Glass Repairs & Replacements Guides & Resources

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E glass vs S glass

S glass is much cheaper than other types of ordinary glass, but it’s also weaker and more susceptible to scratches. When it comes to choosing between e glass and s glass, there are a few things you need to consider. Both types of glass have their own unique features, so it’s important to understand what each one can offer before making a decision. E glass, also known as electrical glass, was the first type of glass used for continuous filament formation. It is the most standard material between different composite materials used to make most glass fibres. E glass is made from annealed molten glass, which is tempered and then treated with an electric current. This treatment causes the surface of the glass to become harder and more resistant to scratches and staining giving it high tensile strength. E glass also is alkali-free and has higher mechanical properties and insulation value than untreated glass, making it a better choice for energy-efficient homes. S glass is a high-performance glass fibre and is also used as a composite material for glass fibres. It is made from soda-lime silicate (also known as soda-lime glass), which is a type of non-tempered glass. It’s less expensive but it’s weaker and has low tensile strength. But if you need a material that’s easy to cut or drill into, such as in the case of stained glass projects, then S glass is your best option. It even comes with its own set of benefits, including: - Higher light transmission levels than E glass - Lower price point than E glass When choosing between E glass and S glass fibre for your decorative project, think about what type of lighting will be installed behind the finished product. If you know you need low-iron tempered laminated safety class 1 clear decorative float, then you can use either type of glass. However, if you plan on using an LED strip for lighting, you’ll have to use E glass because the light emitted from an LED strip will look brighter with lower iron content. When it comes time to order your decorative glass, make sure you request samples so you can see how each type of glass looks under different lighting conditions. Both types of glass are available in clear and textured finishes, so adding texture or colour is easy if you choose S glass. However, keep in mind that any scratches or staining will be more noticeable on textured S glass than non-textured E glass. ## Which is stronger, S glass or E glass? S glass is the greater strength glass fibre of the two types of composite materials glass with much higher tensile strength, but it also has a higher price point. S glass is less expensive than E glass, but it’s also weaker and more susceptible to scratches. If you need a material that’s easy to cut or drill into, then S glass is your best option. But if you need a material that’s strong and durable, then e glass is the better choice than other fibres. When it comes to choosing between E glass and S glass, there are a few things you need to consider. Both types of glass have their own unique features, so it’s important to understand what each one can offer before making a decision. ## What are the benefits of E glass? E glass is one of the most popular glass fibres with good resistance to chemicals and high acid resistance and very good strength properties as compared to carbon fibre and other synthetic fibres. It's composite materials mainly include silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3), which gives it these properties. E-glass has high tensile strength, low thermal expansion, excellent stiffness, low water absorption. Moreover, it is a high alkali-resistant glass and can also be made simply. Because of its excellent properties in all aspects of corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and electrical insulation, E glasses are used for many applications in different fields like surfboard construction, aerospace industry or the building and construction sector to make brake disks for vehicles. ## What are the benefits of S glass? S glass was originally developed for military use since it has much better strength than E glass. It is the best option in textile reinforcement where high strength and fit are required. It is also used in building and aircraft construction along with military missile applications. The benefit of this glass is its ability to be spun into very thin threads (Crimp yarn). So it can give an extra thin protective layer against cuts or abrasion, but at the same time, the cut resistance properties cannot match textiles like Twaron or Kevlar carbon fibre which is an alternative woven fabric. ## How does S glass compare to other types of glass? The difference between the two glasses is that S-glass is much cheaper than other types of ordinary glass, but it’s also weaker and more susceptible to scratches. If you need a material that’s easy to cut or drill into, then S glass is your best option. But if you need a material that’s strong and durable, then E glass fibre is the better choice than any carbon fibre. They are not comparable to [comfort glass or double glazed glass](/guides/window-tinting/comfort-glass-vs-double-glazing). When it comes time to order your decorative glass, make sure you request samples so you can see how each type of glass looks under different lighting conditions. Both types of glass are available in clear and textured finishes, so adding texture or colour is easy if you choose s glass for fibreglass cloth. However, keep in mind that any scratches or staining will be more noticeable on textured S glass than non-textured eEglass. ## Which type of glass should I choose for my project? That depends on what you need the glass for and how you plan to use it. If you need a material that’s easy to cut or drill into, then S glass is your best option. But if you need a material that’s strong and durable, then E glass is the better choice. With much higher tensile strength. When it comes to choosing between E glass and S glass, there are a few things you need to consider. Both types of glass have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand what each one can offer before making a decision. Requesting samples is the best way to make an informed decision, so be sure to ask your supplier for a few samples of each type of glass before you make your final choice. You may even consider using [laminated or toughened glass](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/laminated-glass-vs-toughened-glass).

