Glass used in commercial applications is often very different from the glass used in homes. While it has many of the same qualities for eye appeal, this glass in commercial applications also has stricter requirements for safety, for example.

Following are several different types of glass used in commercial applications.

Borosilicate glass. Possibly the most resilient glass used in commercial applications, borosilicate glass contains a great amount of silica, a much smaller amount of boric oxide, and very small amounts of alkalis, along with a tiny bit of aluminum oxide. This kind of glass used in commercial buildings is very resistant to thermal shock and a number of chemicals. This makes it a very popular glass for test tubes and other types of equipment used in labs. Its ability to take high temperatures makes it very useful in cooking applications.

Soda lime glass. Another type of glass used in commercial applications, soda lime glass is made of mostly sodium and calcium. Its main use is in windows because of its ability to let in lots of light. This type of glass is also durable and can withstand many chemicals. It’s a popular type of glass used in commercial applications to make jars. It doesn’t withstand heat as well as the borosilicate glass mentioned above. This kind of glass used in commercial applications is strong and often used in canopies, shop fronts, glass blocks, and railings.

Silica glass. This type of glass used in commercial applications is the most fragile. It is typically very thin and is used to make UV filters found in eyeglasses. It’s more expensive to make due to a high sand content. The melting point is much higher for the sand used in this kind of glass.

Tinted glass. Various chemicals are added to this kind of glass used in commercial applications to make it different colors.

Toughened glass. This kind of glass used in commercial applications breaks into small pieces. It’s typically used in fire resistant doors.

Laminated glass. Different layers sandwiched together make up this kind of glass used in commercial applications. It protects from UV radiation and insulates sound very well.

When you need glass for commercial applications, call FEDERAL GLASS AND MIRROR at 508-872-3563. Mike and John Purpura have a long family history of excellence in many types of glass replacement and installation.