About Glass

Annealed Glass

Annealed glass is good, old fashioned, window glass. When it breaks, it will break into large sharp jagged edges. It is typically used for windows, table top glass, and shelving. It can be used where safety glass is not specified or required.

Insulated Glass

Insulated units must be made by our supplier to the specific size and thickness. Our supplier provides us with a Ten Year Warranty for a typical installation. If you have a foggy or broken insulated unit, we can visit you at your home or office to size it up. Or if you can remove the window out and bring it to us, we can change it at our office.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by an inter-layer, typically of polyvinyl butyral, between its two layers of glass. The inter-layer keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces. This produces the characteristic "spider web" cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass.

Building codes require that laminated glass or safety glass has to be used within certain requirements such as within 18 inches of the floor and within 24 inches of a door. It is also a requirement in commercial doors.

Tempered Glass

Tempered Glass, has been heat treated to increase its strength. Due to the brittle nature of tempered glass, any cutting must be done prior to tempering. Cutting, grinding or an impact will cause the glass to shatter into little pebble sized pieces. Instead of large sharp jagged pieces of glass that could cause server injuries. Tempered glass is a Building Code requirement.

Mirror

A mirror is a specialty glass with sliver sprayed on the back to give it its reflective properties. Mirrors can be plain or beveled and have a variety of uses. Because a mirror is essentially glass, it may be cut the same as glass.

Mirrors enhance a room with personality and can make it look larger. You'll never go wrong with a traditional framed mirror. Modern mirrors are often beveled and hung without a frame.

Plexiglas

Plexiglas is a high-grade acrylic often thought of as a plastic glass. While more expensive than glass, Plexiglas, is stronger and much more flexible. Plexiglas may be added to window openings as an additional safety measure. Used over a window, such as a basement window, it can help deflect rocks that may cause damage or breakage during yard work.

Lexan

Lexan is a polycarbonate which is stronger and more expensive than Plexiglas. Standing the test of time, it has not shown to deteriorate like Plexiglas.

Pyrex

Pyrex is heat strengthened glass. Commonly known as cooking glassware. It can withstand high heat without cracking or breaking while remaining transparent. Pyrex is ideal for fireplace doors, and wood burning stoves.