Before you purchase your commercial glass, there are a few things you should know. Here are the characteristics of commercial glass, the treatments that make it stronger, and some common uses. Also, be sure to read about the installation costs. You'll be glad you did. Ultimately, you'll be able to make an informed decision about the best material for your building. But, before you choose that material, you should know the types of treatments available, as well as how to choose the best contractor for your project.

Characteristics of commercial glass

The characteristics of commercial glass are often classified by letter designations, which reflect the chemical composition of the product. Some glass compositions have special properties, such as low melting points or higher melting points for certain markets. A common example is E-glass, which is made from calcium aluminoborosilicate with a maximum alkali content of 2%. E-glasses are commonly used in electronics, where the required electrical conductivity is very low.

The main properties of glass include transparency, pressure, and chemical resistance. Chemical resistance and heat resistance are other important characteristics. Some types are more prone to corrosion and are more resistant to chemicals. Refractive index is the measure of light scattering and determines how much the glass will break when exposed to heat or pressure. Some types of glass can be used in automobiles. The refractive index of the glass depends on the type and quality of its surface, including its surface finish and temperature.

Treatments that make it stronger

There are three main ways to make commercial glass stronger: chemical, thermal, and tempering. Tempered glass is stronger than normal glass due to the controlled thermal treatment it undergoes. When broken, tempered glass breaks into small, granular chunks that are less likely to injure occupants. And while laminated glass is not as tough as tempered glass, it is still strong enough for most uses.

Unlike ordinary annealed glass, toughened glass has a four-fold increase in strength. This is due to a greater contraction of the inner layer, causing compressive and tensile stresses in the glass's surface. A six-mm-thick piece of tempered glass has a minimum surface compression of 69 MPa, while a safety glass must be at least 100 MPa.

Common uses of commercial glass

Glass is an excellent material for many applications. Its properties include transparency, strength, and workability. Some types of glass can be made to have specific properties, such as anti-reflective, shatterproof, or laminated glass. In addition, glass can be tinted, tempered, or laminated. Common uses of commercial glass include windows and doors. The following are some of the most common types:

Display windows: Most commercial glass is used in display windows because of its attractive properties. It is also strong because shop owners do not want their customers to get injured when they are using their store. Thieves are also repelled by glass, which is why it is often used in storefronts. If thieves find the storefront unattractive, they won't steal anything. Unlike old glass, modern glass is resistant to thief attacks.

Soundproofing: If you have a noisy room, you may wish to install glass with a low U value. This can help keep the area inside insulated from external noise. Moreover, double-glazed glass can help reduce the transmission of solar heat. This makes it an ideal material for soundproofing offices and rooms. The noiseproofing quality of this material makes it ideal for offices and restaurants. Moreover, it's an excellent material for buildings that experience a wide variety of climates.

Cost of commercial glass installation

When it comes to the cost of commercial glass installation, the first thing that you should consider is the quality of the job. While you can certainly perform the project yourself, you may run into some problems like mold and condensation, or issues with building codes. Professionals can handle these problems, and they also offer warranties, which is something that you should never assume with DIY installations. Not all glass is created equal, so you should make sure to choose a company that offers a lifetime warranty for the work they perform.

A professional can give you reliable recommendations on the type of WDMA glass you need. Commercial-grade glass has a higher breakage-rate than residential-grade glass. This type is generally used in high-traffic areas, and the glass breaks into small pieces, which reduces the risk of injury. Glass is not the only material that can be expensive, and you should also consider the type of window treatment you want. Choosing a contractor with experience and expertise will be beneficial for both you and your business.