About to start a new building project? If you’re looking for inspiration about which material you should use for it, we believe glass could be a good choice. Glass can be a great way to introduce more light to a building, which can boost the mental health of people inside and it can also make it feel like there’s more space too.
As always, however, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before committing. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide on using glass as a building material. We’ll take a look at its history, and its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision about using it for your upcoming project. Read on to find out more.
The history of glass as a material
Glass is made by heating sand or quartz at high temperatures and it’s one of the oldest construction materials that’s still used today. Traditionally, glass was used for windows but more and more builders are now utilising it for exteriors.
Advancements in technology allowed glass to be made stronger, so it could be used as walls if needed. Some of the most popular glass types used in construction include:
- Sheet
- Float
- Laminated
- Energy-efficient
- Wired
- Tinted
- Tempered
Pros of using glass as a construction material
Aesthetically pleasing – Glass offers a stylish and unique look when used on the interior or exterior of buildings.
Easy to clean – With a glossy and smooth finish, glass is very easy to clean. You can hire professionals to clean them or you can do it yourself with the right equipment and cleaning products.
Waterproof – You won’t need to worry about the classic British rainfall when your building is made of glass. This is completely water resistant, so no damage should come from downpours.
Stable against UV light – Glass won’t crack or discolour no matter the amount of sunlight it receives, which means it should have a long life.
Easily moulded – This material can be moulded into just about any shape you need for your project, making it a versatile option that can be used to develop exquisite buildings.
Cons of using glass as a building material
Can be expensive – If your budget is large, glass is a great choice but if it’s not, it can set you back a lot of money. Make sure you budget for it correctly before committing to using it.
Brittle – Glass can be smashed quite easily, which makes it a concern during transport. Fortunately, you can buy suction lifters to secure them better when carrying them, making accidents far less likely to occur.
Absorbs heat – Buildings can heat up rapidly when glass is used. This is because it traps heat inside the building, so it may not be suitable in countries with hotter climates.