You are remodeling your house, and you want to get new windows, add a few glass countertops, and maybe some glass accents. Before you begin, you should know that several different types of glass can be found in the average home. Familiarizing yourself with them can help you decide which variety you want to use in your home.

Here Are Five Different Types Of Glass

1. Float Glass

According to CM Glass, LLC – glass products, float glass gets its name because of the process that is used to create it. It is the kind of glass most often used on windows. Manufacturers use a bath made of molten tin or a different kind of metal. They then combine the ingredients used to make glass. The ingredients used to make glass are:

• Sand
• Soda ash
• Limestone

They may also add other materials and oxides for tinting and colors, or products that will increase the durability of the glass.

Once they mix the ingredients, they heat them until they are molten. They then pour the molten mixture onto the surface of the molten glass. The reason this is called float glass is that the mixture floats on top of the metal bath until it is cool. As it cools, it will form a flat surface.

It will be stretched out on a machine that uses rollers. Float glass forms dangerous shards when it breaks, and you will rarely see it used in anything but windows.

2. Patterned Glass

Patterned glass is created by mixing the ingredients inside a furnace. This glass is used for patio furniture and glass partitions. The molten glass is fed from the furnace onto a slab, then the sheet of glass is run through two counter-rotating rollers. One of the rollers has a pattern on it. Using a furnace and rollers makes the glass solidify faster.

3. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is a safe type of glass used in shower enclosures and cars. When it breaks, it crumbles into pebbles.

When manufacturers want to make tempered glass, they will take a sheet of glass and inspect it for imperfections. They then put the glass in a tempering oven. Once the glass is heated, they use a process to cool the glass quickly, which changes the composition of the glass. It causes the glass to be in a constant state of tension, and it is stronger than other types of glass.

4. Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is made from plastic. Manufacturers use polycarbonate polymers to make polycarbonate because it allows light to shine through it like glass. It is strong, and it rarely breaks. Many people like this kind of glass because it is resistant to UV rays. You won’t use it in your home, but it is used for eyeglasses and other glass products.

5. Plexiglass

Plexiglass is not real glass. It is a clear sheet made of acrylic made from petroleum products. You never have to worry about it breaking, and it can be formed into many different shapes. You will not experience glare when you use this type of glass.

A home would be pretty uncomfortable without any windows or glass, but knowing which glass to choose can help you create the perfect abode.