Choosing the Right Glass for Your Building: A Complete Guide

When it comes to commercial and architectural projects, selecting the right type of glass isn’t just about appearance — it’s about performance, safety, efficiency, and long-term cost. At Glass Aftercare, we’ve worked with thousands of façades, and we know that the wrong choice of glass can lead to avoidable issues down the line. Whether you’re designing a new development or upgrading an existing structure, this guide will help you understand the most commonly used glass types — and which might be right for your building.

1. Tempered Glass (Toughened Glass)

Best for: Safety, strength, external façades, high-traffic areas
Tempered glass is heat-treated to be up to five times stronger than standard float glass. When it breaks, it crumbles into blunt granules rather than sharp shards, making it much safer.
Key benefits:

• Extremely durable and impact-resistant

• Safer in the event of breakage

• Required by law in many commercial installations
  Considerations:
  Tempered glass cannot be cut or modified after treatment. It’s also more expensive than standard float glass but offers much greater peace of mind.

2. Laminated Glass

Best for: Security, acoustic performance, overhead glazing
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass with an interlayer (usually PVB). If broken, the interlayer holds the glass together — reducing risk of injury and preventing unauthorized access.
Key benefits:

• Enhanced safety and security

• UV protection

• Excellent sound insulation properties
  Considerations:
  It can be slightly heavier than standard or tempered glass and may require a stronger frame.

3. Double-Glazed Glass (Insulating Glass Units – IGUs)

Best for: Energy efficiency, temperature regulation, noise control
Double-glazed units feature two panes of glass separated by a sealed air or gas-filled cavity. This significantly reduces heat loss and improves thermal performance.
Key benefits:

• Improves energy efficiency

• Reduces external noise

• Common in both commercial and residential buildings
  Considerations:
  If the seal fails, condensation can build up between the panes. Regular inspection and professional installation are essential.

4. Low-E Glass (Low Emissivity)

Best for: Energy-conscious buildings, solar control
Low-E glass has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room in winter and reflects heat out in summer. It looks like ordinary glass but offers a much higher level of energy efficiency.
Key benefits:

• Helps control heating and cooling costs

• Maintains more consistent internal temperatures

• Reduces reliance on HVAC systems
  Considerations:
  Often used in combination with double-glazing for maximum performance.

5. Patterned or Obscure Glass

Best for: Privacy in offices, washrooms, and meeting rooms
Patterned or frosted glass is ideal when privacy is needed without sacrificing light. Available in various textures and designs, it balances functionality with aesthetics.
Key benefits:

• Decorative and functional

• Allows natural light to flow

• Enhances interior design
  Considerations:
  Not generally used for external façades or structural glazing.

6. Smart Glass (Switchable or Electrochromic Glass)

Best for: High-tech environments, climate-responsive façades
Smart glass changes opacity or tint in response to heat, light, or a manual switch — offering control over light levels, glare, and privacy.
Key benefits:

• Dynamic control of comfort and light

• Reduces glare and solar gain

• Premium, modern appearance
  Considerations:
  Significantly more expensive, with complex installation and maintenance needs. Best suited to high-end applications.

Which Glass Is Right for Your Building?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on your building’s use, location, design intent, and performance goals. For example:

• A shopfront may need laminated glass for security and durability.

• An office block may benefit from Low-E double-glazing for energy savings.

• A public atrium might combine tempered and smart glass for safety and comfort.
  At Glass Aftercare, we don’t just install and maintain façades — we help clients make informed choices that save time, money, and hassle in the long term. If you’re unsure which glass is right for your project, our team is happy to advise.

Need guidance on your glass specification?
Contact us today to speak to one of our specialists.