Perspex vs Glass

Glass is stronger than perspex, making it better at impact resistance and other wear-and-tear damage. When it comes to choosing between perspex (also known as acrylic glass) and real glass, there are a few factors to consider. Both standard and acrylic glass has many advantages and disadvantages, so it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your needs. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each material: Glass is more transparent than perspex, making it great for displays and shop fronts. Standard glass is much stronger than a clear acrylic sheet. However, acrylic sheets are stronger than glass and are more unlikely to shatter upon impact. On the other hand, perspex is lighter than glass, so it's an easier material to handle when fitting your glazing or making diy projects. It also costs less, which can be a major advantage for large jobs. Glass doesn't need to be cleaned very often because it naturally resists dirt and grime build-up. Perspex attracts fingerprints and is more easily scratched, so it needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking its best. It's important to always use a microfibre cloth on the acrylic glazing to prevent scratching its surface. Glass is a better insulator than acrylic glass, meaning it can help to keep your building's temperature stable. Perspex is more prone to thermal shock, meaning it can change temperature rapidly and cause the glass to break. However, acrylic glass is more weather resistant and let's more light in while still blocking UV light. ## What is the difference between glass and perspex? Real glass is a rigid transparent or translucent material produced by fusion, usually consisting of silica with varying amounts of lime and soda. Glass can be recycled but it wears out quickly due to the recycling process which requires heating the glass at over 1000 degrees Celsius; this causes microscopic fractures in the glass that enlarge with time. Glass is an amorphous solid (non-crystalline) formed by rapidly cooling molten silica. It has historically been more expensive than other materials used to make windows, for example, frames made of aluminium or wood. This has changed as manufacturing techniques have improved to create different glasses [(such as glass)](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/e-glass-vs-s-glass). Perspex (acrylic glass) is made of polymethyl methacrylate) (PMMA), also known as acrylic or acrylite, a thermoplastic polymer. Due to its high light transmission (92%), difficulty to shatter, clarity (little visible texture) and excellent resistance to weathering and uv rays, perspex is used in the production of safety glazing for transportation applications such as railcars, buses and aircraft. ## Is perspex harder to break than glass? Yes perspex is harder to break than mineral glass. Perspex is made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), also known as acrylic or acrylite, a thermoplastic polymer. ## Is perspex more expensive than glass? No, it is not. Acrylic sheet is cheaper than standard glass because it is made from a thermoplastic polymer. This makes it less expensive to produce than glass, which is made from silica. ## Does perspex let more light through than glass? It depends on the thickness of the perspex. If you are looking for something that lets a lot of light through, then no as it does not allow as much light through as mineral glass. ## Is glass a better insulator than perspex? Glass is a better insulator because it resists thermal shock more and [can be tempered](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/hydrogel-vs-tempered-glass). This means that it does not change temperature as rapidly as perspex and therefore keeps the temperature of the room more stable. Moreover, different usages and types of laminated glass include: solar control laminated glass, bullet resistance glass, blast resistance glass, heat resistance glass, fire resistance glass. Thermal efficiency is a huge benefit of glazing your glass, which you can find out more about on the [YourHome website](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing). ## What are the pros and cons of using standard or perspex (acrylic glass) in construction? The many advantages and disadvantages of [using tempered glass](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/hydrogel-vs-tempered-glass) or perspex in construction include the below. - Glass is stronger than perspex, making it better at impact resistance and other wear-and-tear damage. However, acrylic glass is more difficult to shatter upon collision. - Glass doesn't need to be cleaned very often because it naturally resists dirt and grime build-up. Glass is also at less risk of scratching as compared to acrylic glass. - Glass is a better insulator than perspex, meaning it can help to keep your building's temperature stable. - Perspex is more prone to thermal shock, meaning it can change temperature rapidly and cause the glass to break. - Acrylic glass is more weather resistant than traditional glass. - Perspex is half the weight of glass, making it an easier material to handle for diy projects and for when fitting your glazing. - Perspex costs less, which can be a major advantage for large jobs. - Acrylic glass also provides better maximum uv protection