Different Applications of Laminated Glass in Modern Buildings
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Glass has been in use since the very inception of civilizations. In the start, it was just used as a decorative material, mostly as beads and ornate crystals. The utility of glass evolved with time. It advanced from beads and crystals to tiny crockery items and color glaze on stones. However, a huge revolution came in the seventeenth century with the development of lead glass. It was then largely employed in windows. Once the man learned the technique to mold and form glass into different shapes, the rest is history!
From breakable float glass to the manufacturer of bulletproof glass, the glass industry has developed a lot over time. With the basic technique in hand, the manufacturers kept on experimenting and developing until they reached the very apex of glass manufacturing. Now we find a wide variety of glass types, each corresponding to a different set of requirements. Want a feel of ultra-luxe in your space, install a crystal glass wall. Seeking to improve the building’s privacy value, use frosted glass. Looking for a shatterproof solution for your windows, employ toughened glass. We have a special glass type for every requirement now. Thanks to advanced technology, we can now enjoy the luxury of glass without worrying about it breaking.
With the introduction of different glass types, the applications of glass in both residential and commercial projects increased big time. Glass is highly cherished by architects and constructors for its transparent beauty. That’s the reason why modern-day commercial buildings incorporate a lot of glass and mirror products. From windows and doors to flooring and ceiling, glass is potentially everywhere. However, aren’t there any security risks if the glass is so extensively used in the building?
Well, actually no!
Because the glass used in commercial construction projects is usually toughened or shatterproof glass. The glass is heat-strengthened to an extent that it can take very hard repeated impacts without getting damaged. Laminated or shatterproof glass is a technological marvel in this regard. It is so strong that it is also used for bulletproofing. We will go through the complete ins and outs of laminated glass and its applications in commercial as well as residential projects in this blog. So buckle up and let’s start exploring the wonders of shatterproof glass!
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated or shatterproof glass is classified under the category of safety glass.
It is made with two or more panes of glass that are held together with the help of an adhesive resin interlayer. The interlayer forms a permanent and super-strong bond between the glass panes. Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) is typically used as the adhesive resin in the interlayer. The PVB layer is responsible for keeping the glass panes together and intact. A permanent chemical bond is created between the glass and the PVB resin that makes the glass shatterproof. Due to the adhesive interlayer, the glass can take any impact without breaking. On an extremely hard impact, even if the glass reeks, the interlayer holds the glass panes together preventing them from breaking into sharp shards of glass.
Due to its exceptionally high strength value, shatterproof glass serves as a perfect alternative to glass. Particularly, in the construction industry, shatterproof glass is deemed highly valuable. That’s the reason why it is so extensively used in commercial and residential projects.
Laminated glass is available in the market in different sizes, thicknesses, and strengths. With thickness, the strength of laminated glass increases even more. Similarly, different coatings and combinations of glass panes are also easily available to correspond to different project requirements. Different variants of shatterproof glass have different characteristics like better heat insulation, more weather resistance, and low emission.
Properties Of Laminated Glass
Before diving into the applications of shatterproof glass, it’s important to know more about the characteristic features and traits that make shatterproof glass so useful in residential and commercial projects. So let’s look into the properties of shatterproof glass first.
Impact resistance – shatterproof glass is highly resistant to external impacts. Even on repeated impacts, it doesn’t break. It is rendered virtually unbreakable.
High safety value – laminated glass has a unique trait that even on an impact hard enough to break it, it doesn’t shatter into sharp shards. Thus, the name shatterproof glass is given. The interlayer holds the glass panes in place and prevents the glass panes from breaking apart. The glass stays in the frame even after getting damaged, thus preventing any unwanted break-ins. This property makes the shatterproof glass safe to use around kids too.
Weather resistance – Another big reason why safety glass is valued in the construction industry is its weather resistance. The multiple glass panes construction makes it immune to severe weather conditions.
Sound insulation – the resinous interlayer in the shatterproof glass is also effective against noise pollution. The interlayer absorbs the sound coming from the outside and renders the interior peaceful and super-private.
UV resistance – shatterproof glass only allows the useful light to come in by filtering the harmful UV radiations of the sun.
Durability – shatterproof glass has a very long service life. It stays intact during the entire life of the building while also taking the daily wear and tear effectively.
Fire resistance – Along with impact and weather resistance, laminated safety glass is also effective against fire. Unlike conventional glass, it takes a considerable amount of time for the laminated safety glass to get shattered in case of a fire emergency.
Applications Of Laminated Glass In Buildings
Due to its unusually high strength value and durability, shatterproof glass is one of the favorite building materials of constructors and architects. It is extensively used in residential as well as commercial projects for its safety value.
