Glass holds many uses as a construction material. These uses cover doors, walls, ceilings, floors, and others. But before actually acquiring and installing glass, certain factors are considered. These factors comprise the qualities or the overall specification of glass. Only through the glass of the right specifications, any project can bring forward the required results. Contractors and others can have services such as construction takeoffs to understand the specifications of the required materials.
Glass as a Construction Material
Glass is made from silicate, soda-lime, borosilicate, lead aluminosilicate, and other materials. It is manufactured and used for various purposes. A common process to manufacture it is to mix the ingredients and heat it to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. The melted mixture is then pressed into the cast and polished. The material itself is an amorphous solid but holds a strong physical appeal. In addition to that the material contains different qualities that make it a good choice. These qualities define its consideration and specifications. To find the right glass project owners and others need to be aware of these qualities. The top of the list qualities are:
Transparency
Glass can work on two different principles refraction and reflection. This depends on its transparency. If the glass is transparent on both sides it works on refraction and if one side is transparent it reflects and is called a mirror. The transparency should be in a good colorless and bright form.
Strength
Its strength is another important factor. This is dependent on the modulus of rupture value. To add additional strength, laminates, and admixtures are used. This strength an essential role in uses such as furniture, walls, ceilings, façade, and others. The glass should be of the right strength to sustain the weight and last for a long time.
Workability
Glass is brittle and delicate. It can break easily. Therefore, a desirable glass should be shaped into the required shape with ease. The shape is often made during manufacturing time. As the melted glass is pressed into the cast it takes the shape of the cast. In addition to that, shaping may become necessary such as cutting it. In any such condition, glass should be fit for it.
Transmittance
Glass transmits light through refraction. In this, glasses vary in their capacity. This is called the refractive index which ranges between 1.49 to 1.63. This also plays an important part in decision-making and usage for projects. Lesser refraction makes a glass better for usage.
U Value
Glass is itself an insulator. It inhibits heat from passing from one side to the others. This quality varies in different glasses and hence it is best to consider this before using it. A lower value means a lower amount of heat passing. Therefore, glass with a lower value is often considered for usage.
Recyclable
As glass is manufactured, it can be recycled. If a glass is of quality there is a higher chance that it can bring back the amount spent on acquiring it in the first place. During the recycling process, the glass is melted. This covers glass constituents and other impurities. Thus, the impurities can cause problems during the process. This makes Glass with less amount of impurities a better choice.
Judging through these concerned individuals can pick the right glass for the project at hand.
Conclusion
Glass is useful construction material. It is used for variables used in construction projects. For any the usage, the most appropriate type of glass should be picked and installed. To define a good glass should be picked. The qualities to declare a good glass are discussed in the article. Contactors or project owners can also assist with material takeoffs to understand the acute requirements or specifications in this regard.
