Conservatory Glass

Curved Glass – was used in early Victorian constructions – now too expensive for standard domestic constructions

Frosted Glass -  alternative name for patterned glass, good for privacy

Georgian Glass – Georgian glass or Georgian wired glass is another form of safety glass. Thin square wires run between the double glazed unit> When broken the wire holds the glass together.

Glass U-Values – A thermal conductivity reading. The U value signifies heat loss performance (insulation factor); the lower the reading the more efficient, i.e. polycarbonate with a ‘U’ value of 1.6 is better than Ultralite with a ‘U’ Value of 1.9.

Heat Reflective Glass- Heat reflective glass has a special coating on one side which reflects solar energy away from the glazing. Solar heat gain co-efficient refers to the amount of heat which penetrates a glass unit, resulting in heat gain. It is expressed as a fraction i.e. 0.40= 40% of the sun’s heat penetrates the conservatory.

Laminated Glass – This is produced by permanently bonding two pieces of glass together with a tough plastic interlayer (polyvinyl butyral) under heat and pressure. When broken the glass fragments adhere to the plastic interlayer rather than falling free and potentially causing injury.

Leaded Glass -  larger pane of glass, split into smaller pieces using lead beading to keep the coloured glass separate. Used extensively in churches and Victorian times

Self Cleaning Glass -  Uses a special coating that is bonded into the surface of the glass when its molten – suns energy burns off organic deposits whilst the rain (or hosepipe in dry summers) irrigates the glazing to wash off the deposits that the sun has broken down.

Toughened Safety Glass -Toughened glass is the most prevalent of the safety glasses available. Toughened glass is made by quickly heating the pre cut sheet glass and air cooling it rapidly, changing its molecular structure