Features of the design of glass with reinforced glass
One of the latest innovations presented by manufacturers of window constructions is the use of double-glazed windows with extra strong reinforced glass. In combination with other means of protection, such a burglar-resistant glass unit effectively copes with the protection of offices, shops, banks, business centers, private homes from thieves and vandals. The first installation of such windows is used for commercial real estate, but recently the owners of private houses and apartments have become interested in such a novelty. In addition, such structures will help protect the building from fire, so it is recommended for use in public buildings.
Advantages and disadvantages
Constructions with reinforced glass and reinforcement of lintels are superior to conventional ones due to a number of positive sides:
- resistance to mechanical damage (due to the protective layer of polymer film and a multilayer structure);
- safety in use (even if the glass unit is broken, which is, in principle, difficult, it will not break up into fragments and will not hurt you);
- fire resistance (in case of fire, smoke and hot gases are blocked);
- impact resistance and reliable anti-vandal protection;
- strength is 4 times higher than that of ordinary;
- You can not install the grilles on the windows, as there is a metal mesh inside the reinforced structures;
- attractive design of protective glass, which is devoid of metal gratings;
- high noise isolation.
Among the drawbacks, we note only the high cost (but it is fully justified by the complexity of the design) and the rather difficult installation process, so you should contact only the professionals in their field.
Specifications
The basis of armored glass - steel mesh with small cells. Thanks to this, the window is protected from mechanical damage.Multi-pane glass with various security features also includes a special film. This design is used for glazing windows, ceilings and partitions in various buildings, as well as for the device of balcony fences.
Metal mesh with square cells (from 12 to 25 mm) is in the middle of the sheet. To do this, use a welded wire mesh made of steel or having an aluminum coating. Reservations are placed over the entire area of the sheet, and the grid should be 1.5 mm from the surface - no less. It is possible to choose both a standard form, and corrugated. Glasses are made in different shades - depending on the wishes of the customer.
Despite the fact that a metal grid is embedded in the thickness of the reinforced glass unit, this does not affect its translucent characteristics.
Kinds
There are several types of reinforced glass:
- shock resistant;
- resistant to penetration;
- resistant to other types of damage (for example, bulletproof).
According to test statistics and the requirements of GOST, anti-vandal glasses withstand the impact of a spherical body weighing 4 kg dropped from a height of 10 meters. That is, a soccer ball or even a stone is unlikely to break such a window. There are windows with even higher strength of the glass unit, which is indicated by the icon of the strength category: A1, A2, A3. Depending on the temperature of use, the glass can be ordinary (used in conditions above 0 degrees) or cold-resistant (letters CL are added to the class designation).
Anti-burglar glasses resistant to penetration withstand from 30 to 70 blows with an ax and are classified both by protection class (B1, B2, B3, B4), and depending on the operating temperature.
Bullet-proof glass (bulletproof glass) - especially durable, as they withstand the action of firearms or explosive debris. There are 4 classes of protection of such glasses: B1, B2, VZ, B4. They can be shatterproof or fragmentation (fragments are formed on the inside and damage the “control screen”).
Profiles
When ordering reinforced glass, which is much heavier than usual, make sure that the frame is made of a particularly strong profile. The weight of the reinforced double-glazed window is much larger than the standard, as a result of which it is recommended to use a 5-chamber profile with a minimum width of 70 mm.Since the protective glass is very heavy, it is worth remembering about the high-quality accessories, which will significantly extend the service life of the window.
For reinforced structures, special frames made of metal or aluminum are usually used. Along the line of junction between the glass and the profile, grooves are installed, with the help of which steel lining is installed to protect the profile from various external influences. For the maximum level of protection, frames made entirely from steel profiles will be the best choice.
Texture and shades
Since there are various shades of reinforced glass, you can saturate the room with color. Variations in color are obtained by adding a mixture of metal oxides. Reinforced glass can be of different textures: with a smooth or wavy surface, polished or matte, colorless or painted. Also, the patterned surface will be an original solution when the relief of glass repeats the pattern of wire mesh.
Installation Tips
Working with reinforced glass is not so easy - we need certain skills. If you make glazing yourself, please note that along the incision line the glass continues to stay on the metal grid. This piece is bent to the stop and removed with nippers.
For the design of terraces and loggias most often used reinforced glass with a thickness of 4 mm. It is best to use for it an aluminum profile for cold glazing.
The installation of reinforced glass sheets should take place in the presence of an assistant, because even with minimal thickness the glass is very heavy.
Do not install reinforced glass on large window frames (over 15 sq. M.), So that if the glass is broken, the metal mesh is not torn under the weight of the fragments.
On the technology of reinforcement of arched windows, see below.