Glass Types in Construction: Properties, Uses & IS Specifications

 

Types of Glass and Properties (As per Indian Standards)

Indian Standards (BIS – Bureau of Indian Standards) specify requirements for different types of glass used in building and construction. Major relevant codes are:

• IS 2835:1987 –                                       Flat Transparent Sheet Glass
• IS 14900:2000 –                                     Transparent Float Glass
• IS 2553 (Part 1 & 2):1990 –                 Safety Glass
• IS 3548:1988 –                                       Glazing in Buildings (Safety Requirements)
• IS 16982:2018 –                                      Insulating Glass Units
• IS 16231:2013 –                                      Solar Control Glass
• IS 14286:1995 –                                      Wired Glass

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1. Sheet Glass (IS 2835:1987)

• Description: Flat, transparent glass made by drawing or rolling.
• Properties:
  • Thickness: 2 mm to 12 mm
  • Light transmission: 80–90% (depending on thickness)
  • Used in windows, partitions, glazing.

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2. Float Glass (IS 14900:2000

• Description: Clear, distortion-free glass manufactured by float process.
• Properties:
  • Thickness: 2 mm to 19 mm
  • High optical clarity
  • Smooth, flat surfaces
  • Can be toughened, laminated, coated.

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3. Toughened / Tempered Safety Glass (IS 2553 Part 1:1990)

Description: Heat-treated float glass with 4–5 times higher strength than ordinary glass.

• Properties:
  • Breaks into small blunt pieces (safety feature)
  • Thickness: 4 mm to 19 mm
  • Heat resistant (250–300 °C)
  • Used in doors, facades, shower cubicles, railings.

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4. Laminated Safety Glass (IS 2553 Part 2:1990)

• Description: Two or more layers of glass bonded with PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer.
• Properties:
  • Holds together when shattered
  • Sound insulation (30–40 dB reduction)
  • UV radiation control (blocks 90% UV)
  • Used in skylights, car windshields, bulletproof glass.

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5. Wired Glass (IS 14286:1995)

• Description: Glass with wire mesh embedded.
• Properties:
  • Fire-resistant (withstands 45–60 minutes of fire)
  • Prevents falling of shards after breakage
  • Used in fire doors, industrial buildings.

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6. Insulating Glass Units (IGU) (IS 16982:2018)

• Description: Double or triple glass panes separated by dehydrated air/gas.
• Properties:
  • Thermal insulation (U-value 1.1–2.5 W/m²K)
  • Sound insulation
  • Prevents condensation
  • Used in high-rise buildings, energy-efficient facades.

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7. Solar Control Glass (IS 16231:2013)

• Description: Glass with special coatings or tint to reduce solar heat gain.
• Properties:
  • Reduces glare
  • Controls UV & infrared radiation
  • Improves energy efficiency
  • Used in green buildings, facades.

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8. Frosted / Obscure Glass (As per IS 2835 tolerances)

• Description: Glass surface treated by sandblasting or acid etching.
• Properties:
  • Diffuses light
  • Provides privacy while allowing illumination
  • Used in bathrooms, office partitions.

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9. Reflective Glass (Coated Glass as per IS 16231)

• Description: Float glass coated with metallic oxide.
• Properties:
  • Reflects solar radiation
  • Improves aesthetics
  • Reduces heat ingress
  • Used in commercial building facades.

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10. Coloured / Tinted Glass (IS 14900:2000 – Float Glass, tinted types)

• Description: Float glass with added metal oxides.
• Properties:
  • Absorbs solar radiation
  • Reduces glare
  • Enhances appearance
  • Used in windows, facades, decorative applications.

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