Page 9 - omglass brochure

DECORATTIVE GLASS

Glass that is used for more than just a functional purpose—particularly if it is
designed to be pretty or change the look of the space in which it is used—is
decorative glass (also known as ornamental glass). Easily recognizable use of
decorative glass might be frosted, colored or textured glass in doors, which can
be found in residential as well as corporate buildings. Stained glass is also a type
of decorative glass.
The use of decorative glass can range from doors (especially shower doors) to
stairways and hand rails, desks, tables and walls. Furniture made of glass is
classified as decorative glass, as are shelves and floors made of glass.

HEAT STRENGTHEN GLASS

Heat-strengthened (HS) glass has been subjected to a specifically controlled
heating and cooling cycle, and is generally twice as strong as annealed glass of
the same thickness and configuration. HS glass must achieve a residual surface
compressive (RSC) level between 3,500 and 7,500 PSI for thickness up to 6mm,
according to ASTM C 1048. It has a greater resistance to thermal loads than
annealed glass and when broken, the fragments are typically larger than those of
fully tempered glass and initially may remain in the glazing opening.

Heat-strengthened glass is not a safety glass product as defined by building
codes. It is intended for general glazing, and is usually the choice for commercial
applications where additional strength is desired to withstand wind load and
thermal stress, but the strength of tempered glass is not necessary or required by
building safety codes.

HS glass can’t be cut or drilled after heat-strengthening and any alterations, such
as edge grinding, sand blasting or acid etching, can cause premature failure.