DOUBLE & TRIPLE INSULATED GLASS UNITS (IGU)
The type or construction of glass used in these installations will depend on the specification of an individual installation.
As windows are normally on the external elevation of a build, double or triple glazed units are usually used. These sealed glass units can be installed into the frame of the build to allow opening and ventilation. It will be important to note the maximum glass thickness for any chosen framework to ensure the correct glass construction is used.
If a window is going to be exposed to long periods of sunlight it may be useful to consider the use of Solar Control Glass in the installation. Solar Control Glass panels reflect radiant heat from the sun away from the surface of the glass, thus reducing the amount of overheating that can occur internally on large glazed areas.
Heat Soaked Glass may also be worth considering on exposed glass windows to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage from Nickel Sulphide Inclusions.
If windows require an element of privacy not afforded by standard clear glass, then translucent coloured interlayers can be used within the glass unit to create a cloudy or frosted effect. This will allow light to travel through the glass, yet prevent vision.
SPLASHBACKS CAN ADD VISUAL IMPACT TO YOUR HOME AND CREATE AN ELEGANT, EASY TO CLEAN, FOCAL POINT IN YOUR KITCHEN
KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPLASHBACKS
Glass is now very on-trend with modern home interior designers and architects maximising its many properties to add light and to bring a sleek look and feel to a home.
At Supertuff we only ever use high quality Toughened Low Iron Glass, with all-round polished edges, as standard in residential environments. This virtually eliminates any colour or tint occurring naturally in glass therefore allowing the beauty of the true colour chosen to shine through.
Painted Splashbacks for bathrooms are now a modern alternative to tiling and it is easier to install and maintain.
SHELVING, WORKTOPS, TABLE TOPS & BATH TOPS
Supertuff has seen, made and installed many unique and ingenious pieces of glass in its time and can create glass at any shape, any size and in a range of glass thicknesses and types.
There are few limits with glass, its versatility allows us to use it in a range of applications within the home, and we are always looking for ideas to further explore new possibilities of glass application.
SHOWER SCREENS
Frameless glass is a great addition to a modern bathroom design. Glass can be used to create a luxurious wet room, shower screen or shower enclosure.
Single glazed frameless glass doors can also be used to create a wet room or shower doors and Safety Toughened or Laminated Glass must always be used. All holes for hinges and handles are cut into the glass using CNC machine cutting process before the glass is toughened.
Clear or obscured glass units are used in these applications, depending on the level of privacy required from the shower screen.
Decorative finishes can be applied to shower screens and doors which, not only adds a design element, but also provides privacy. Screen printing is a suitable solution to glass in these wet areas due to the durable nature of the ceramic ink used in the process.
Sandblasting, for total privacy, can be applied to create a uniform, fully frosted effect across the glass or the glass can be painted for a sleek coloured finish – both provide total privacy.
Completely clear glass can be treated with a low maintenance coating to reduce soap and water stains.
We’re creative – glass can be cut and shaped to any size using our CNC machine cutting and we are never put off by a difficult space such as a loft space or small bathroom. In fact, we welcome the challenge.
GLASS DOORS
Glass can be used for internal or external doors and allows natural light to transfer between spaces, or transmit light to different areas of a space.
According to BS 6262 all glazing deemed to be in a ‘critical location’ must be a Safety Glass, I.E. a Toughened or Laminated Glass. The ‘critical area’ is the space between the finished floor level and 1500mm above the door and adjacent panels.
To comply with safety regulations any glass used in doors and adjacent panels should be toughened or laminated.
Glass has been used in doors on commercial premises for many years but now Bi-Fold doors, sliding doors and large patio doors are all becoming a popular design aspect for residential homes, especially to the rear of the house. These large glass doors create the illusion of larger internal living areas and connect the indoor space with the outdoors.
Performance glazing such as Solar Control Glass can be used to maintain an ambient internal temperature when using large faces of glass within doors.
For internal doors, or doors where no thermal or weather resistance is required frameless, single glazing is suitable. For external doors or doors separating two different climates double or a Triple Glazed Units may be more appropriate.
Where light transfer may be required but privacy maintained translucent coloured interlayers or sandblasted glass can be used to create a cloudy or frosted glass effect.
Fire Rated Glass can be used to provide a fire barrier whilst maintaining light transmission and vision through fire retardant doors. Regulations state that any framing used for the fire rated glass must also have a fire resistance rating but aluminium, steel or hardwood timber can all be used.
ROOF GLAZING
A glass roof allows light to flood a space and can enhance the mood of the occupants within.
Whilst there are many visual and environmental benefits to a glass roof, there are also practical considerations such as ease of maintenance, the need to control solar radiation and safety. All panels in a glass roof must be a designated Safety Glass; either toughened or laminated.
In case of breakages and for safety, the internal panels of any overhead glazing should be laminated to prevent fragments of glass falling.
The glass used within roof assemblies can be single glazed if no thermal performance is needed. However, in cases where maintaining a consistent temperature is important, double or triple glazed units can be used.
Solar Control glass is also a popular glass solution for roofs. Glass roofs or roof-lights are under direct sunlight during the day, a solar control coating will help reduce the amount of radiation entering the space below and will help control the comfort levels of the internal climate.
For privacy, translucent coloured interlayers or sandblasted glass can be incorporated to the structure to reduce visibility through the glass unit whilst maintaining large light transmission levels.
Maintenance is also a consideration in glass roofing and roof-lights. A pitch of no less than 5 degrees is recommended to allow adequate water run-off and to stop ‘pooling’ on glass surfaces. A higher pitch usually means less maintenance, though contemporary design favours flatter roof designs. You might want to consider a low maintenance coating to the external glass panel to reduce cleaning.
BALUSTRADES
Glass balustrades add drama to a staircase, especially when glass treads are used.
Glass can be used independently as a frameless glass support or within a supporting framework to allow light to transfer between level changes on a staircase.
A frameless glass balustrade construction should be toughened or laminated, with two panels of Toughened (or tempered) Glass laminated together. Thus, making the construction not only structurally stronger than a single piece of Toughened Glass, but also preventing glass fragments falling onto the space below.
Glass can be cut and curved and manipulated to create different shapes and give the appearance of movement and fluidity to a glass balustrade. Specialist interlayers or decorative techniques can also be introduced to these elements for a unique design effect.
For a stronger and safer frameless glass balustrade, we would recommend the use of a Sentry Interlayer within the balustrade construction. An interlayer such as SGP will create a robust balustrade that will remain in-tact in the event of a glass panel breakage.
A Sentry Interlayer on an external frameless balustrade will also increase the life longevity of the installation. Sentry Interlayers are much stronger and do not react to water giving greater life longevity to any external applications.
ABOUT US
Super Toughened Glass Ltd (STG) was established in 1999 with the ultimate aim of providing the highest quality tempered glass manufactured to the Kite mark requirement to BS EN 12150.
CONTACT US
Glass House
Unit 2, 5-9 Willenfield Road
Park Royal
London NW10 7BQ
T: 020 8961 8188
F: 020 8961 2222
E-mail: mail@supertuff.co.uk