Are you a local commercial developer looking to build an efficient, modern office building? Choosing the best exterior commercial glass for your Baytown building project is essential. With so many types of glass now available on the market, it may be difficult to decide which type will be best suited for construction and design in our climate.
In this post, we’ll go over some key features and benefits of different types of glass that can help inform your decision-making process when it comes to selecting exterior glass for commercial buildings in Baytown. Get in touch with us today for a custom glass quote.
Advantages of Using Glass as a Key Building Material
When constructing a new commercial building in Baytown, glass is a popular choice for a main exterior material due to its numerous advantages. These include:
- Modern Aesthetic: Glass exteriors offer a contemporary and sleek appeal. Its transparency and ability to be molded into any shape contribute to a stylish, modern design that makes the building stand out.
- Natural Lighting: The use of glass allows for abundant natural light, which has a positive effect on occupants. It enhances mood, improves productivity, and boosts efficiency within the workspace.
- Resistance to Abrasion and Rust: Given the coastal climate in South Texas, resistance to degradation is crucial. Glass offers excellent resistance to abrasion from wind-borne particles and is immune to rust, making it ideal for long-term use in our environment.
- Energy Savings: Using glass can lead to substantial energy savings by reducing the need for artificial lighting. During the day, natural light passing through the glass reduces electricity consumption, resulting in lower energy bills.
- Reduced Dead Load: Glass is a lightweight material that reduces the building’s dead load. This can lower demands on the building’s structural elements and potentially save construction costs.
Choosing commercial glass as an exterior material for new office buildings in Baytown is both a stylish and practical option. We can provide custom, quality glass for both the interior and exterior of your new building.
Potential Drawbacks of a Glass Commercial Building
There are a few potential drawbacks to this choice of building material. One major concern is heat transfer. Glass is not a good insulator, so it can quickly conduct heat. This could be problematic, especially considering the high summer temperatures we experience in Baytown. However, this can be addressed by incorporating energy-efficient solutions like double glazing, reflective coatings, or tinted glass. These options help maintain internal temperature and reduce cooling costs.
Another argument made against glass is the glare caused by natural light, which can be distracting for employees. This can also be countered by using anti-glare coatings, installing blinds or shades, or positioning desks and furniture in a way that helps minimize the glare from bright sunlight.
Types of Glass for Commercial Buildings in Baytown
The type of glass you choose for your commercial building will depend on factors such as design, climate, energy efficiency goals, and budget. Here are some common types of glass used in modern commercial buildings:
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular option for high-traffic buildings. It’s also resistant to thermal stress, making it a good choice for extreme temperature fluctuations.
Tempered glass is produced using a process known as thermal tempering. The glass is then heated to high temperatures, typically around 620 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat alters the internal structure of the glass, increasing its strength. After reaching the desired temperature, the glass is rapidly cooled, which locks the glass surface into a state of high compression while the center of the glass remains in tension. The combination of compression and tension gives tempered glass its superior strength and durability, making it up to five times stronger than regular glass. When broken, tempered glass fractures into small, relatively harmless pieces, rather than large, dangerous shards.
Laminate Glass
On the other hand, laminate glass is a layered option that’s both shatterproof and provides better insulation against sound and UV rays. This makes it a strong contender for areas where both safety and energy efficiency are key concerns.
Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) between two or more glass layers. The assembly is then heated and pressed, causing the PVB or EVA to melt and bond with the glass. The outcome is a strong, layered glass that keeps broken pieces intact, minimizing the chance of injury if it breaks. It also dampens sound and filters harmful UV rays, making it a great choice for safer and more energy-efficient commercial buildings.
Low-E Glass
You can also incorporate protective coatings such as Low-E glass, or Low-Emissivity glass. Low-E coatings are especially useful for commercial buildings as they reduce the amount of radiant heat entering the building, keeping the occupants cool and comfortable while minimizing the need for air conditioning.
Low-E glass coatings can be applied in two ways. The first method, known as hard-coat, involves applying the coating to molten glass during manufacturing. This creates a durable and fused coating. The second method, called soft-coat, applies multiple layers after the glass is cut and shaped. This method provides better solar control but requires careful handling to prevent damage to the coating. Regardless of the method used, the result is a thin, almost invisible layer that reflects or absorbs a significant portion of the sun’s heat.
Baytown Commercial Glass – Durable and Modern
Joey’s Glass provides high quality, durable commercial glass for buildings in Baytown. We have a wide variety of options to choose from so you can make the best choice for your specific needs.
Our prices are competitive and we work hard to make sure that your glass selection meets all your requirements while staying well within budget. For expertise in commercial glass, then contact us today for a quote.