Many technical terms surround glass in construction, describing the type, properties and performance of glazing. This dictionary sets out the most important terms briefly and clearly, so you can better understand quotes, drawings and data sheets.
Application
Basic terms
- Float glass: the standard flat glass poured onto a bath of molten tin. The basis for nearly all further processing.
- Toughened (tempered) glass: glass pre-stressed by heating and rapid cooling that is stronger and breaks into small, blunt granules.
- Laminated glass: two or more glass panes bonded by a tough interlayer (PVB), so fragments stay attached on breakage.
Insulation and performance
- Insulating glass / double glazing: two or more panes with an airtight cavity between them.
- Cavity: the space between the panes, often filled with an inert gas such as argon.
- Spacer: the edge component that keeps the panes apart; a “warm edge” reduces thermal bridging.
- U-value: the thermal transmittance in W/m²K; the lower, the better the insulation.
- Coating: a thin metallic layer applied to the glass.
Appearance
- Coating: besides insulation, it also governs solar control.
- Figured glass: glass with a relief pattern for light with privacy.
Related terms
- glass
- building glass
- double glazing
- glazing
- wired glass
- figured glass
Learn more about building terms in our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.