Glass & Glazing Glossary

Professional terminology for glass types, installation methods, and repair techniques. 29 terms defined.

Jump to: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A A (3 terms)

Annealed Glass

Standard flat glass produced by cooling molten glass slowly in a lehr oven, creating the basic form of glass used in most glazing applications before further processing.

AS 1288:2021 Glass in Buildings

The Australian Standard that specifies requirements for the selection and installation of glass in buildings, including safety glass requirements, structural glazing standards, and compliance procedures.

AS 2208:2023 Safety Glazing Materials

The Australian Standard that defines requirements for safety glazing materials including tempered glass, laminated glass, and wired glass, specifying performance criteria and testing methods for building applications.

B B (1 terms)

Building Codes

Legal requirements and safety standards governing glass installation, specifying when safety glass is required, structural glazing standards, and energy efficiency requirements for residential and commercial buildings.

C C (2 terms)

Commercial Glazier

A specialized glazier who works on large-scale commercial and institutional buildings, handling complex glazing systems like curtain walls, storefronts, and structural glazing that require advanced skills and equipment.

Curtain Wall Installer

A highly specialized glazier who installs large-scale curtain wall systems on commercial buildings, requiring advanced technical skills in structural glazing, weather sealing, and high-rise construction techniques.

E E (2 terms)

Emergency Glazing

Immediate glass repair and replacement services for urgent situations involving broken windows, doors, or storefront glass that compromises security, safety, or weather protection.

Emergency Glass Replacement Technician

A specialized glazier who provides 24/7 emergency response for urgent glass repairs and replacements, equipped with mobile tools and common glass stock to restore security and weather protection immediately.

F F (3 terms)

Float Glass

Modern method of glass manufacturing where molten glass is floated on a bed of molten tin, creating flat glass with uniform thickness and exceptional optical quality used as the base for most commercial glazing.

Frameless Glazed Doors

Modern glass doors without visible frames around the glass panels, creating clean lines and maximum transparency while using structural glazing techniques and specialized hardware for support and operation.

Frameless Shower Screens

Modern shower enclosures with minimal or no visible framing, using thick tempered glass panels with discrete hardware to create clean, spacious bathroom aesthetics while maintaining water containment.

G G (4 terms)

Glazier Tools

Specialized hand tools and equipment used by professional glaziers for cutting, handling, installing, and maintaining glass, including glass cutters, suction cups, and glazing compounds.

Glazing Compound

A pliable material used to seal and secure glass panes in window frames, traditionally oil-based putty but now including modern synthetic compounds for better durability and weather resistance.

Glass Cutting

The process of scoring and breaking glass to specific dimensions using specialized tools like glass cutters, involving precise techniques to achieve clean edges and accurate measurements.

Glazier

A skilled tradesperson specializing in cutting, installing, and replacing glass in windows, doors, storefronts, and other architectural applications, requiring expertise in glass handling and safety procedures.

I I (1 terms)

Insulated Glass

Multi-pane glass units with air or gas-filled spaces between panes to improve thermal insulation, reduce energy costs, and minimize condensation in windows and doors.

L L (2 terms)

Laminated Glass

Safety glass consisting of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer, typically PVB, that holds the glass fragments together when broken for enhanced security and safety.

Low-E Coated Glass

Energy-efficient glass with a microscopically thin metallic coating that reflects infrared energy while allowing visible light to pass through, reducing heat transfer and improving building energy performance.

N N (1 terms)

NSW Fair Trading Contractor Licence

A mandatory license required in New South Wales for contractors performing glazing work above specified thresholds, ensuring qualified tradespersons and consumer protection through regulatory oversight.

P P (2 terms)

PVB Interlayer

Polyvinyl Butyral plastic film used between glass layers in laminated glass to hold fragments together when broken, providing safety, security, and sound dampening properties.

Public Liability Insurance

Essential insurance coverage for glazing contractors that protects against claims for property damage or personal injury caused to third parties during glazing work, required for professional operations and licensing.

R R (1 terms)

Residential Glazier

A glazier who specializes in home glazing services including window installation, door glazing, shower screens, and residential glass repairs, focusing on domestic applications and homeowner needs.

S S (5 terms)

Shower Screens

Glass partitions used in bathrooms to contain water within the shower area while providing visibility and easy access, typically made from tempered safety glass for durability and safety.

Safety Glass

Glass designed to reduce the likelihood of injury when broken, including tempered glass that crumbles into small pieces and laminated glass that holds fragments together with plastic interlayers.

Shower Screen Installer

A specialized glazier who focuses on bathroom glazing including frameless shower screens, semi-frameless enclosures, and custom shower solutions, requiring expertise in wet area installations and water sealing.

Shopfront Installer

A commercial glazier who specializes in retail storefront glazing including large display windows, entrance doors, and commercial facade systems designed to showcase merchandise and attract customers.

Silicone Sealing and Caulking

The application of flexible silicone sealants around glass installations to create weatherproof seals, prevent water infiltration, and provide structural support while accommodating building movement.

T T (2 terms)

Tempered Glass

Safety glass created by heating annealed glass to high temperatures then rapidly cooling it, making it 4-5 times stronger than regular glass and causing it to break into small, less dangerous pieces.

Toughened Safety Glass

Glass that has been thermally or chemically treated to increase strength and alter breaking characteristics, creating small granular pieces when broken rather than large dangerous shards, also known as tempered glass.

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