Types of Glass

There are many different types of glass for many different glass applications. Certain applications require that you use toughened/safety glass as where others will require double-glazed or standard glass. In either case, if you have broken glass it is always a good idea to contact your local glazier to replace it.

Types of glass and their applications

When replacing glass glaziers will always try to replace it with the same type of glass that it was ie. toughened glass with toughened glass etc. This is due to many factors but the main being that certain applications legally require specific glass types (for example, A shower screen can only have safety glass). The reason is, that inferior glass will shatter too quickly with the rapid change in temperature cold to hot). Below is a list of some of the more common types of glass and their uses.

Annealed Glass

Otherwise known as float glass, annealed glass is easily broken and breaks into glass shards which are very sharp and very dangerous. This is the base glass that is used in the production of other glass products such as laminated glass. This glass can be used in the production of mirrors by using a reflective adhesive as a backing.

Annealed glass applications

This glass is predominately used for windows and decorative tabletops and mirrors. Due to it breaking easily, it isn't recommended to be replaced with the same especially if it was used in a window or door. Rarely is the glass used in modern-day construction as it has been replaced with safety glass for added safety.

Tempered Glass

Otherwise known as toughened glass is a type of safety glass. This glass breaks into small rounded/squared pieces which are a lot less harmful to the human body. This glass is up to five times stronger than float glass and has a much higher resistance to impacts. It also has a smaller risk of thermal breakage when compared to other glass.

Tempered glass applications

You can see tempered or toughened glass all throughout the home from shower screens and front doors to windows and pool fences. Toughened glass is also used in furniture such as coffee and dining tables. You can even use it in the kitchen as benchtops and splashbacks.

Laminated Glass

This type of glass is also a type of safety glass. Unlike tempered and annealed glass when laminated glass breaks, it keeps all of the shards together in one piece. Laminated glass is also able to be tinted with special UV tint in order to reduce glare and help to keep heat in or out of the home.

Laminated glass applications

Typically anywhere except shower screens can be laminated glass. Due to its anti-glare, it is commonly used in care windows and high-end homes in order to keep the wanted heat in and unwanted heat out. Laminated safety glass is great for pool fences and balustrades as it doesn't shatter into shards or squares.

Who can replace damaged glass?

It is strongly recommended to have any glass installed and replaced by a professional glazier. This is to ensure that the installation is carried out properly and that you won't have any issues later on down the track from poor installation. Damage done as a result of poor installation by a non-licensed glazier can also go against insurance policies and even cause you to be not covered.

What to look for when selecting glass?

Whenever you are looking for glass you should always check to make sure that it complies with the Australian Standard either one of the logos below should be present on the packaging of the glass to show that it complies with the standard. A good glazier will not use anything other than Australian standard glass.

Looking for top-quality replacement glass?

If you have broken glass and need help repairing it then contact our team today at 0436 452 771 and one of our friendly glaziers will be able to help you with your query. If you would prefer to write instead of call please feel free to use the form located on our contact us page.