Glass Types
Tempered Glass Vs. Regular Galss
Tempered Glass is made by heating annealed glass to a temperature of approximately 1,150º F, then rapidly cooling it by carefully controlled airflow known as quenching.
Tempered glass is used when the strength requirements exceed the capabilities of heat-strengthened glass and for all safety glazing applications.
Tempered glass is commonly used in sliding doors, storm doors, atriums, partitions, windows, storefronts, display cases, bath and shower enclosures, and all-glass doors and entrances. Tempered glass should not be installed in areas where it is exposed to temperatures greater than approximately 400°F because it will begin to lose its degree of temper (reverting to annealed glass).
Fully tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness and configuration. it meets all safety glazing standards including the federal safety glazing standard, CPSC 16 CFR 1201, because when it breaks, it fractures into small fragments that reduce the probability of serious injury as compared to annealed glass.
Clear Glass Vs. Low Iron Glass
Regular, Clear Glass.
While “clear” is in its name, clear glass is not the clearest type you can get.
Due to the higher iron content, clear glass has a greenish tint.
Low-Iron Glass.
Low-iron glass, also known as Starfire glass or optically clear glass
This type is more transparent and won’t have greenish tint; so it could transmit up to 91 percent of light compared to the 83 percent associated with conventional clear glass.
Insulating Glass
Insulating glass more commonly known as double glazing or double-pane.
It is made of two layers or multi layers glass. Between the glass space contains dry air with sealing materials around the edges.
The Insulated glass can be processed by using colored Glass, Tempered glass, Laminated glass Low-e glass. Consists of two or three glass window panes separated by a vacuum or gas filled space to reduce heat transfer across a part of the building.
Insulating glass units are manufactured with glass in range of thickness from 1/8″ to 3/8 or more in special applications.
The life of an IGU varies depending on the quality of materials used, size of gap between inner and outer pane, temperature differences, workmanship and location of installation both in terms of facing direction and geographic location, as well as the treatment the unit receives. IG units typically last from 10 to 25 years, with windows facing the equator often lasting less than 12 years.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is typically used for safety or security glass. In case of accidents or break in, The galss will holds together from shattering.
It is simply made by sandwiching layers of polyvinyl or interlayer material in between two or more glass layers.
High temperature and pressure are applied in the process to eliminate air bubbles from the glass layers forming a tough seal. The layers are bonded permanently using both mechanical and chemical bonds. .
Pattern Glass
Bay Area Glass and Windows offers a wide variety of patterned, obscure and textured glass products. .
Tempering is available on certain patterns. Choose a pattern you are interested in and call us today for a free quote.
Acrylic Boards
A transparent, solid sheet made of acrylic resins. Some common brand names are Plexiglas®, Perspex, and Lucite®.
Acrylic sheets are lightweight, tough, and colorless with excellent clarity and outdoor weather resistance.
Compared to glass, acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, but more susceptible to scratching and transmission of UV.
Acrylic sheets are used for safety glass, aircraft canopies, windows, skylights, signs, instrument dials, tail light lenses, lighting fixtures, optical lenses, storage and display cases, and bulletproof glass.
Acrylic sheets come in sizes:
1/16″ , 1/8″ , 3/16″ , 1/4″ , 3/8″ , 1/2″ , 3/4″ ,1″ , 1.25″ , 1.5″ , 2″ , 2.5″ , 3″ , 4″