Safer Shower and Bath Enclosures

Glass shower and bath enclosures can be fabricated with either tempered or laminated glass.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard 16 CFR 1201, safety glazing is required, but the standard leaves it open to the manufacturer to select the type of glass. Tempered vs. Laminated? Tempered glass is found in most bath enclosures in… Read more »

Clearer than Clear ….Glass that is ultra-clear

In the world of clear architectural glass, ultra-clear low-iron glass is a designer favorite. Why is this? Soda-lime glass, the most common form of architectural glass produced is composed of about 70 percent silica (silicon dioxide), 15 percent soda (sodium oxide), and 9 percent lime (calcium oxide), with much smaller amounts of various other compounds.  Iron is the major metal… Read more »

Glass Walkways: Beautiful, but are they safe?

Glass walkways and stairs can easily become the center attraction of any interior space.  Indeed, glass brings a lightness and beauty to most architectural applications, but there are some guidelines to follow in designing and ordering glass for these applications. Design approach The International Building Code addresses subject by referencing an ASTM standard, E2741, Standard Practice… Read more »

The Challenges of Fabricating Curved Glass with Tight Radii

When it comes to glazing design, architects are drawn to the aesthetic appeal of curved glass.  Curved glass is available in many sizes, shapes, and colors.  Sharp angle bends up to 90 degrees, radii up to 180 degrees, multiple radii, double to triple reverse bends, and other complex forms make curved glass a exciting design element.  However, there… Read more »

Curved Laminated Glass Windows for Beauty and Performance

Laminated glass windows are not new, especially in windborne debris regions of the United States where hurricanes are a threat or outdoor noise is a problem. Window manufacturers can supply a variety of window types, including fixed and operable models, that are not only energy efficient, but provide many other benefits. Bent Glass Design supplies… Read more »

Curved Laminated Glass Railings

Glass is often the material of choice for designers who seek an elegant transparent, yet sturdy, building material. The latest designs for curved glass railings used in guards or handrails incorporate glass that has been strengthened and then laminated for safety. These railings become the centerpiece of an interior space.   Here’s a look at two… Read more »

Reducing Solar Heat Gain with Laminated Glass

When architects and construction companies set out to build energy-efficient buildings, their choice of windows is one of the most important decisions they can make. When builders skimp on glass, it can cost companies thousands of dollars in added energy costs each year. That’s why we use insulating glass to control heat loss in our… Read more »

The Benefits of Glass Doors in Your Office or Home

Have you been thinking about installing glass doors inside of your home or business? While some people worry about keeping them clean and the inherent lack of privacy that comes along with glass doors, there are also plenty of benefits that come with having these types of doors in your home or business. Here are… Read more »

Benefits of Using Laminated Safety Glass

In large-scale construction projects, it’s important to choose glass that will be durable and safe for all future occupants in the building. While the folks at Bent Glass Design typically focus on more decorative elements, we know that laminated safety glass is an excellent choice for building construction—here’s why. Why It’s Used In large buildings,… Read more »