Choosing the right glass for your commercial space is important, whether you’re constructing a new building or renovating an existing one.
This blog will explore the differences between custom and standard glass options, helping you determine which is best suited for your specific needs. From aesthetic considerations to functional requirements, we’ll break down the advantages and limitations of each type to assist you in making an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking for unique designs that enhance architectural beauty or standard solutions that offer convenience and cost-effectiveness, this guide will provide you with the necessary insights to choose the ideal commercial glass for your project.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of custom versus standard glass to find the perfect fit for your commercial needs.
Understanding the basics of commercial glass
Commercial glass is used in buildings and spaces where businesses operate. It enhances a building’s look and helps with energy efficiency, safety, and light.
When choosing glass for commercial buildings, you decide between custom glass and standard glass. Both types offer a variety of characteristics and options that suit different needs. Understanding the basics can help you make the best choice for your commercial projects.
What is standard glass?
Standard glass is often chosen because it’s readily available and cost-effective. This glass comes in fixed sizes and thicknesses, making it a regular choice for commercial glass services. Standard glass is often used in places where regular glass panes fit the requirements.
Standard glass comes with several options. For instance, you can choose tempered glass, which is stronger than regular glass and terrific for high-traffic areas.
Tinted glass can help control the amount of natural light and heat transfer through the glass. Laminated glass, which consists of layers of glass bonded together with polyvinyl butyral, provides additional safety and soundproofing.
While standard glass is a practical option, it may not always offer the tailored solutions some commercial spaces need. However, its advantage lies in its ease of availability and straightforward installation, often reducing both energy costs and time spent on commercial projects.
What is custom glass?
Custom glass meets specific needs and specifications for commercial spaces. Unlike standard glass, custom glass offers more personalized options for businesses. Custom glass can be fashioned into insulated glass units that improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer.
Key features of standard glass options
Standard glass is a common choice in many commercial spaces. It’s the kind of glass you might see in windows or doors of stores and offices. People like standard glass because it is clear, offers natural light, and typically costs less than custom glass. Let’s look at the tempered, laminated, and insulated glass units.
Characteristics of tempered glass
Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas in commercial buildings.
If tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, pebble-like pieces that are less likely to cause injury, offering increased safety. It is also great for those looking to improve energy efficiency, as it helps reduce heat transfer and energy costs.
One key factor about tempered glass is how it is made. It undergoes a process of heating and rapid cooling, which makes it much stronger and more durable. Many businesses choose tempered glass for its strength and safety benefits, especially in areas where people walk or play.
Another advantage is its aesthetic appeal. It looks like regular glass but offers much better protection.
Benefits of laminated glass
Laminated glass is another type of standard glass with added benefits. It is made by bonding layers of glass together with a material called polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
This process makes the glass very tough, which is excellent for safety. If it breaks, the pieces stick to the PVB layer instead of falling apart. This helps prevent injuries and offers protection against burglaries or severe weather.
One major benefit of laminated glass is its soundproofing ability. Because of the layers of glass bonded together, it blocks more sound than regular glass. This is ideal for commercial buildings located in noisy areas. Business owners who want a quieter working environment often choose laminated glass.
Advantages of Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
IGUs are special glass panels designed for energy efficiency. They consist of multiple glass panes separated by a space filled with air or gas. This helps reduce heat transfer, making buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer. IGUs are ideal for businesses wanting to cut down on energy costs.
IGUs boost energy efficiency and improve comfort. They are perfect for keeping a constant temperature inside commercial buildings. Many commercial glass services suggest IGUs to help limit energy consumption. Additionally, these units provide excellent sound insulation, making them a smart choice for busy urban environments.
Advantages of custom glass solutions
Both standard and custom glass have their own advantages, but custom glass stands out in several key areas. It offers more options for those who need specialized glass panes that fit specific needs, like improving energy efficiency or boosting a building’s aesthetic appeal.
Tailored design flexibility
Custom glass offers unmatched freedom in design. With custom glass, you can work closely with a Utah glass company to design glass that fits perfectly with your vision.
This means you can choose the size, shape, and even the type of glass, such as tempered glass or laminated glass. Custom glass can transform a building’s look with elements like frosted glass for privacy or tinted glass to reduce heat transfer and manage energy consumption.
Performance customization
When you need glass that performs well under specific conditions, custom options can be a perfect choice. Whether you’re trying to manage energy bills or ensure safety, custom glass can be tailored to meet these needs.
For instance, if your building is in a hot area, an Insulated Glass Unit or smart glass can reduce energy costs by cutting down heat transfer. Commercial glass can be designed with layers of glass bonded together, using polyvinyl butyral, which makes them several times stronger than regular glass.
This approach is particularly valuable for high-traffic areas where durability and safety are key factors.
Enhancing aesthetic appeal
Custom glass enhances a commercial space’s aesthetic appeal. By consulting with a professional installation service from a Utah glass company, businesses can select glass with unique designs or patterns that align with their branding or architectural style.
This type of glass can use color, texture, and light in innovative ways, improving the overall ambiance of a space. For example, incorporating natural light through large glass panels or using decorative glass panes can make commercial buildings more inviting and comfortable for clients and employees alike.
Find your commercial glass solutions with Murray Glass
Looking for the perfect glass solution for your commercial space? Whether you need custom-designed glass to enhance the aesthetics of your building or standard glass that offers durability and cost-effectiveness, Murray Glass has the expertise and resources to meet your needs.
Let our experts help you make the best choice to elevate your property, combining functionality with style. Choose Murray Glass for reliable, high-quality commercial glass solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
