Types Of Glass Used Within Doors
Expansive glass doors bring nature closer, providing a pleasant view and letting in daylight. Whether you're installing new glass doors or just replacing the glazing in an existing door, you'll have a range of options to consider besides ordinary float glass. Here are several.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glazing consists of several layers. Glass panes are bonded together with a resin interlayer to create thicker and heavier glazing that can both block UV light and diminish sound. Because of the gluey resin, the pane will typically hold together as one when broken, rather than shattering into separate pieces. With its extra strength and safety, laminated glass provides an ideal option for use around the home.
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass starts as ordinary glass; it then undergoes a tempering treatment that increases its strength and resilience. After a furnace heats the glazing to extreme temperatures, streams of cold air quickly cool the sheet. This process builds tension within the pane so that when it breaks, it crumbles into a multitude of small, blunt pieces that aren't likely to cause injury. The increased strength of this glass makes it the perfect choice for large windows and doors.
Insulated Glass
Insulated door units have two or more glass panes with sealed pockets of air or gas in between them. These gaps hinder the transfer of heat through the door, insulating your home in both summer and winter. Warm outside temperatures can't penetrate inside nor can heated winter warmth escape. Double glazing allows you to enjoy a spacious, bright home while minimising energy costs.
You can use both toughened and laminated glass within the unit also to gain extra benefits. The air gap muffles noise, and acoustically treated laminated glass makes your home quieter still. Plus, these safety glazings increase the security of your home by providing additional strength.
Low-E Glass
Low-e glazing has a coating that prevents heat transfer through glass doors. You can install the coating in various ways, depending on your needs. For example, to prevent warmth from escaping in winter, it's most effective to install the coating on the inside of the pane. In a double-glazed unit, place the low-e coating on the inside pane, facing outwards, to keep rooms warm and toasty. To block solar radiation from entering, position the coating on the outside pane, facing inwards. By blocking UV radiation, low-e glazing will also help to preserve the brightness of your furnishings, preventing them from looking dull and faded.