When choosing glass for railings and partitions, understanding the differences in glass types and safety features is essential. Two popular glass types—low iron and regular glass—are often considered for their distinct qualities. Tempered and laminated glass are frequently selected for their safety benefits. We’ll delve into these materials to help you make an informed decision. Brisk sells only tempered and laminated glass to ensure utmost durability and safety, and all of our systems can be customized with either regular or low-iron glass to complement your next project!

Low Iron Glass vs. Regular Glass: Aesthetic and Performance Differences

The primary distinction between low iron glass and regular glass lies in their clarity and color. These differences are caused by the iron content in the glass composition.

Regular Glass:

Regular glass, also known as clear float glass, contains a standard level of iron oxide. This iron content gives the glass a subtle green tint, especially noticeable along the edges and in thicker panels.

While the greenish hue is not always prominent in everyday applications, it becomes more apparent in designs that emphasize clarity or involve multiple glass layers.

Regular glass is a cost-effective option and widely used for applications where ultra-clear visibility is not a priority, such as basic partitions, windows, or railings in less visually critical spaces.

Low Iron Glass:

Low iron glass is manufactured with significantly reduced iron content, resulting in a much clearer appearance. It eliminates the greenish tint seen in regular glass and allows for true-to-color transparency.

This ultra-clear quality makes low iron glass ideal for applications where aesthetics are crucial, such as high-end architectural designs, display cases, or glass railings that highlight scenic views.

While more expensive than regular glass, low iron glass is valued for its premium look, making it a favorite in luxury homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

Choosing Between the Two: The decision between low iron and regular glass depends on your project’s priorities. For cost-effective solutions where subtle tinting is acceptable, regular glass is sufficient. However, if visual clarity and color neutrality are paramount, the extra investment in low iron glass can significantly enhance the final appearance.

The Safety Advantages of Tempered and Laminated Glass

Beyond aesthetics, safety is a critical factor when selecting glass for railings and partitions. Both tempered and laminated glass offer enhanced safety features that make them superior choices for these applications.

Tempered Glass:

How It’s Made: Tempered glass is created by heating glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process strengthens the glass, making it approximately four to five times stronger than regular annealed glass.

Safety Features:

• • • When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt-edged pieces instead of sharp, dangerous shards. This minimizes the risk of serious injury.
    • Its strength makes it highly resistant to impact, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like balconies, staircases, and office partitions.

Applications: Tempered glass is commonly used in frameless glass railings, shower enclosures, and office partitions due to its durability and safety profile.

Laminated Glass:

How It’s Made: Laminated glass is created by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or other interlayer material between two or more glass sheets. The layers are bonded under heat and pressure to form a single unit.

Safety Features:

• • • When laminated glass breaks, the interlayer holds the broken pieces together, preventing them from falling apart. This containment significantly reduces the risk of injury and maintains the structural integrity of the glass.
    • Laminated glass also provides better soundproofing and UV protection due to the interlayer.

Applications: Laminated glass is often used in high-security areas, skylights, and railings where falling glass poses a risk. It is also preferred in hurricane-prone regions for its impact resistance.

Why Tempered and Laminated Glass Are Ideal for Railings and Partitions

Both tempered and laminated glass excel in applications where safety and durability are non-negotiable: 

Compliance with Building Codes: Many building codes require safety glass for applications like railings and partitions. Both tempered and laminated glass meet these requirements, ensuring your project adheres to regulations.

Enhanced Strength and Resilience: Tempered glass is ideal for areas prone to impacts or heavy use, such as stair railings or gym partitions. Laminated glass, on the other hand, is excellent for applications where containment of broken glass is critical.

Design Flexibility: Both types of glass can be customized for thickness, size, and finishes like frosting, tinting, or patterns, allowing for versatile design options.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that the glass used in your project minimizes injury risks and enhances security provides peace of mind for homeowners, architects, and builders alike.

Conclusion

Choosing the right glass for your railings and partitions involves balancing aesthetics, safety, and budget. Low iron glass offers unparalleled clarity and is perfect for showcasing design or scenic views, while regular glass provides a cost-effective alternative with acceptable visual quality. For safety, tempered and laminated glass are top choices, each with unique advantages: tempered glass for its strength and shatter-resistant properties, and laminated glass for its containment and versatility.

At Brisk, we bring these elements together with custom solutions designed to elevate your space. Whether you need glass for residential or commercial projects, our team is here to help you achieve the perfect balance.

Brisk: Your Partner for Custom Glass Solutions

At Brisk, we specialize in offering tailored glass solutions to meet the unique needs of your project. Whether you’re looking for the clarity of low iron glass or the practicality of regular glass, we’ve got you covered. All of our systems can be customized to your specifications and can be made with either regular glass or low iron glass, ensuring that your aesthetic and functional requirements are met seamlessly.

Safety and durability are at the core of what we do. That’s why Brisk exclusively uses tempered and laminated glass in all our railing and partition systems. By combining the strength of tempered glass with the reliability of laminated glass, we deliver products that meet the highest safety standards without compromising on design.