, making it a viable option for most fireplaces. Besides its strength and heat resistance, tempered glass is also considered a safety glass. When this type of glass breaks, it will shatter into small pebble-like fragments, rather than dangerous shards. Because of this safety feature, it is typically required by universal building codes for areas like doors, shower enclosures, and certain windows.

Call the Professionals

Incorporating glass into your commercial or residential property can offer many benefits. While there are a lot of choices to be made when utilizing glass features, understanding the two basic types is a great start. To learn more, contact Horizon Glass by calling 303-293-9377 or emailing us today!