About glass

Glass has been around almost since the beginning of time but really first came into domestic window use during Roman times.

Glass windows need to perform many functions including being weather tight, letting in light and at the same time providing  the ability to look out while also ensuring security safety and comfort. Today glass plays a dramatic part in architectural design as windows and doors become bigger , take on interesting shapes and lifestyle changes demand more functionality.

As part of the buildings exterior “shell” and the whole green movement towards energy conservation the demands on glazing and fenestration become even greater. In the average home around 35% of the exterior cladding is glass windows and doors. Amazingly while there is huge emphasis on insulating doors , walls and ceilings the same focus isn’t placed on windows and yet up to 50% of energy loss is via glazing. Technology advances in producing special glass including reflective glass and low e glass as well as emphasis on passive design are helping in this area.

Glass has undertaken numerous advances and now there is a glass to suit most purposes such as safety glass that does not  break and splinter but rather shatters and stays in one piece with excellent safety attributes. There are  a great variety of reflective glasses that can offer privacy (see out but not in) reflect heat and offer interesting aesthetic options.

Low e glass has also become very popular in holding heat inside while reflecting  harmful UV rays that can cause fading of furniture and carpets, high performance aluminium windows, thermally broken windows, double glazing etc.

A day made of glass

(A look at glass in the near future)