against uv light to up to 98%. It also contracts and expands with temperature changes but won't shrink permanently from sunlight. The pros of using glass are that it is stronger and cleaner than perspex, while the cons are that it is more expensive and less resistant to thermal shock. The pros of using perspex are that it is cheaper and lighter than glass, while the cons are that it is more prone to breaking and requires more cleaning. ## Is perspex heavier than glass? No perspex is lighter than glass. This is because Perspex is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic or acrylite, a thermoplastic polymer which makes it weigh less than glass. Glass is made from a non-crystalline amorphous solid, which means it has no regular structure and has to be heated over 1000 degrees Celsius, this causes microscopic fractures in the glass that enlarge with time. ## What can be made out of glass? Glass is used for: - Window panes (residential and commercial). - Lab equipment. - Glass bottles and jars (used to store liquids such as food and drink). - Vases and containers (used to hold flowers). - Decorative arts (such as stained glasses windows). There are some items that can only be manufactured from perspex (acrylic glass) such as safety glazing, which is used to protect people from harm such as railcars, buses and aircraft. Different acrylic options are available in a wide array of styles and colours. ## Can perspex be tinted? Yes, perspex can be tinted to reduce the amount of sunlight coming through or to allow people to see out but prevent them from being able to see in. The different tints are measured by the opacity, with 1 being totally opaque and 100 being totally transparent. ## Is glass or perspex better for picture frames? If you want a frame that is going to be durable and will not get scratched easily, then glass would be the better option. However, if you are looking for a frame that is lighter and less expensive, then acrylic sheet would be a better choice than mineral glass. Glass frames are also more difficult to find than acrylic frames. The pros of using glass frames are that they are durable and less likely to get scratched, while the cons are that they are heavier and more expensive than acrylic frames. The pros of using acrylic sheets are that they are lighter and less expensive than glass frames, while the cons are that they may not be as durable as glass frames. In general, both acrylic and glass have their own benefits which is why they are both popular choices for picture frames. ## What is the difference between flat glass and bent glass? The main difference between flat glass and bent glass is that flat glass is cut into sheets of uniform thickness while bent glass has been manipulated into a different shape by heat or some other means. Flat glass comes in large rectangular sheets while bent glass can be made into vases, bowls, clocks, containers, lens cups for lasers or any other curved object. For this reason, it has more practical uses than flat glass.

Laminated Glass vs Toughened Glass

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that has been through several processes to make it stronger and safer than annealed or untreated glass. It is made up of two or more glass layers of annealed glass or tempered glass with a thin interlayer (normally polyvinyl butyral) and it's edges are sealed together with a strong transparent adhesive like epoxy resin. The end result is that when broken the shattered pieces of laminated glass holds together by the thin film of plastic layer in between, forming large cubes rather than large jagged shards. Toughened glass is made through a toughening process by intense heating and then rapid cooling regular glass or tempered glass very quickly. When toughened glass breaks it shatters into small pieces with no sharp edges, making it much safer than standard [comfort glass or double glazing](/guides/window-tinting/comfort-glass-vs-double-glazing). Laminated glass can be produced in clear or tinted shades, and is often used for sound proofing, automotive windows, car windscreen, shower doors, shop windows and the glazing bars in high security prison windows due to its strength when compared with ordinary glass. Laminated glass is only slightly more difficult to cut through than untreated clear glass when using a handheld cutter blade. Toughened security or safety glass, when broken, shatters into small bicubic shaped pieces. Because of this highly practical safety feature, it is often used in public buildings because it absorbs the shock of the glass shattering unlike ordinary glass or any other safety glass. If made to certain thicknesses toughened glass can be virtually unbreakable. Toughened glass can even withstand high temperature changes up to 243 degrees Celsius. Both laminated glass and toughened glass have their own unique properties. ## Is laminated glass also toughened? Laminated glass and toughened glass are two separate types of safety glass, both laminated glass and toughened glass have their own unique benefits. Additionally, the manufacture of tempered glass differs from laminate glass too, in the sense that tempered glass is only made of a single glass sheet. ## How do you tell if the glass is toughened or laminated? Toughened [(or