With the exception of the hardware, many commercial doors are made entirely of glass. Whether they are used to allow more light to flood into an interior space, to give customers and clients a clear view to the products and services inside, or to enhance the aesthetics of a premises, commercial glass doors play a big role in many businesses across Melbourne. Depending on the door’s placement and intended use, there are several different glass types which can be selected, all of which can impact the safety, longevity, and the look. Here we will explore 4 common glass types used for a commercial sliding door.
Tempered Glass
One of the strongest and safest glass options available, tempered glass is created by treating panes of glass with unique heat processes. This brings the panes to temperatures over 500 degrees Celsius before they are quickly cooled, resulting in glass panels which are 4-5x stronger than traditional glass. A leading choice for many commercial settings, tempered glass is incredibly durable and able to withstand impacts and high traffic environments with ease. In the event that there is a breakage, tempered glass doesn’t shatter into dangerous shards, it crumbles into small, pebble-sized pieces which makes it much safer for anyone in the vicinity of the breakage.
Laminated Glass
Also known for its superior strength, laminated glass will also stand up to the demands of a commercial sliding door. Laminated glass panes are made by ‘laminating’ or bonding a vinyl interlayer between two plies of glass. Offering incredible resistance to heavy impacts, laminated glass can even be bulletproof with the addition of a polycarbonate layer. Similarly to tempered glass, laminated glass won’t shatter in the event of a breakage, the broken glass pieces remain within the pane. This reduces the risk of injury and improves a building’s safety. Laminated glass is also ideal for businesses on busy roads or in noisy neighbourhoods as the additional layer within the glass significantly reduces external noise.
Fire-Rated Glass
Fire-rated glass is one of the best commercial glass choices for protecting people and property in the event of a building fire. There are two categories:
Fire-protective glass – this blocks the spread of fire and smoke and offers some protection from radiant heat.
Fire-resistant glass – providing the most protection during a fire, fire-resistant glass not only contains the spread of flames and smoke, but it also blocks radiant heat. It is most often used for commercial glass doors in escape routes.
Decorative Glass
Sometimes, a commercial sliding door must be visually pleasing as well as functional, or a business might want their glass doors to provide an element of privacy. In this instance, patterned or two-way mirror glass is an ideal solution. Some decorative glass types are temper-able for added durability and most decorative glass will still allow for light transmission and unobstructed views. Decorative glass is often used for commercial buildings with historical significance or period features, or buildings with a unique design aesthetic.
Do You Need Commercial Glass Door Repairs?
Commercial doors provide more than just an entry or exit to a space, so it’s important that your glass doors are functioning as they should at all times. For commercial door repairs, Melbourne businesses can trust the team at Cowan Doors for efficient and affordable service, 24/7. To get a quote for emergency door repairs or to learn about our services, reach out to us online or call our friendly team today on 03 8586 1188.