Commercial glass is different than residential glass. Both are made from sand which has been melted down at extremely high temperatures in order to become clear and molded. It can be used in multiple applications. The regulatory oversight governing non-residential facilities is much stricter than in homes. That’s because commercial buildings are open to the public. A much greater number of individuals will be coming in contact with the facility. In order to keep everyone safe and the owner of the building from being liable for injuries, codes are much stricter for glass as well as all other materials used in a structure. This product is used in many different settings and the type required will be mandated by the circumstances and codes. The thickness and strength are notated by their grades. Here are some things to think about: - Automobile windshields: Auto windshields and windows must be made to be shatterproof and durable. A car accident or even a fender bender could be lethal from shards cutting the driver and passengers without the shatterproof guarantee. Windshields have a number code imprinted on the lower corner to let motorists know what grade of glass it is. If a crack occurs, it can be patched in order to keep it intact and from spreading. It also can be replaced. Insurance companies often pay for full replacement costs so their insured customers can be safe. - Storefront display windows: A storefront must have safe and durable products for several reasons. One is for attractiveness and clarity for showing the shop’s wares. Another is for the safety of their customers. No one wants a customer to be injured by an accidental breakage. Another reason is for theft resistant qualities. In the old days, thieves and burglars could simply cut the single panes and break in to rob a shop. Now modern day doors, windows and jewelry cases are strong enough to withstand burglaries. - Mental hospitals and prisons: A mental hospital or prison requires an especially resistant material in order to keep everyone safe and contained. Even a chair thrown against one of these windows will not break. It’s more likely to hurt the potential escapee or break the chair than the pane of glass. - Banks and military vehicles: These applications are designed to be resistant even to bullets. Now that’s a strong product! - Day care centers and schools: Children must be protected from broken windows and doors, as well. An accidental shattering could seriously injure children or staff if breakable products are used. Even a stray basketball from the playground could cause havoc. The building codes that mandate thick and durable glasses are designed to protect the public. - Fire safety: Not only are these products designed to withstand impacts that result in breakage, but they must withstand fire pressure, as well. A structural fire causes a great deal of pressurized atmospheric changes due to the heat which could shatter windows and doors. Shards of glass combined with flames would be treacherous indeed. - Windows of yesteryear were much more breakable than the products available today. Commercial glass manufacturing has come a long way in providing safety and durability. A trained craftsman is required to measure and install these products. This is not a job for a do-it-yourselfer. If you are in need of a commercial glass washington dc for more information please visit http://www.glasscontractors.com/.
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