Glass looks good, but there’s more to it than that. It can also provide solutions to heating, cooling, and other challenges we may encounter when keeping our home or workplace comfortable. And if there’s something the recent years have taught us, it’s that a home should be a safe and comfy space.
O'Brien Glass® glaziers are experts in all things glass. We have a long history of using glass to enhance homes and office spaces.
So, here are a few pointers from our glazing experts on how you can utilise the many benefits of glass to assist you with making informed decisions when building or renovating your home or office.
Indoor climate control and energy efficiency
Modern architectural design often uses glass for a stylish, contemporary feel whilst providing natural light inside the home or office and protection from outside elements.
However, you may not be aware that a standard piece of glass can be a poor insulator, making it less effective in controlling heat gain or loss. As a result, the glass industry has developed a variety of solar and thermal control glass that can help mitigate the harsh extremes of the Australian climate – making it ideal for buildings countrywide.
O'Brien® offers a range of specialised window film solutions that deliver several climate control benefits to your home. For instance, our ‘Energy Star Rated’ solar film can help keep your home cool, protected from UV rays, and safe from glare, which provides resistance to heat flow and can help lower your heating or cooling costs.
Noise reduction and sound insulation
Is your home or office located within a busy environment? If so, sound control is vital to keep your space peaceful and comfortable.
All types of glass allow the passage of sound but in varying degrees. Generally, the thicker the glass is, the better the sound dampening properties.
Due to its makeup, laminated glass has better sound insulation qualities, and double glazing also helps with sound dampening.
Gaps or cracks around the window frame can also compromise the acoustic qualities of the glass. So, if you need help reducing unwanted noise, we recommend consulting an O'Brien® glazier for expert advice and quality workmanship.
Storm and bandit resistance
One of the most common causes of glass breakage is external impact. Therefore, installing the correct type of glass is essential to protect your property against unfortunate incidents such as theft and severe weather.
Because of its Polyvinyl Butyral interlayer, laminated safety glass is recommended by O'Brien® experts in high traffic areas like shopfronts. When it breaks, this type of glass forms a web-like pattern with a tendency to remain within its frame, increasing the amount of time and effort needed to access your property or office. However, even when broken, laminated safety window glass can continue to be a barrier against intruders, debris, projectiles and the weather – an extra layer of protection for you, your business and your family.
Privacy
Other than installing blockout blinds or curtains, several glass solutions offer varying degrees of privacy depending on your preference and needs. For example, O'Brien® offers different types of window tinting and films for your privacy. With this solution, you can usually customise the level of light required in your space to suit your needs.
It is, however, important to note that tinted windows don’t always offer much privacy at night, especially when the illumination inside your home is greater than the outside environment. Therefore, for optimum privacy, we suggest you pair tinted windows with blinds or curtains.
Decorative and frosted glass are also effective solutions to increase privacy in your home or office. These can make bathrooms, meeting rooms, offices or room partitions more private. If you’re looking for a more affordable and temporary alternative, decorative glass can also be a great option. O'Brien® can supply, install and replace decorative and frosted glass tailored to your needs.
Fire protection
When using glass in the kitchen, such as splashbacks behind stovetops, it is important to use glass products that meet the requirements under Australian Standards AS4551/AG101 and AS5601/AG601. These Standards are designed to help prevent excessive heat and possible fire in combustible materials such as walls that sit behind a glass splashback.
For bushfire prone areas, Australian Standard AS3959–2018 prescribes the use of fire-rated glazing to help reduce your home’s risk of ignition. Fire-resistant glazing helps reduce the spread of fire in your home through the use of specialist glass, framing and installation methods.
Be sure to consult your trusted O'Brien® expert and local relevant authorities for the appropriate glazing solution to your individual needs.
Are you ready to make your home or workspace better with glass?
At O'Brien®, if there is one thing we know, it’s glass and how it can make a difference to our customers. With over 95 years of experience, we are here to help you make your home or office a better place – no matter where you are in Australia.
Simply reach out to your trusted O'Brien® experts and talk to our friendly advisors for the appropriate glazing solution that’s tailored to your needs. Call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message.
