Glass creates a beautiful addition to your residential or commercial building. It can also provide structural elements to open up spaces while providing an acoustic barrier. In today’s blog from Springfield Glass Company, we examine the differences between decorative (ornamental) glass and structural glass.
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What Is Structural Glass?
Structural glass is used when the glass is taking on some of the weight load of the building around it. It’s a strong kind of glass made to support additional weight. It can be frameless or come with a frame. Structural glass undergoes special manufacturing processes to make it more durable and stable compared to decorative glass. Springfield Glass Company can install all kinds of structural glass for residences and commercial buildings throughout Southwest Missouri.
Where Do You See Structural Glass?
You’ll find structural glass everywhere. A shower glass door enclosure, conference room glass curtain, and heavy-duty storefront window are all types of structural glass. You might see structural glass as a floor that people walk on or a roof that keeps out the elements. You could also see structural glass as part of a vast array of tinted windows that helps with solar control. Aquariums might have structural glass that holds in the water. The type and strength of structural glass depend on its purpose.
What Is Decorative Glass?
Decorative glass, also known as ornamental glass, is used purely for aesthetic purposes. Decorative glass can be tinted, frosted, shaped, or colored. You’ll find decorative glass in doors, bathrooms, shower stalls, coffee tables, and shelves.
What Are the Differences Between Structural and Decorative Glass?
The key difference between structural and decorative glass comes from the framing. Do you see a frame around the glass? If not, it’s most likely structural glass. Frameless shower doors, building facades, conference room facades, and doors made entirely of glass are structural in nature. They’re sturdy and made to last.
Structural glass is heavier than decorative glass. As such, the amount of glass you can put on your building depends on the thickness and weight of the glass and how it’s held in place. Laminated or tinted glass may change the dynamics of how much glass a building can hold.
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Springfield Glass Company & Structural Glass
Springfield Glass Company can install all types of structural glass for your residence or commercial building. There are many different kinds of structural glass for you to choose from! Contact Springfield Glass Company or call (417) 883-6555 for more information.