Glass Types - Choosing the Right Glass
Glass is a versatile product suited for many applications in residential and commercial projects. Stake Glass is your local glass supplier and glass manufacturer. We supply a range of strong (toughened) glass, privacy glass, tinted glass and a variety of other glass types.
Choosing the right glass is important, so contact us today for more information or a free quote.
To help you choose the right glass, here are some of the glass types we offer:
- Clear Glass (Float Glass / Annealed Glass)
- Toughened Glass / Tempered Glass
- Laminated Glass
- Safety Glass
- Tinted Glass
- Mirror Glass
- Obscure / Privacy Glass
- Low Iron Glass
- Reeded Glass
- Low E Glass
Remember, you can now buy one of our custom made Mirrors, Kitchen Splashbacks or Glass Table Tops online through our NEW Online Shop, just CLICK HERE.
Clear Glass (Float Glass / Annealed Glass)
Glass factories initially produce a product called Float Glass. Float glass is the most commonly used form of glass today. It is produced by a process of floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal (usually molten tin). It floats on the surface, hence the name, and spreads out to form a level, uniform surface. As the glass begins to cool it solidifies and is drawn out of the float tank in one continuous ribbon.
The glass then enters the annealing or cooling lehr. Annealing is actually a process of slowly cooling glass to relieve internal stresses after it is formed.
Annealed Glass is also known as a standard sheet of Float Glass. Annealed glass often goes on to get further treatments or coatings to become different types of glass.
Annealed glass is the most commonly used type of glass in New Zealand homes. It allows the easy transfer of heat, light and noise, and if broken it shatters into large sharp pieces.
Toughened Glass / Tempered Glass
Toughened Glass also known as tempered glass is up to five times stronger than Standard Float Glass / Annealed Glass, offering the highest impact resistance.
Toughened glass is a type of Safety Glass, as it can withstand strong direct impacts and if it does break, instead of breaking into sharp jagged pieces, it does so into small blunt granules. These granules are less likely to cause injury. Toughened Glass is rated as Grade A safety glass in accordance with AS/NZ 2208 and other international standards.
Float Glass vs Toughened Glass, what is the difference? Float glass is the most commonly used type of glass in New Zealand homes. This type of glass often goes on to get further treatments or coatings to become different types of glass. Toughened glass is Float Glass which has been toughened.
How is toughened glass made? Before beginning the glass toughening process, the glass must be cut to the desired size. This is because it cannot be re-worked once toughened.
Next the annealed glass goes through a heat treatment process, to increase its strength. The glass is heated at high temperatures (650°C), then cooled very quickly. As a result, the outer surfaces go into compression and the interior remains in tension, which gives toughened glass (tempered glass) its strength.
For more information on Toughened Glass, please CLICK HERE
Laminated Glass
Laminated Glass is made from two sheets of glass bound together with a plastic or resin interlayer. The standard and minimum interlayer is 0.38mm thick, however other interlayers are also available in 0.76, 1.14 or 1.52mm.
The standard and minimum interlayer is 0.38mm thick, however other interlayers are also available in 0.76, 1.14 or 1.52mm.
Laminated glass does not shatter and spread when broken, instead it remains intact on its plastic or resin interlayer, protecting people from injury.
Laminated Annealed Glass (not toughened)
Laminated Annealed Glass has a similar impact strength resistance to Annealed Float Glass. However, it does not shatter and spread when broken, instead it remains intact on its plastic or resin interlayer, protecting people from injury. This is why many building codes worldwide require laminated glass.
Laminated glass is rated as Grade A safety glass in accordance with AS/NZ 2208 and other international standards.
In residential and commercial applications, the benefits of Laminated Glass are plentiful ranging from safety, security, custom colours, custom designs, sound reduction, solar energy and UV control (99%UV blocked).
Laminated Toughened Glass
Laminated Toughened Glass is up to five times stronger than Standard Annealed Glass, offering the highest impact resistance. Laminated Glass does not shatter and spread when broken, instead it remains intact on its plastic or resin interlayer.
