Construction glasses are used across various applications in the construction industry. In combination with modern technologies and other construction materials such as steel, concrete and aluminum, construction glass contributes to the appearance of buildings along with the structural applications. Regardless of its application in windows, facade or interior partitions; construction glass connects the space, improves the quality of space, transmits sufficient light, and contributes to energy saving. Energy saying is the key concern of the construction industry and the heat loss through the glass surfacing on the facade or the roof has been significantly reduced due to the modern glass production and processing technologies. Glass structure must match the high standards regarding safety of the users and passers-by, thus these are resistant to shocks and abrupt temperature changes, which helps manufacturers in reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, technological advancement has made glass stronger than steel and lighter than cork. These upgradations have transformed glass into more economically-viable in the construction industry thereby further reducing the safety concern of the users and the structure itself.
Glass is an integral part of the construction industry owing to its application in facades and roofs. The ease with which the glasses are molded and installed, it assists the construction industry to construct structures which are gripping and dominating. The wide variety of architectural glass commercially available coupled with the superior quality; assists in improving the aesthetic of the building. The transparency and translucency of glass has conventionally given an aesthetic quality to architecture, offering an opportunity to change and create certain environments inside the building structure such as maximizing the impression of light and space, and add color to a room. High performing windows and glass building facades offers several benefits such as natural light, comfort, style, safety and security, and sustainability. Silica, the main constituent of glass, is mixed with sodium potassium carbonate to bring down melting point. Additionally, lime or lead oxide is added to make it durable and manganese oxide is added to nullify the adverse effects of unwanted iron present in the impure silica. There are various characteristics, which make glass essential in construction industry including resistant to chemicals and harsh environmental conditions; electrical insulation; reshaping; low maintenance, easily absorbed, refract or transmit light.
Glass is extensively used as a construction material in buildings across exterior and interior applications for functionality, decoration and interior fittings. The glass used in windows and facades provide several benefits such as safety, security, and environmental protection. Additionally, it offers various features such as scratch resistance, and design aspects. In buildings, glasses offer thermal insulation, solar control, safety and security, fire resistance, noise control, decorative, and self-cleaning. Key feature of glasses includes energy saving which reduces the load on the cooling and heating system of the building, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions. The ability of glass to control light, heat, and sound transmission enables the architects designs architectural buildings which reduces the impact on the environment and dwellings which are safe, comfortable and quiet.
The construction industry has been showcasing positive growth on the face of Increase in population, growing disposable income of individuals, and customer preference to live a standard life. These factors have supported the growth of overall construction industry of various residential and commercial buildings, malls, offices, factories and plants. Owing to its broad spectrum of applications and properties, Application of construction glasses has increased as a replacement for conventional building materials such as brick, poly-carbonate materials, and wood. Construction glass is a translucent-glazing material used in external walls, internal partitions, windows, and glass doors. Installation of construction glass in buildings and infrastructures help in blocking sunrays during summer, protecting from ultra-violet radiations, reducing costs for heating, lighting and air-conditioning, and enhancing safety and security features. The global construction industry is expected to grow during the forecast period in the developing economies of Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. Developing countries such as China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa are expected to showcase growing demand for construction glass is witnessing growing infrastructure development and urbanization, which is expected to penetrate the construction glass materials market and further enhance its overall growth. Additionally, the growth is accelerated by the shifting customer preference to green buildings that offers various solutions, such as high resistance to electricity and chemicals, solar protection and temperature control, which are least affected by changing climatic conditions and flexibility in moulding. Also, refurbishment of existing buildings contributes significantly in consumption of glass worldwide, which has largely driven by the requirement for increased energy efficiency. Increasing awareness about the advantages associated with glasses is gaining popularity in the residential buildings, which has increased the market for construction glass.
