Selecting the right glass for your commercial property is an important decision that should be considered carefully. You need to factor in the purpose, design, and of course, the budget. There are different options to pick from when choosing glass materials for your commercial building, including these:
- Annealed: This softer glass is thermally treated and then cooled down slowly to reduce internal stress. It is less expensive, shatter-resistant, but not as strong as other kinds of glass.
- Tempered: Tempered glass is treated with heat and is stronger than annealed glass. It is shatter-resistant, but if it breaks, the pieces will be very small. You’ll see tempered glass used in large windows and cars.
- Insulated: This kind of glass has at least two sheets of glass vacuum-sealed together. It works well in commercial buildings that need protective, sustainable solutions for their windows. Insulated glass materials hold up well to inclement weather and maintain room temperatures
- Lexan: While not technically glass, Lexan is polycarbonate sheeting, a widely used plastic. It has excellent impact resistance, with a glass-like surface. It’s more likely to bend than shatter and holds up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Plexiglass: Another glass alternative, plexiglass is made from acrylic. It is lightweight and manufactured in sheets. It is translucent like glass and can be laminated with UV coating. Plexiglass is also used to make bathtubs, lights, signs, and furniture.
At First Class Glass and Overhead Doors, we offer complete design and installation for any commercial glass project you may have in mind. We help make your vision come to life with the glass materials best suited for your needs.