Therefore, the main benefits of Toughened Laminated Glass are its strength and performance under impact, preventing serious injury.
The strength and performance of Toughened Laminated Glass makes it ideal for balustrades, balconies, pool fencing, overhead canopies, internal partitions, glass stairways and glass floors.
For more information on Laminated Glass, please click here
Safety Glass
Safety Glass is processed glass that is manufactured to satisfy the requirements of AS/NZS 2208 for safety glazing.
Toughened Glass and Laminated Glass are rated as Grade A safety glass.
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass can withstand strong direct impacts and if it does break, it does so into small blunt granules. These granules are less likely to cause injury.
Laminated Glass
Laminated Glass does not shatter and spread when broken, instead it remains intact on its plastic or resin interlayer, protecting people from injury. This is why many building codes worldwide require laminated glass.
Tinted Glass
Tinted Glass is produced by adding metal oxides to the raw materials during the float glass process. The most common tints include grey, bronze, green and blue.
Tinted Glass is used in window or glass applications that require privacy or a reduction in solar heat flowing into homes and buildings.
This type of glass absorbs solar energy, therefore reducing and helping control the amount of heat, visible light and ultraviolet rays that are transmitted through your windows. (79%-94% UV blocked).
Mirror Glass
The mirror effect is produced by applying a silver metal coating to one side of the glass and sealing it with a protective layer.
This type of glass is reflective and primarily used for all kinds of mirrors. In some situations, a vinyl safety backing can be used for additional safety.
For more information on Mirror Glass, please click here
Obscure / Privacy Glass
This type of glass is patterned or frosted, creating a blurred effect and preventing it from been clearly seen through.
It is used where light but not transparency is desired, helping to maintain privacy. It can be utilised in a number of areas including bathrooms, office partitions, exterior doors and windows.
We can supply the following obscure glass:
- Cathedral obscure glass
- Stippolite obscure glass
- Mistlite obscure glass
- Etchlite obscure glass
- Seadrift obscure glass
Low Iron Glass (Extra Clear Glass)
As the name suggests, Low Iron Glass contains less iron content than standard Clear Float Glass (approximately one quarter).
Low Iron Glass has an extra clear appearance and offers more transparency than the slightly green-tinted clear glass. The crystal-clear appearance of Low Iron Glass allows true colour display and greater clarity. It is a perfect option for use over light coloured paint for Kitchen Splashbacks.
Reeded Glass
"Reeded" glass has become a popular choice in NZ for Showers, Bath Screens, Doors and Partitions. This type of glass texture creates subtle privacy and a beautiful design feature in any home or business.
Low E Glass
Low E Glass involves a transparent coating that is applied to the inside pane of a Double Glazed Unit to increase thermal performance.
Low E (Low-emissivity) glass has a surface that gives off low levels of radiant heat. Therefore, a glass window with a Low E coating will reduce the amount of heat transfer. This makes your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This glass is perfect for use in double glazed window units to increase insulation.
For more information on Low E Glass, please click here
Why Choose Us?
We have an excellent reputation in the glass industry, and we are here to help you with all of your glass requirements. We provide everything from high-quality glass shower screens to frameless glass balustrades. And when it comes to windows, our glazing services are second to none.
Our expert glaziers install our products quickly and professionally for our local customers, so choose us for the highest quality glazing solutions on the South Island. We even warranty our double-glazing units for at least 10 years for your peace of mind.
Even if you’re not local to Christchurch, you can shop online for mirrors and glass products.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Under the Building Code, safety glass is required to be used in some areas. If you are unsure about the requirements of your job, please contact us.
Contact Us
Choosing the right glass is important, so contact us today for more information or a free quote.
Telephone: +64 3 348 7778
E-mail: onlinesales@stakeglass.co.nz
Address: 3 Distribution Lane, Sockburn, Christchurch