Modern glass technology offers solutions for a wide range of architectural and functional requirements. Be it that of strength, privacy, security, acoustic-insulation, or energy-efficiency; glass solutions can address them all. And in this awe-inspiring universe of glass, reflective glass is valued for its ability to combine visual appeal with solar control performance. After all, it allows buildings to achieve a great visual appeal while providing thermal comfort along with energy-efficiency.
What Is Reflective Glass?
Reflective glass is a type of float glass coated with a thin metallic layer that reflects a portion of solar radiation, helping reduce solar glare and solar heat gain. Reflective glass has diverse applications in both residential and commercial buildings. The interior applications include display cabinets, display windows, high-quality photo frames, table-tops, wardrobes, etc. The exterior applications include commercial façades, shop displays, restaurant fronts, air traffic control towers, fuel station windows, etc.
Reflective Glass: Perfect Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality
As discussed, reflective glass is a versatile material with multifarious applications. It is the perfect amalgamation of aesthetics and functionality. Let us understand a few of the key benefits of installing reflective glass in your home or office –
Optical Comfort
Reflective glass helps create a more comfortable indoor environment by reducing glare and controlling excessive sunlight. This type of glass allows for optimal sunlight filtration and hue neutrality that further reduces the need to install blinds or window shutters. Reflective glass manufactured with a Low-E coating increases optical comfort and also makes the building more energy-efficient.
Colour Diversity
Reflective glass is available in varied hues such as bronze, silver, dark grey, green, dark blue, etc. You can choose the hue that aligns with the colour of your building’s framing, stonework, and metal panes. These coatings help reduce UV transmission and contribute to improved indoor comfort.
Ensures Privacy
The metallic coating on the glass surface provides a one-way mirror effect, rendering it opaque for people standing on the outside looking in. This allows for privacy while letting you or your guests or employees take advantage of the panoramic view of the outside. During the daytime, people outside primarily see reflections rather than clear views of the interior.
Summer Comfort
Reflective glass allows ample natural daylight to enter the building without absorbing any of the scorching heat that can make you uncomfortable. This treated glass surface allows visible light to pass through while reflecting a portion of solar heat. This makes dwelling very comfortable, especially during the sweltering summer months.
Variety of Options to Choose From
Now that you have learned about the many benefits of reflective glass, you must be wondering about the variants. This type of glass comes in four major variants and is capable of addressing all your performance and design needs.
Opal Solar Control Reflective Glass
This type of reflective glass can be used for home and office exteriors as it helps reduce solar heat gain within the building. Opal is a popular choice for heat reflection and is available in several hues, thus enhancing the visual appeal to the building’s façade. This solar control glass comes in shades of royal blue, bronze, pearly grey, aqua blue, golden white and cool green. It is also available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses.
Ecosense Reflective Glass
Ecosense offers exceptional thermal comfort, reduces heat and UV absorption and makes your building energy-efficient. It is the ultimate amalgamation that provides optimum daylighting and aesthetics. This is a high-performance reflective glass particularly suited to climates where cooling requirements exceed heating demands. Ecosense can be installed in differing shades of blue and green. It can also be installed without any colour – clear reflective glass.
Super Silver Reflective Glass
Super silver is a heat reflective glazing solution manufactured through the process of CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). CVD technology for making this type of reflective glass is far superior to the traditional spray-coated reflective glass available in the market. Super silver glass reduces solar glare and provides thermal as well as optical comfort inside the building. This glass offers enhanced daytime privacy due to its reflective exterior appearance. Super silver glass is available in various colours, sizes, and thickness.
Sunshield Reflective Glass
If you live or work in a particularly hot location then Sunshield glass is for you. Its strong coating provides a building with ultimate cooling comfort. Sunshield can be installed in several colours, thickness and sizes. It allows natural light transmission without reducing solar heat gain.
Get the Best of Reflective Glass at AIS’
Can’t decide which type of reflective glass to choose from? Turn to AIS for expert guidance on reflective glass solutions. We offer a variety of reflective glass options in several colours and customised sizes and thicknesses. When evaluating the best reflective glass manufacturers, consider factors such as product range, quality, customisation options and technical expertise. Experience optimal daylight and glare management while helping keep unwanted heat at bay with AIS’ innovative glass solutions. Get in touch today!