tempered)](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/hydrogel-vs-tempered-glass) and laminated glass can seem quite similar and they can be confused for being one and same product, but the manufacturing process and usage of laminated glass and toughened glass differ widely from each other. One of the core differences in the usage of toughened glass and laminated glass is that laminated glass is normally used for automotive windows, shower screens and the glazing bars in high security prison windows, although it is also available for shopfront window installation. Toughened vs laminated glass, can be identified by conducting a "hot point test". Simply rub a candle over the surface of the glass and if the area that has been touched becomes frosted then this is toughened (tempered glass) safety glass. ## What types of laminated glass are there? There are three main types of laminated safety glass built using three different lamination or manufacturing process - PVC, EVA and SGP. The processes used to make this safety glass will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Manufactured by compressing and heating the lamination material in-between the two glass sheets of regular glass, PVC laminated glass is a extremely strong and has excellent resistance to mechanical shock. When subjected to high temperatures it also becomes softer, allowing it to expand more readily than ordinary laminated glass when heated by warm air or sunshine, making it easier for installers to handle without risk of breakage. This type of safety glass can be produced with either low iron (LIG) or high iron (HIG) PVB interlayers depending on durability requirements. EVA or ethylene vinyl acetate laminated glass is made with a clear polyvinyl butyral (PVB) plastic interlayer. PVB is easy to handle and fits together well during installation, which makes it a popular choice for use in commercial glazing applications. EVA also has very good light transmission properties as well as being flexible and durable. This type of safety glass stays intact where the laminated pane will be exposed to wide fluctuations in temperature or high winds that can cause catastrophic failure if toughened glass or any normal glass is used. SGP or silver-grey PVC laminated glass has a grey tinted interlayer with a neutral appearance, giving it a "silver" coloured finish when installed. It offers similar physical properties to PVC but with better transparency, allowing more natural sunlight into buildings while still providing safety from impact and severe weather conditions. This type of safety glass is ideal for use in commercial glazing applications where the impact performance of toughened glass would be too strong but the aesthetics of ordinary glass is not required. ## Is there an Australian standard for toughened glass and laminated glass? LIG and HIG refer to PVB laminated glass that is made with an interlayer of either low iron or high iron PVB. LIG is generally considered to be the more thermally efficient and the stronger glass of the two types of laminated glass, however it usually has a lower impact resistance, which means it has a higher risk of breakage when impacted by small stones. HIG or high impact glass has a higher breakage resistance when impacting small stones, stray balls and other flying objects due to its thicker interlayer. It also provides better insulation than LIG, reducing heat loss in your home during winter months. An added benefit of HIG safety glass is that less UV rays pass through the glass into your home, making it easier for you to maintain a comfortable temperature. This type of safety glass is often used in areas where the risk of breakage from small stones and other debris is higher, such as roadside applications. [Perspex is often used](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/perspex-vs-glass) as a substitute. ## What are the benefits of laminated glass? Laminated (safety) glass provides protection against shattering greatly reducing chances of an injury caused by falling glass, which can occur if it is subjected to an impact or heat source such as fire. Other than that, laminated glass leaves no holes behind for thieves and intruders to enter through. In such instances of collision, standard glass or even a tempered glass breaks into tiny pieces. This type of laminated glass also has excellent insulating properties which reduces your home's energy usage and cost during winter months while also offering far superior UV resistance and sound reduction properties than any other glass type. The large surface area on all glass sheets of the glazing gives you extra strength and resistance to high winds and impacts, making it great for use on commercial applications like shopfronts and windows facing busy roadways where there is potential for damage caused by collisions with larger objects in case a glass breaks. Laminated glass are also very easy to clean and maintain as long as they are installed properly. Moreover, different usages and types of laminated glass include: solar control laminated glass, bullet resistance glass, blast resistance glass, heat resistance glass, fire resistance glass. Thermal efficiency is a huge benefit of glazing your glass, which you can find out more about on the [YourHome website](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing).

