Glass Types - Choosing the Right Glass
Glass is a versatile product suited for many applications in residential and commercial projects. Stake Glass is your local glass supplier and glass manufacturer. We supply a range of strong (toughened) glass, privacy glass, tinted glass and a variety of other glass types.
Choosing the right glass is important, so contact us today for more information or a free quote.
To help you choose the right glass, here are some of the glass types we offer:
- Float Glass | Annealed Glass
- Toughened Glass / Tempered Glass
- Laminated Glass
- Safety Glass
- Tinted Glass
- Mirror Glass
- Obscure / Privacy Glass
- Low Iron Glass
- Reeded Glass
- Low E Glass
Float Glass | Annealed Glass
Glass factories initially produce a product called Float Glass. Float glass is the most commonly used form of glass today.
Annealed Glass is also known as a standard sheet of Float Glass. Annealed glass often goes on to get further treatments or coatings to become different types of glass.
Annealed glass is the most commonly used type of glass in New Zealand homes. It allows the easy transfer of heat, light and noise, and if broken it shatters into large sharp pieces.
For more information on float & annealed glass, please click here
Toughened Glass | Tempered Glass
Toughened Glass also known as tempered glass is up to five times stronger than Standard Float Glass / Annealed Glass, offering the highest impact resistance.
Toughened glass is a type of Safety Glass, as it can withstand strong direct impacts and if it does break, instead of breaking into sharp jagged pieces, it does so into small blunt granules. These granules are less likely to cause injury. Toughened Glass is rated as Grade A safety glass in accordance with AS/NZ 2208 and other international standards.
Float Glass vs Toughened Glass, what is the difference? Toughened glass is Float Glass which has been toughened.
For more information on Toughened Glass, please click here
Laminated Glass
Laminated Glass is made from two sheets of glass bound together with a plastic or resin interlayer. The standard and minimum interlayer is 0.38mm thick, however other interlayers are also available in 0.76, 1.14 or 1.52mm.
Laminated glass does not shatter and spread when broken, instead it remains intact on its plastic or resin interlayer, protecting people from injury.
The strength of laminated toughened glass makes it ideal for use as balustrades, balconies, pool fencing, overhead canopies, internal partitions, glass stairways and glass floors.
For more information on laminated glass, please click here
Safety Glass
Safety glass refers to glass that is designed to minimise the risk of injury if it breaks. It includes toughened (tempered) glass, and laminated glasss. Safety glass is commonly used in locations where the risk of human impact is high, such as in doors, windows, shower screens, and balustrades.
Safety Glass is processed glass that is manufactured to satisfy the requirements of AS/NZS 2208 for safety glazing. Toughened Glass and Laminated Glass are rated as Grade A safety glass.
- Toughened Safety Glass: Toughened glass can withstand strong direct impacts and if it does break, it does so into small blunt granules. These granules are less likely to cause injury.
- Laminated Glass: Laminated Glass does not shatter and spread when broken, instead it remains intact on its plastic or resin interlayer, protecting people from injury. This is why many building codes worldwide require laminated glass.
For more information on safety glass, please click here
Obscure / Privacy Glass
This type of glass is patterned or frosted, creating a blurred effect and preventing it from been clearly seen through. It is used where light but not transparency is desired, helping to maintain privacy. It can be utilised in a number of areas including bathrooms, office partitions, exterior doors and windows.
We can supply the following obscure glass:
- Stippolite glass
- Mistlite glass
- Cathedral glass
- Etchlite glass
- Seadrift glass
- Arctic glass
For more information on Obscure Glass, please click here
Tinted Glass
Tinted Glass is produced by adding metal oxides to the raw materials during the float glass process. The most common tints include grey, bronze, green and blue.
Tinted Glass is used in window or glass applications that require privacy or a reduction in solar heat flowing into homes and buildings.
This type of glass absorbs solar energy, therefore reducing and helping control the amount of heat, visible light and ultraviolet rays that are transmitted through your windows. (79%-94% UV blocked).
For more information on laminated glass, please click here
Mirror Glass
The mirror effect is produced by applying a silver metal coating to one side of the glass and sealing it with a protective layer.
This type of glass is reflective and primarily used for all kinds of mirrors. In some situations, a vinyl safety backing can be used for additional safety.
For more information on Mirror Glass, please click here
Low Iron Glass (Extra Clear Glass)
As the name suggests, Low Iron Glass contains less iron content than standard Clear Float Glass (approximately one quarter).
Low Iron Glass has an extra clear appearance and offers more transparency than the slightly green-tinted clear glass. The crystal-clear appearance of Low Iron Glass allows true colour display and greater clarity. It is a perfect option for use over light coloured paint for Kitchen Splashbacks.
Reeded Glass
Reeded glass, also known as fluted glass, has become a popular choice in NZ for showers, screens, doors, windows, partitions, and cabinets.
This type of glass texture creates subtle privacy and a beautiful design feature in any home or business.
Reeded glass is a type of decorative glass that features parallel, vertical grooves or ridges on one side. This design creates a stylish look and adds texture.
It also provides privacy by diffusing light and blocking the view through the glass.
For more information on reeded glass, please click here
Low E Glass
Low E Glass involves a transparent coating that is applied to the inside pane of a Double Glazed Unit to increase thermal performance.
Low E (Low-emissivity) glass has a surface that gives off low levels of radiant heat. Therefore, a glass window with a Low E coating will reduce the amount of heat transfer. This makes your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This glass is perfect for use in double glazed window units to increase insulation.
For more information on Low E Glass, please click here
Why Choose Us?
We have an excellent reputation in the glass industry, and we are here to help you with all of your glass requirements. We provide everything from high-quality glass shower screens to frameless glass balustrades. And when it comes to windows, our glazing services are second to none.
Our expert glaziers install our products quickly and professionally for our local customers, so choose us for the highest quality glazing solutions on the South Island. We even warranty our double-glazing units for at least 10 years for your peace of mind.
Even if you’re not local to Christchurch, you can shop online for mirrors and glass products.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Under the Building Code, safety glass is required to be used in some areas. If you are unsure about the requirements of your job, please contact us.
Contact Us
Choosing the right glass is important, so contact us today for more information or a free quote.
Telephone: +64 3 348 7778
E-mail: onlinesales@stakeglass.co.nz
Address: 3 Distribution Lane, Sockburn, Christchurch