Safety Glass

What is Safety Glass?

Safety glass is a reinforced type of glass constructed to control danger without compromising on aesthetics effectively. It is a lucid hardened substance produced by treating sand or quarts with excessive heat. Also, the material used is brittle and resilient in harsh weather.

Among its many types, tempered glass is the most in-demand, and other variants available on the market include wire mesh, engraved, laminated, tempered, and toughened glass.

Please continue reading to find more valuable information about the uses of safety glass, its pros, cons, and a lot more!  

Uses of Safety Glass

The usage of Safety glass is primarily in commercial buildings, electronic devices, household items, automobiles, and many more applications. Moreover, for personal electronics and kitchen glassware, tempered glass is ideal.

Safety Glasses

Safety eyewear made from safety glass plays a pivotal role in safeguarding on-site workers in the construction industry. People working in this industry must shield their eyes from dust, debris, paint, and metal fragments. 

Moreover, safety glasses are worn by scientists and researchers at laboratories to protect their eyes from hazardous substances. Other than that, these glasses also provide the needed protection while performing various woodworks and types of masonry.

Windows

Nowadays, safety glass is featured in several home and office spaces, mainly those that rely heavily on glass constructions and accents—even commercial aircraft feature safety-based glass windows and window films. 

But remember that these remarkable options are pricier in comparison to traditional glass. Furthermore, cleaning these windows is a seamless process as they have a higher resistance to stains and blotches than traditional glass forms. 

Doors

Nowadays, typical entryways and other doors are made from safety glass because of the glass's robust properties. This is why the material has gained much popularity as it gives homes and businesses a fresh feel and enhanced appeal. Also, to ensure safety as well as privacy, opt for frosted glasses.   

Stairs 

With the rise in usage of safety glass, it is turning into an important fixture for various residential and commercial settings. Stairs made using this secure glass are undoubtedly expensive; however, their longevity significantly increases if cared for. 

Plus, the hike in overall aesthetics is like none other. No wonder, these days, businesses and homes are opting for glass stairs along with glass flooring. 

The Different Types of Safety Glasses

Contemporary safety glass consists of three forms: tempered glass, laminated and armed glass. For more on this, read on:

Tempered Glass

In most automobiles, the side and rear windows are usually constructed from tempered glass because they are known for their high force resistance and securely shattering properties. Similarly, commercial buildings doors, transit windows, washrooms, bathtubs also consist of tempered glass. The only issue with this glass type is that it cannot be edged, drilled, or cut. 

And if in the off chance the glass breaks, it does so in small pieces, decreasing the likelihood of serious injuries. 

Laminated Glass: 

Laminated glass is constructed by inserting a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two or more glass lites. The PVB varies in thickness from .015" to .090" and in appearance too — clear to tint. 

This type of glass can enhance security in bank teller booths and balconies by preventing accidental falls. Standard glass is subject to heat and immense pressure in a special furnace called an autoclave to achieve a laminated finish.  

Laminated glass is utilized for safety glazing applications which also includes double and triple glazing, as well. By adjusting the breadth and colour of the PVB, the transmission of solar energy filters out ultraviolet radiation via the laminated glass. It has important applications such as upholding privacy, reduction of sound, and formation of enclosures. 

Armed Glass: 

This type of glass is regularly used for roofing purposes and on other outdoor structures.  Extra light is dispersed from the top of this glass, but despite that, visibility decreases at large due to its metal grill. 

The Benefits of Safety Glass

Following are some of the many benefits of safety glass:

Security

Usually, intruders break into houses through windows; however, the interlayer secures your property if you have safety glass installed.

Sound Reduction 

If you reside near a high-traffic area or see a lot of footfall resulting in a noisy environment, safety glass can help reduce the noise. 

Durability

Most glass's sturdiness is unmatched in comparison to Safety glass. Even during the most unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, safety glass is most likely to withstand and remain intact. 

Safety Glass Maintenance And Cleaning

To ensure cleanliness and upkeep of safety glass, follow these steps:

• Treat the glass diligently. Despite its robust properties, there is still a chance of it being damaged due to blunt or sharp objects  
• Regularly clean the safety glass using a suitable appliance and hot water to remove grime and dust. To get a streak-free finish, use a suitable commercial glass cleaner or white vinegar. Furthermore, to clean larger safety glass covered areas on buildings, hire professional window cleaners 
• Regular inspection along with constant maintenance will ensure that the safety glass is adequately fixed and not unstable 
• Be particularly cautious after bad weather. If there is an exterior installation (like balustrade or pool fence), bad weather can cause the fixings to lose and deposit a great amount of debris. Quick remedial action after a storm helps minimize the damage risk to the glass due to strong winds 
• If the safety glass is exposed to substances that stain it, make sure that quick removal is done with a suitable product. Multiple stains can be removed with various products that contain mineral spirits or toluene.