Glass is the most oldest and versatile material in the construction industry. It has been a versatile and transparent material since it was first time made in about 500BC. Its role in architecture has expanded over the years. You can find glass everywhere around you from drinking glasses to fancy crockery. Very amazing things about glass are as follows:
Glass is just like a riddle. It can protect us from environmental changes but it shatters with incredible ease.
History of Glass in the Construction Industry:
In ancient times, naturally occurring glass is used to make weapons which are mostly found near volcanic regions. Naturally, glass was formed after lightning strikes sand. While the man-made glass was used in crockery, vessels, and decorations.
In first-century Europe introduces the “Glass Blowing” technique which transformed the glass-making industry. Manufacturing of transparent glass by manganese dioxide was being used for architectural purposes. A special type of glass named “Anglo Saxon” was used in cathedrals and churches in the 7th century.
By “Crown Glass Process” Sheet Glass was made in the 11th century which was used up to mid 19th century. Later on, in 1958 Bickerstaff and Pilkington has introduced the “float Glass Process” to the world. Modern windows are the bright samples of this technique.
From the beginning of the 20th-century steel and glass construction have become the symbol of progress all over the globe.
Properties of Glass:
Properties of Glass can’t be neglected while we are briefly talking about this amazing invention. So without wasting your time let’s take an overview of the properties of glass.
Uses of Glass:
From making breakfast in the kitchen to solar panels on the roof, from drinking glass to fancy crockery, from glass in the watch to frown in the mirror it is present everywhere around you. We can’t negotiate the presence and importance of glass in our lives.
Now we will be going to talk about different types of Glass and their uses in the construction industry.
Types of Glass
Decorative Glass:
This decorative glass is used in both commercial and residential properties where privacy is the basic concern like in conference rooms, shower screens, cafes, and much more. Acid-ethenic can be done on the buyer's demand means on the specific areas or on the entire glass to offer distinct levels of translucence.
Laminated Glass:
This glass is used in the construction industry where toughness and longevity are desired. This type is very amazing as it is bulletproof and mostly used where security is first priority. This glass will remain attached to its inner layer and thus it doesn’t shatter easily due to the Bond between the PVB and the glass.
Coated Glass:
This type of it has a layer on its one surface that is applied to modify its influence and appearance. This type doesn’t form edged pieces even broken. The characteristic of this is solar protection and noise insulation.
Tempered Glass
This type of glass is stronger than the normal glass so it is used in balcony doors, swimming pools, elevators, skylights, bathtub enclosures, and sliding doors in the construction industry. Due to its strangeness and longevity, it is increasingly being used to design a staircase.