Glass Types

Types of Glass From SGC

Premium Glazing Supplied by SGC Glass

When it comes to getting the exact performance and look you desire from your glazing products, whether it’s with windows and doors, internal glass balustrades, shower screens or anything else, there are different types of glass available. Every different type of glass serves a specific function and will enhance the performance of your glazing products.

All types of glass can be supplied and fitted by our professional glaziers in London, Essex and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for certain types of glass that are not listed here, contact SGC Glass and we will most often be able to order it in especially for you. Find out more about the different types of glass we can help you with below!

Perfect For Privacy

Obscure Glass and Privacy Glass

Obscure Glass
This type of glass is float glass that has been treated so that it continues to let in light but ensures that what can be seen through is indistinct. Obscure glass is sometimes referred to as patterned or privacy glass.

Sandblasted Glass
This product is made by sandblasting a clear sheet of glass, creating completely obscure glass visually while still allowing it to transmit light. Sandblasted glass is commonly used in doors, shelving, glass balustrades and shower screens.

Satin Glass
Satin glass has been chemically treated to give it a satin finish and is sometimes referred to as acid etched glass. This type of privacy glass ensures that the further away objects are from the glass, the more obscure they become. Unlike other types of glass, this ensures privacy at a distance, but isn’t completely private when viewed from closer in.

Beautiful Reflections

Mirror Glass Types

We offer a range of made to measure mirrors to suit any application. Below are some of our most common finishes, but we can supply practically any tint, shape and style you could desire.

Low Iron
Low iron mirrors offer unbeatable clarity due to their special crafting process.

Bronze Tinted
At face value, bronze-tinted mirror glass offers minimal difference over its plain cousin, but in fact can be used effectively to subtly change the aesthetic of a space. Bronze mirror glass is commonly used on splashbacks or simply wall mounted.

Grey Tinted
As with bronze-tinted mirror glass, you will find that grey tints can alter the appearance of a space greatly when used selectively with the right lighting and is becoming increasingly popular.

Antiqued
These aged-look mirror finishes can add a subtle charm to your living space and fit well with wooden furniture and a rustic or cottage style.

Impact Resistant
Suitable for use in spaces such as dance studios and gyms, these tough types of mirror glass can withstand being hit with considerable force.

High-Performance Insulation

Thermal Controlling Types of Glass

Solar Control Glass
Solar control glass allows sunlight to move through while removing much of its heat, allowing for better climate control. It’s the ideal choice for large expanses of glass such as shopfronts, as well as in south-facing conservatories.

Low E Glass
Low E glass or low-emissivity glass is a type of energy-efficient glass that is coated to prevent heat escaping through your windows. Low E glass can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your property, reduce your heating bills and keep you comfortable all year round.

Greenhouse Glass
Also known as horticultural glass, greenhouse glass is designed for use in outdoor applications, such as greenhouses, and is a highly cost-effective choice.

Safe & Secure

Safety Glass

Plate Glass
The most common type of glass used in windows, plate glass is sometimes referred to as float glass or annealed glass, which refers to the cooling process it undergoes when it is being fabricated. It is versatile but lacks strength when compared with toughened types of glass.

Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is commonly used in installations that require enhanced security, such as in commercial properties. Laminated safety glass uses an interlayer to ensure that it will not shatter on impact, reducing the risk of injury and offering more security in the event of an accident or break in.

Anti-bandit Glass
Anti-bandit glass is similar to regular laminated Safety Glass, but it differs in the respect that it is stronger, thanks to a much thicker interlayer. This type of glass is typically used in applications such as shopfront windows and doors to jewellers and banks.

Extra Tough & Durable

Toughened Safety Glass

Toughened Safety Glass
Toughened glass is, as its name suggests, a type of glass which is far more resistant to breakage than usual glass. If it does break, the glass shatters into very small, square pieces rather than shards, ensuring less chance of injury.

Heat Soaked Toughened Safety Glass
Heat soaked toughened safety glass goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure that it has a much lower risk of fracture than conventional thermally toughened glass. This glass is typically used in high rise installations, balconies and balustrades and any area which demands a higher-grade safety glass.

Toughened Laminated Safety Glass
This glass combines all of the benefits of toughened glass, such as superior strength and safe breakage with an interlayer to ensure that it provides a barrier that is exceptionally hard to penetrate. Perhaps the most robust of all safety types of glass, toughened laminated safety glass is often used in overhead glazing applications such as glass canopies.

Fire Rated Glazing
Fire rated glass products are specially designed and manufactured to offer protection from the various hazards associated with fire. These types of glass are compulsory in certain circumstances under UK Building Regulations.

Keeping Energy Consumption Low

Double and Triple Glazing

Double Glazing
Double glazed units consist of two panes of glass separated by a vacuum or gas filled space. These units reduce heat transfer between your home and the outside. Most modern homes and new build developments are fitted with double glazing.

Triple Glazing
Triple glazing is made in a similar way to double glazing, with the exception that they feature three panes of glass instead of two. Triple glazed windows give superior performance in controlling heat and condensation. It is also a great acoustic glass and can help with controlling noise levels, which is ideal if you live in a built-up area. Triple glazed windows also offers increased efficiency and can help to improve a home’s security too!

For Specific Projects

Speciality Types of Glass

Low Iron Glass
Low iron glass is manufactured with lower levels of iron to increase light transparency by as much as 6%. This glass offers excellent clarity and does not have the same greenish-blue tint that is typically seen in other types of glass, especially larger or thicker panes, and is widely used for back painted glass.

Back Painted Glass
Back painted glass is a clear glass that is painted from the back and viewed from the front, making it opaque. It is a great alternative to surfacing materials like tile or laminate. It is hygienic, easy to colour match to tie into a chosen aesthetic and a great decorative addition to any property. We commonly use back painted glass in our coloured glass splashbacks.

Lacobel Glass
Lacobel glass is a clear glass that is coloured on one side while still retaining its transparency. It is a durable glass which will retain its appearance for a long time and is a great way of adding colour to your property. Importantly, it is also made in an environmentally friendly way.

Acoustic Glass
Acoustic glass is a specialised glass used to considerably reduce noise levels. This is accomplished by using multiple panes bonded by a special polyvinyl resin in the manufacturing process.

Windows with Integral Blinds
Integral blinds are essentially double glazed windows which feature blinds installed between the panes, giving you control over the light that enters your property while staying clean and dust-free.

Curved Glass
As its name suggests, curved glass is used for special applications where shape is critical to design language and aesthetic.  Curved glass is sometimes referred to as ‘glass bends’.

Find The Perfect Solution for Your Project

Premium Quality, Competitive Prices

All types of glass featured here will be installed to the highest professional standards by our glazing team and offered at extremely competitive prices. With so many different types of glass, it can be easy to be overwhelmed with the choices. If you have any questions about any of the types of glass listed here or would like to enquire about one that we haven’t covered, contact SGC Glass today and we will be more than happy to help.