Types of glass: learn about the models, characteristics, purpose and price

Versatile, glass can offer many benefits to architectural projects, including the integration of environments, thermal and acoustic comfort, natural lighting, security and privacy. It all depends on the type of material, but how to choose well?

"The main care is to verify the correct type of glass for each application. With this, it will be possible to guarantee safety in the use of the product," explains the technical manager of the Brazilian Association of Flat Glass Distributors and Processors (Abravidro), Silvio Ricardo Bueno de Carvalho.

The frames and glass consultant Gilmar Nunes da Costa also points out that the quality of domestic glass is superior to that of imported glass: "The material that comes from abroad has a curved plate, so when it is cut, it has a kind of belly," he warns.

Carvalho details that the technical norm "ABNT NBR 7199 - Glass in civil construction - Project, execution and applications" is the reference for glass applications in civil construction.

He cites as an example the railings, which must be made with laminated, wired or insulated glass - as well as doors, partitions and showcases installed below the quota of 1.10 m in relation to the floor. Architect Pamela Ortiz, in turn, explains that "the use of silk-screened, colored and printed glass promotes the reduction of heat entering the environments, saving energy in thethermal control of the buildings, besides personalizing and coloring the environments".

Types of glass

Here you can easily see the main advantages and application tips for the various types of glass. This comparison was prepared with tips from our interviewees.

Acidado

The acid treatment makes the glass whitish and diversifies the aesthetic possibilities for its use. Here, the partition has become extremely elegant and modern.

Antireflective

This type is up to five times less reflective than conventional glass, so it is widely used for paintings and in crystal cabinets, for example, and in other situations where the reflection can be a nuisance.

Scratchproof

In addition to being beautiful and elegant, it ensures that the new look is preserved for much longer. Table tops and also worktops, for example, require this type of material.

Anti-vandalism

See that even under very violent impact, it stays in one piece, although damaged. This prevents possible break-ins and gives you more time to call the police, for example.

Self-cleaning

Perfect for applications where cleaning is more complicated, after all, it greatly reduces the need for washing.

Craquel

On the stairs, this effect gives a fun and unusual touch, since you can really get the impression that you will always break the glass when stepping on it.

Colorful

The painted glass has a high gloss finish and can give a touch of joy and liveliness to the environment where it is applied, as in the example above.

Double

As the name suggests, it is two panes of glass, but separated by a layer of gas or air. This "sandwich" is able to reduce the passage of sound and heat.

Float

The effect of this material is of unequaled refinement and subtlety, such is the visibility it provides because of its uniform thickness and homogeneous mass.

Printed from

In this type of glass, the design is printed as soon as it comes out of the kiln. In good hands, it can offer great results, as in this elegant bathroom.

Sandblasted

In an interesting process in which it is "damaged" by jets of sand grains, the glass becomes translucent and a little rough. Here, it lends sobriety to the environment.

Laminate

It has a plastic sheet that holds the shards together in case of glass breakage. In the example, a perfect application: even in case of breakage, the place will remain closed.

Electronically Opaque

Under normal conditions it is opaque, but with the push of a button it turns into a transparent material.

Reflective

Because it does not retain much heat, it is ideal for sustainable projects. However, it also works well because of its aesthetic appeal. In the bathroom above, it makes the room look bigger and ensures privacy.

Screenprinted

Even though it is transparent, which ensures optimal use of light, the glass work guarantees a certain degree of privacy: it is ideal for when you need the best of both worlds, as in the case above.

Seasoned

More resistant to breakage, here it is used very pertinently to give a more sophisticated finish to the home office desk.

A curious thing about glass is that, along with rubber, it tops the list of materials that take the longest to decompose - about a million years! On the other hand, in the recycling process, it is 100% usable, there are no significant losses. Now that you know all about it, check out some methods, tips, and recipes on how to clean glass and mirrors correctly.