Reading Assignment: Topic 7: Ceramic, Glass and Glazing

Study Questions: Answer the questions based on the learning resources:

I. Essay: Discuss comprehensively (Not less than 5 sentences)

-Ceramic is a versatile and durable material that is widely used in the building industry for various applications. It is a non-
metallic, inorganic material that is made from clay and other natural resources, which are shaped and fired at high
temperatures to form a hard and strong material. Ceramic materials offer several advantages, including high strength, low
thermal conductivity, resistance to wear, and chemical resistance.

Ceramics are widely used in the building industry for applications such as roofing tiles, brick and pipe cladding, sanitary
ware, wall and floor tiles, and electrical insulators. Ceramic materials are used in the construction of high-temperature
furnaces, industrial heating systems, and kilns for the production of cement and other construction materials. The thermal
shock resistance of ceramics makes it ideal for use in cooking utensils and stovetops. Ceramic materials are also used for
advanced applications like fuel cell components, photocatalysis, and piezoelectric sensors.

One example of the use of ceramic in building materials is ceramic tiles used for wall and floor coverings, which are popular
because of their durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to water and stainsstains. Ceramic tiles are manufactured by
pressing a clay mixture into molds and firing them at high temperatures in a kiln. They come in different sizes, shapes,
colors, and finishes, making them suitable for different types of applications. Ceramic tiles are easy to install, maintain and
are eco-friendly, and they can last for decadesdecades.

Another example of the use of ceramics in the building industry is in the production of bricks that can offer thermal
insulation. These bricks can help to regulate indoor temperature by preventing heat from escaping in cold conditions and
preventing hot air from getting in during warm weather. Such bricks have become popular among homeowners looking to
reduce their energy bills while keeping indoor temperatures comfortable.

In summary, ceramic is a durable, versatile, and eco-friendly material used in a wide range of applications in the building
industry. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for products such as tiles, sanitary ware, insulators, and cladding,
and it is commonly used for its high strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability.

b. What is glass as a building material? How is glass used in the building industry?

-Glass is a widely used building material that has been in existence since about 500 BC. It is a transparent and brittle
material primarily made from silica, along with other additives, such as soda and lime, to modify its properties. The
manufacturing process involves heating and cooling the raw materials to create a solid, transparent substance that can be
shaped into various forms, such as sheets, blocks, and panels.

In the building industry, glass is employed for a multitude of applications due to its unique properties. It is extensively used
in windows, doors, and facades to allow natural light into buildings, providing a pleasant and visually appealing
environment. Glass offers transparency, allowing views of the surroundings, which enhances indoor spaces and connects
occupants with the outdoors. Furthermore, glass can improve energy efficiency by acting as a transparent thermal
insulator, reducing heat transfer and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

Glass is also used for architectural features such as glass partitions, balustrades, and canopies, which provide structural
support while maintaining an open and spacious feel. Additionally, it is utilized for decorative purposes, such as glass art
installations and stained glass windows, adding aesthetic value to buildings.
 c. What is the impact of introducing ceramics, glass and related products to building construction? Why do
you say so?

-Introducing ceramics, glass, and related products to building construction has several impacts. They offer durability,
aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and versatility in design. Ceramics are durable and fire-resistant, while glass allows
natural light, reducing energy consumption. Their versatility in shape and design enables architects to create visually
appealing structures while meeting functional needs. Additionally, these materials often require less maintenance,
contributing to long-term cost savings and sustainability.

II. Identify, define and illustrate by drawing or photo

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS & THEIR USES

•FLAT GLASS

Where is it used?: Windows, glass doors

Flat glass is the basic first product from the float process of making glass. It has a uniform thickness and makes the base
for more advanced types of glass through further processing. This glass tends to break into long shards, and will commonly
be used in double-glazing following further treatment.

Flat Glass Fact

This glass type is the base material of many common products we see today, including: windscreens, home windows, bus
stops, electronics, appliances, and much more.