In residential as well as commercial buildings, the main concern is safety. Home is the place where we all want to feel safe and protected. This mindset justifies the widespread use of shatterproof glass in residential projects. On the other hand, commercial buildings are a source of business and have many valuables in them which need to be protected. Therefore, shatterproof glass finds its applications in modern commercial buildings. Let’s consider the applications of shatterproof glass in the building industry.
- Windows and doors
It is the most obvious use of shatterproof glass. Windows and doors are the soft spots of any building, and therefore a soft target for potential burglars. We see them as just windows and doors, but the intruders take them as their access roads. So it’s very important to work on improving the safety value of windows and doors. And when it comes to safety, what can be better than having shatterproof glass in the windows and doors. The laminated glass doesn’t break on the hardest of impacts. And if by any chance it gets damaged, the interlayer holds the glass panes together. The glass stays anchored in the frame thus preventing the break-in.
The weather resistance of shatterproof glass also supports its usage in windows and doors. It can withstand weather severities without getting damaged. Shatterproof glass offers a complete package for windows and doors.
- Building facades and storefronts
Retail stores and huge buildings usually have clear glass fronts. That’s the demand of the business. However, it comes with a security threat. The angry mob or a random burglar can easily hit and damage the storefront. This can cause huge damage to businesses.
Of course, businessmen and constructors are more perceptive than us. They have thought this through. That’s the reason why shatterproof glass is used in storefronts and building facades. No unforeseen circumstances can damage the commercial buildings when shatterproof glass is installed in them.
- Secure facilities
Laminated glass is also known as bulletproof glass for its super strength. It is therefore used in high-security facilities to avoid any unexpected events. Banks, money-exchange centers, jewelry shops, high-end art galleries, and retail showrooms employ safety glass to deal with any bit of bother.
- Glass railing system
The interior design trends are changing rapidly. The trends are shifting from rigid and wooden interior items to transparent and sleek alternatives. Glass railing system is an example of the changing trends.
Not a very long time ago, every home, commercial building, and office used to have a wooden railing system. That is now effectively replaced by a clear and elegant glass railing system. However, the glass used in the railing system should be super strong to perform the heavy-duty function. Laminated safety glass is therefore the preferred choice to be installed in railing systems. It not only provides solid support to the stairway but also serves an aesthetic view.
- Sound insulation in commercial facilities
Some places are prone to high noise pollution such as airports, hotels, offices, etc. The excessively high sounds are definitely undesirable in such commercial spaces. Here the soundproofing property of laminated glass comes into play. Shatterproof glass is installed in such facilities to lower the sound coming inside the buildings.
Similarly, recording studios, media centers, office conference rooms, processing centers, and official meeting areas are soundproof using laminated safety glass.
- Overhead glazing and glass ceiling
The glass ceiling looks totally magical. It is incorporated in high-end malls, airports, and lavish commercial buildings. The overhead glass glazing sure looks pretty but the glass used in it should be super-resilient, weather-resistant, UV screener, and extremely strong. All these traits combine in the laminated safety glass. It is therefore used in making sound glass ceilings. Both residential and commercial skylights, roofing, and overhead glazing are done by using laminated glass.
- Glass flooring
Just like the glass ceiling, glass flooring looks super ethereal and is therefore highly desirable in commercial buildings. Glass flooring makes the interior look uber-chic and increases the value of the building. Much like glass ceilings, the glass type used in glass flooring should be super strong. Acknowledging this requirement, shatterproof glass is used in glass flooring projects.
Why Use Laminated Glass In Buildings?
The high strength value of safety glass is enough to answer this question, but there are some other benefits coupled with the use of shatterproof glass along with high resilience. Let’s explore them.
Shield against threats! Undoubtedly, laminated glass is an exemplary choice to make, in order to improve your space’s look yet providing ultimate safety. You might be grappling to protect your home/office from burglars and threats, so laminated security windows are a big help!
Better safety – of course, the safety value of the laminated glass comes first. With such glass installed in your residential and commercial buildings, you don’t have to worry about any injury due to break-in. Safety glass offers enough safety to kids and animals.
Peaceful environment – you can achieve ultimate serenity in your home and discuss the official matters in an absolutely peaceful environment in the office by leveraging the noise insulation property of shatterproof glass.
Energy efficiency – you can maintain an ideal temperature inside by employing shatterproof glass in the doors and windows. As the shatterproof glass does not allow the heat to excessively come in or leave the environment. You can effectively save on energy bills by investing in shatterproof glass.
A healthy alternative – it filters the harmful UV radiations of the sun; therefore, it is a healthy alternative to ordinary glass.
Long service life – Shatterproof glass is super loyal when it comes to utility. It stays intact for decades and handles daily wear and tear without losing its exceptional radiance.
All things considered!
It won’t be an exaggeration to call the shatterproof glass a magic glass. All the desirable traits of a perfect building material round up in the shatterproof glass. It is therefore considered as the ideal material for buildings. Employ shatterproof glass in your buildings to reap its unlimited benefits!
