Windows
Windows can be made of either annealed or tempered glass. Annealed is sometimes called standard glass is a softer glass that has been thermally treated and then slowly cooled to relieve any internal stresses. Tempered is sometimes called toughened glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, tempered glass is much harder and stronger than normal glass. On this page, there is a focus on tempered.
01: Tempered Glass Windows in Shipping Containers
Characteristics & Sourcing
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To start, sand (silica) heated to such a high temperature that it becomes a liquid.
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Sand alone would require unreasonably high temperatures, so a flux (sodium carbonate or soda) is added to reduce the melting point. Silica and soda alone would be water soluble, so lime is added to the mixture.
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Other materials are added to change the properties of glass, most commonly minerals that affect the color of glass or modify the properties of glass for specific uses.
02: Unique Tempered Glass Windows
Production
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While the ingredients are similar, the difference between annealed and tempered is in the cooling process
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Annealed - thermally treated and then slowly cooled to relieve any internal stresses. When it breaks it turns into shards.
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Tempered - a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, tempered glass is much harder and stronger than normal glass. Another benefit of tempered glass is the ability to stand up to moderate heat (470°F).
03: Tempered Glass Window
Environmental Impact
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Fully recyclable material
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Made of abundant resources
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Waste during manufacturing is very minimal
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Long life and rarely discarded unless broken, but still can be recycled
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Non toxic to air in the environment but with the use of windows it helps with accessibility to natural light
Application
04: Tempered Glass Windows
A main use for tempered glass is exterior windows
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Installation:
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remove old window and clean opening, check sizing and dry fit window, then add caulk and screws to secure the new window, from the exterior the gaps can be filled with insulation, after the trim is added in the interior, a final caulk layer can be added to seal and complete installation.
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Maintenance:
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They are subject to fingerprints and dirt so using microfiber cloths and non-corrosive cleaners with regular cleaning is a good idea to avoid build up on windows
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ASTM:
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ASTM E2112-19c Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights
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ASTM E1425-14 Standard Practice for Determining the Acoustical Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylight, and Glazed Wall Systems
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Specifying - Windows in fire-rated openings and walls must have a permanent label applied by the manufacturer guaranteeing its fire rating.