•TOUGHENED GLASS

Where is it used?: Shower doors, glass furniture, glass shelves

Toughened glass can be used in a range of ways; for shower doors, glass furniture, shelves etc, and holds the advantage of
being far more resistant to breaks. The cooling process in toughened glass creates counteracting stresses meaning that if
it does break, the glass will shatter into small, square fragments rather than shards, decreasing the risk of injury.

Blasting the surface of glass with sand gives it a translucent milky-white appearance, making it a popular technique used
for shower doors or front doors where privacy is required, but also some light. This technique can be used against a whole
sheet of glass, or can be used to create patterns using a sand-resistant mask.

Toughened Glass Fact

The creation of toughened glass has been credited to French inventor, Francois Barthelemy Alfred Royer de la Bastie,
patented in 1874.

•PATTERNED GLASS
Where is it used?: Doors, bathroom windows

Patterned glass is typically produced by passing heated glass through rollers containing a regular pattern to be imprinted
upon the glass. This type of glass is often used for bathroom windows or doors where, like sandblasted glass, light may be
required but not total transparency.

Patterned Glass Fact

Using machine rolling to create patterned glass was introduced in 1888 by the Chance brothers from Yorkshire.

•LAMINATED GLASS

Laminated glass is a common option where increased security may be needed, for example, for front doors, store window
fronts or car windscreens. Laminated glass is held together by an interlayer, meaning that it will not shatter on impact,
reducing the risk of break-ins and any hazards caused by shards of shattered glass.

Laminated Glass Fact

Laminated glass was invented by accident when French chemist Edouard Benedictus knocked over a lab flask, only to
notice it did not shatter due to the residue of nitrate cellulose left on the inside.

•MIRRORED GLASS

Mirrored-glass

Where is it used?: Wardrobe doors, bathroom mirrors

There are many types of glass available and another type is mirrored glass. Mirrored glass is quite simply a mirror – and
can be produced in all sizes, from small bathroom mirrors to full-length wardrobe doors. It is made by applied a metal
coating to one side of the glass, typically made of silver, chrome, gold or aluminium.
Mirrored Glass Fact

The very first mirrors were no more complex than water collected in a vessel, or polished stone and metal.

•COATED GLASS

Double-glazed

Where is it used?: Doubled glazed windows

Coated glass is modified flat glass to give it specific characteristics, for example to make it insulating and resistant to
infra-red. It is commonly used for double glazed windows to improve home insulation.

Coated Glass Fact

Applying a coating to glass can help boost the thermal efficiency of your home and reduce energy bills.

•TINTED GLASS

Tinted-glass

Where is it used? Windows, doors

If privacy is your priority, then tinted glass is the ideal choice for any doors or windows in your home or business. Though
tinted glass keeps out prying eyes, it still allows plenty of natural sunlight to filter through, whilst reducing the discomfort
of the sun’s glare.

Tinted glass can also lessen the amount of harmful UV filtering through, which will have health benefits for all the family.

Tinted Glass Fact

Small amounts of metal oxides are added to the glass composition to give tinted glass its characteristic darker hue.

•SANDBLASTED GLASS

Sandblasted
Where is it used? Bathroom windows, shower doors, decorative glass

Also called glass carving, this option offers the perfect balance between beauty and privacy. This glass is blasted with an
abrasive material at high pressure to create a unique mist effect. This frosted look can be used to protect the privacy of
bathroom windows and shower doors, and can be also formed into elegant patterns to produce decorative panes of glass
to enhance your interior desglas

Sandblasted Glass Fact

Sandblasted, or frosted, glass works by scattering light that passes through it, thus blurring the appearance of the image
on the other side.

Here at Abbey Glass, we have over 35 years’ experience in providing high-quality bespoke glass to domestic and
commercial users. We offer a wide range of different types of glass, so no matter what your requirements, contact our
team today and we’ll be happy to help.

Reference:

Abbeyglass.co.uk, 2023, “DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS & THEIR USES” _

https://abbeyglass.co.uk/news/different-types-glass-uses/