A beginner's guide to common glass types

by Diana Hellman 09/15/2024

A beginner's guide to common glass types featured image

Since discovery, glass has been marveled at and used for years. The reflective substance can be used in small handheld mirrors, doors, windows and comes with many benefits to make life a bit easier.  

What are the most common types of glass?

Float glass is one of the most common types of glasses seen in many residential and commercial properties. This glass type is made from floating molten glass in a process where the molten glass is emptied into a large tin, allowing it to be shaped into a glass panel. 

Tempered glass is another super common type of glass used in different structures and holds popularity for its additional strength in comparison to other types of glass. 

Laminated glass is used in most models of cars, as it’s strong enough to endure many of the bumps and other forces vehicles can be subject to. This glass type is made from two layers of float glass and a thin layer of PVB resin in between the panels. 

What is the strongest glass?

One of the strongest glasses often used in construction is tempered or toughened glass. This glass is about four times stronger than annealed glass and is made through a series of heating and cooling treatments. 

What are the advantages & disadvantages of glass in construction?

Glass serves many purposes during construction and comes with many advantages to the building process. Glass is an excellent insulator, as it doesn’t conduct electricity it makes for a great tool to create ceiling lights. 

On the other hand, many glass types can only take a limited amount of force before shattering, so the material must be handled with extra care. 

There are many useful things we use in our everyday lives composed of glass. With new technologies being created constantly, who knows what advantageous pieces will be made next.



About the Author
Author

Diana Hellman

 Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters