The Novel Float Glass
Ever wondered what gives contemporary commercial buildings their sleek, sophisticated and transparency? The answer lies in float glass, which has emerged as a new generation material that is changing the perception of the architectural design.Â
Float glass, as its title suggests, is made by floating the molten glass on molten tin and provides the highest degree of clarity and consistency as well as the ability to bend the glass to a number of different shapes. Thus, its potential turns natural light into a key component typical for contemporary architecture. Still, what is even more exceptional about float glass, and why did it become desirable for commercial architecture?
This type of architectural glass is produced through a melt process: silica, sand, lime, soda and potash are melted and floated on molten tin. Later it is held at lower temperature to reduce some stresses that are developed during the cooling process, as it also increases the overall density and refractive index.
Float glass is one of the predominant glass types of the present era and can be used to produce all sorts of types of glass. This material is natural greenish color and the exterior is totally clear and has the property to transmit the light at 87% efficiency. It has a thickness density that can go as low as 0.4 mm or as high as 25mm; this architectural glass may also be treated with various metal oxides to create tinted glass as well.
The float glass is known for its high mechanical strength and relatively low such important characteristics as internal stress. It is chemically and physically resistant to both suffering through various kinds of weather which makes it rather long lasting.
Unique Features Of Float Glass
To understand why float glass dominates the architectural world, let’s delve into its remarkable features in detail:
- Optical Clarity: Suppose you are in a room with gigantic walls made of glass clear enough to give the outside view without any distortion. That is the beauty of float glass. A lot of light calls for space penetration making it decorative and encouraging free flow of people. For office towers and, especially, retail spaces, this ‘optical distinctiveness’ improves aesthetics and brings relation to exterior environment.
- Smooth Surface: Float glass manufacturing procedure is based on spreading the molten glass on molten tin and produces polished and flattest vision possible. Besides, this smoothness also adds to the model sophistication so crucial for applications that must reflect a perfect surface, including reflective coatings and laminations. Can you believe these glasses begin their journey, in such a peculiar way?
- Durability: While float glass is all about aesthetics, it doesn’t come with compromise on quality and durability. It is durable and can endure different weather conditions ranging from heavy rains, to scorching heat. That is why architects prefer it as a roughage material because they spend a lot of money to build structures that last for years.
- Versatility: Float glass also has some of the most amazing features, one of which is the flexibility model. Float glass in its cradle state can be processed to fit any shape required or be further treated to enhance its strength, reduce its thermal conductivity, or to give it an anti-sun glazing coat. It compels innovation, in a way that enables architects to experiment with the designs in buildings.
Energy Efficiency: To cope with current environmental conservation initiatives, what the civilizing world cannot do without energy-efficient materials. Float glass when used together with enhanced coatings such as Low- E, ensures the rates of heat transfer in buildings are minimized ensuring little energy is used for cooling and heating. Just think about it, such a material that may be utilized and at the same time looks elegant and stylish also helps in saving energy.
Categories Of Float Glass
Float glass for particular applications may not operate as a perfect option sometimes. In any project, depending on the needed specifications, one can be privileged to use any float glass. Let’s explore each type in detail:
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- Clear Float Glass:
Being completely free from color and really the least complex of float glass options, this version gives the clearest results. It is almost transparent and for that reason is mostly used on windows, facades and for shop fronts. If you have marveled at the shiny outer surfaces of corporate towers you might have been observing structures made from clear float glass.
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2.Tinted Float Glass:Â
Tinted float glass comes in colors such as bronze, grey, green or blue with the advantage of being free from glare and heat. Imagine an office block colored green that’s tinted float glass creating a beautiful and practical surface.
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3.Reflective Float Glass:Â
Assuming a metallic appearance, this glass offers low solar heat gain while at the same time offering privacy. Have you ever gone by a building and see your image seem to be duplicated to the last detail? That’s reflective float glass doubling as a façade.
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4.Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass:Â
This new kind of float glass is treated using sputtered metal layers which are literally millions of times thinner than a human hair. It does not allow warm air in during the summer or let out the heat in the winter, and so is widely used in green buildings. Just think about the amount of money one would save on the energy bills every single day while being warm in winters and cool in summers!
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5.Laminated Float Glass:
Developed through the process whereby PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is placed in between two layers of float glass, laminated glass has excellent safety features. In a number of accidents even if the outer glass layer cracks, only the interlayer remains jagged and this reduces the potential for injuries. Ideal for use in areas that experience a lot of traffic; more so , where safety is of essence such as counters of banks or terminals in airports.
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6.Tempered Float Glass:
 Toughened glass is treated under heat in order to gain a high degree of strength compared to ordinary glass. When it is cracked it crumbles into small fragments without sharp edges, therefore it can be used in doors, partitions and for skylights. Can you think of a time when you grabbed a tall glass door handle with one hand and pulled gently with the other and questioned the structure’s capacity for support? A wave of that is called tempered float glass.
Float Glass Products & Its Applications In Commercial Architectural Designs
Now that we know what float glass is and its types, let’s explore its diverse applications in commercial architecture:
1. Building Facades
Contemporary clear tinted float glass gives spectacular features of exteriors and makes crossovers between functionality and inserting. Do you find that ‘corporate’ towers are all glistening when the sun is out?
2. Interior Partitions
Aluminum frame dividers or sometimes referred as float glass partitions create an environment that is both open and private. What can it be like to work in a room: clear but open all the same?
3. Skylights and Atriums
Float glass can let in more light therefore brightening up the interiors while at the same time giving long lasting energy efficiency. Perhaps you have dreamed of a club zone and the rays of sunlight in a reception area?
4. Windows and Doors
High performing float glass maximizes energy efficiency, Acoustic Insulation thus providing comfort for any commercial environment.
5. Retail Storefronts
Float glass is secure and appears to clear floating glasses that are very suitable for presenting products.
6. Glass Railings
Float glass which is laminated or tempered, is used for the railings in the mall, offices as well as in the hotels while it gives safety along with stylish outlook.
7. Solar Panels
Float glass also bears high strength, and transparency, which makes it a part of several photovoltaic panel making to support sustainable buildings.
Your Partner In Innovation : Why TPRS Is The Ultimate Choice
Float glass due to its flexibility and usage in many commercial projects cannot be overlooked, but what can be done to ensure its up standard usage in projects? There is nothing as significant as ensuring you hire the right glass provider.
And at TPRS, we are not only suppliers, as we see ourselves as a partner in creating innovative solutions. Our commitment is to provide the market with innovative products; as such, our float glass product line is designed to cater to a variety of architectural demands. Everything from ultra clear glass for perfect architectural features to the Low E glass that powers the green initiative, TPRS is the ultimate in quality and experience.
Just consider designing an output that can both draw the attention of people and improve the efficiency of energy consumption and prevention of fires. TPRS helps to make this vision a reality. We produce our glass products to the specifications of the customer, we test the quality of the glass products and guarantee quality, durability and performance. Town Square float glass can be used whether you choose a large huge corporate identity or a warm, inviting light well.
Turn Your Vision Into TPRS
Have you been documenting your architectural projects and want to take it to another level? Float glass is not just a form of material; it is a design statement that is waiting to happen. Relay on TPRS for unique designs with our float glass products which cannot be paralleled by any of our competitors. It is time to design environments that empower, create and sustain change in a healing manner.
