Structural and Architectural Glass Specialists
The term "structural glass" is used to describe glass that is integral to the design of a building. The glass takes an element of structural load, or weight, of the building itself. The load itself is dependent on the location and purpose of the glass element. Structural glass is used to create a long or large elevation of glass with minimal obstruction, and is a modern and minimalist alternative to framed curtain wallking.
"Architectural glass" is used to describe glass that is used as a building material. Most typically used for transparent glazing in window apertures on the external walls - ie windows- it can also used for internal partitioning and as an architectural design feature.
Not all glass is equal
There are several different types of glass, and choosing the right type for an application is dependent on the location and purpose of the glass element. Performance goals are also important, when choosing glass.
Look for the U number. The U-factor measures the heat gained or lost through glass due to the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. A lower number means better performance.
Solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, measures how well a product blocks heat generated by sunlight. A lower SHGC means the glass transmits less solar heat, leading to more comfortable ambient temperatures behind the glazing. Selecting the correct SHGC glass for the outside, can help peserve temperatures inside.
Visible light transmission (VLT) refers to how much light passes through the glass. A higher VLT enhances natual light behind the glass: a lower VLT can enhance privacy. VLT can also be used to minimise glare.
Professional Guidance
From tinted to toughened, single, double, or triple glazed, let Ultra Vision Glazing guide you through the options, to find you the perfect pane for your project.
We have decades of experience installing high quality glass applications across the UK. We are well placed to guide you through the choice of glazing options available for your project, and the legislation of the glass products industry, particularly commercial and domestic buildings.
Solar controlled Glass
Solar control glass is a hi-tech product developed by the glass industry to allow sunlight to pass through a window or façade while radiating and reflecting away a large degree of the sun’s heat. The indoor space stays bright and much cooler than would be the case if normal glass were used.
Solar control glass is not necessarily coloured or mirrored glass, although such finishes can be applied for aesthetic purposes if desired. It incorporates invisible layers of special materials on the glass which have the dual effect of allowing sunlight in, while repelling solar heat. Solar control glass units are typically double glazed, which means they also insulate well.
Fire Resistant Glass
Fire Resistant Glass (also known as Fire Rated Glass), is specialist glass that has proven to provide a period of protection against fire, in a Fire Resistance Test, in line with British and European Fire Test Standards.
Fire Resistant Glass is designed to reduce the spread of fire and smoke, in 30-minute "integrity periods". Fire Resistant Glass can withstand heat up to six times higher than ordinary glass. Certain Fire Resistant Glass also minimises radiant heat transfer, allowing longer, safer access and egress during a fire.
Please note that Fire Resistant Glass must ONLY be used as part of an appropriately approved glazing system.
Insulated Glass Units - double and triple glazed
Insulated Glass Units (IGU) are more commonly known as double (or triple) glazing. IGUs are individually sealed units made up of multiple panes of glass. Units usually comprise two (double glazing) or three (triple glazing) panes. Each pane of glass added to the unit increases the level of insulation it provides.
Each pane is separated within the unit, with a sealed gas-filled gap (typically Argon) or air-vacuum between them. The airtight seal reduces the flow of incoming and outgoing heat. The wider the gap, the higher the heat and noise insulation properties of the product. Gaps most commonly ranging between 4mm and 20mm.
We can mix-and-match glass types within our Insulated Glass Units, creating even greater choice, all capable of meeting Building Regulations performance requirements.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that, when it breaks or cracks, holds together due to lamination. Typically, laminated glass comprises two or more panes of annealed glass, bonded together with a clear polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer sandwiched between them. The layers of PVB help hold the glass together, in the event it is smashed or cracked. One of the most common applications of Laminated Glass is in windscreens. It is also used on balconies, often referred to as toughened laminated glass.
Laminated Glass has excellent noise-reducing properties, and can block up to 99.9% of the sun's UV rays. Our wide range of glass types mean we are able to offer laminated glass in a range of sizes, colours, and applications.
Patterned glass
Patterned Glass is made by squeezing a layer of molten glass between patterned rollers, which transfers the pattern onto one, or both sides of the glass sheet. Patterned Glass is used where privacy is paramount, allowing light to enter through the glass, but obscuring vision.
Typical applications of patterned glass include bathroom glazing, but it is increasingly used to add design-dimensions and decoration to shower screens and doors, floor panels, interior glass partitions, shelves, lampshades, and tables.
Tinted Glass
Glass coatings and colours are usually applied for aesthetics, or sometimes for performance benefits. Tinted glass offers both, not only enhancing a building's appearance, but also improving its solar capabilities.
Tinted glass can be used to selectively absorb or deflect heat, by substantially reducing the amount of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation that transmits through the glass. Glass may be tinted in two ways: by applying a scratch-resistant polyester film layer, or body tinting.
Body tinting involves the addition of metal oxides to the float or rolled glass composition. Glass colours range from green to grey, blue to bronze: the thicker the glass pane, the denser the colour. Distinctive and reflective, exterior tinted glass is most often found in commercial applications as well as atria, skylights and increasingly in interior design
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