Hydrogel vs Tempered Glass

Hydrogel screen protectors work by absorbing the impact of a fall or collision, which can help to prevent damage to your device's screen. When it comes to protecting your mobile device screen, there are a few different types available. One of the most popular choices is hydrogel screen protectors, which are made up of a water-based polymer. Hydrogel screen protectors offer a lot of benefits over other materials like tempered glass, including being thinner and more flexible. This makes it less likely to shatter if it's dropped, and it can also be curved to match the contours of your device. Tempered glass protectors are another option for protecting your device's screen. It's made from regular glass that has been treated with heat, making it stronger and more shatter-resistant than regular glass. While tempered glass protectors offer some protection against drops and scratches, but when it is more prone to shattering than hydrogel. They are both great options for protecting your device's screen. ## Can you put tempered glass over a hydrogel screen protector? In general, you can put a tempered glass screen protector on top of a hydrogel one. However, since the two materials aren't exactly the same and most likely won't match up very well with each other, it may be hard to get them both to stay in place at once. Generally speaking though, if you want extra protection or plan on using your phone in an area where it might be dropped or scratched (like construction zones), then adding another layer of screen protection like tempered glass is always a good idea. Of course, it is possible that you could damage your hydrogel screen protector by putting another one on top of it, but this will depend greatly on which type of tempered glass is used and how well it is applied. ## How do hydrogel screen protectors work? Hydrogel screen protectors work by absorbing the impact of a fall or collision, which can help to prevent damage to your device's screen. They also protect against scratches and other forms of wear and tear. A hydrogel screen protector has self-healing technology, which means it can repair itself from minor scratches. So, a hydrogel protector provides maximum protection against scratches. ## What are the benefits of using a hydrogel screen protector? Hydrogel screen protectors provide a smooth experience because of their elastic nature, as they are made of TPU materials (thermoplastic polyurethane). They have many advantages, starting from the simple installation process, ease of removal of air bubbles, and resistance to fingerprints. There are multiple benefits to using a hydrogel screen protector, including: - Being thin and flexible, making them less likely to shatter if the mobile device is dropped. - Able to curve to match the contours of curved screens because of its elastic nature. - Easy to apply and remove. - Able to absorb the impact of falls and collisions. - Blocking out scratches and other forms of wear and tear. ## Benefits of tempered glass screen protectors Tempered glass screen protectors are made of many layers like anti-shattered film and oleophobic nano-coating, which prevents oil smudging and fingerprints. Tempered glass screen protectors work by creating a barrier between your device's screen and the ground, which means that if it collides with the ground while you're using it, chances are that there won't be any damage to your original screen. They are also effective at blocking out scratches and other forms of wear and tear. However, tempered glass protectors are not as flexible or thin as hydrogel screen protectors. This means that if the screen glass is dropped on hard surfaces like tile or pavement, the tempered glass breaks. - Being thicker than hydrogel makes them more durable even when dropped on harder surfaces. - Able to protect from scratches and other forms of wear and tear as it has the highest hardness level in the market. - Oleophobic coating makes it resistant to fingerprints and can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth. - The best screen protector when it comes to clarity, providing a crystal clear view for your mobile screen. - Easy to apply and remove. ## Cons of tempered glass screen protectors As with any other product, tempered glass screen protectors do have some cons, including the below. - More likely to shatter than hydrogel. - Not being as flexible as hydrogel protectors so less likely to curve to the edges of curved screens than hydrogel protectors. - Thickness of tempered glass might slightly affect the touch sensitivity of your mobile screen. ## Is hydrogel more expensive than tempered glass? The price of hydrogel and tempered glass screen protectors can vary depending on the brand, type, and size. Hydrogel screen protectors are generally more affordable than tempered glass. ## Are there any alternatives to hydrogel or tempered glass? Other screen protectors types available include [plastic film lamination](/guides/window-tinting/laminated-glass-vs-double-glazing) (like laminated glass) and PET film. These offer different benefits than hydrogel or tempered glass do. However, if you're looking for a simple way to protect your device from falls and scratches, then a good quality hydrogel or tempered glass screen protector is a solid option that doesn't cost a lot of money. ## What is PET film? PET is a type of plastic film that is designed to protect your device's screen from scratches, fingerprints, dirt buildup, and other forms of wear and tear. It can also help absorb the shock or impact of falls or collisions. Though it may not be as effective as hydrogel or tempered glass screen protector at blocking out scratches, some people find that it offers just enough protection for them. It's also very thin and affordable, which makes it more appealing than hydrogel for some users. ## Pros related to PET film screen protectors There are several benefits to using a PET film screen protector, including the below. - Being thin and flexible, so less likely to shatter if dropped - Easy to apply and remove - Able to absorb the impact of falls and collisions - Blocks out scratches and other forms of wear and tear ## Cons related to PET film screen protectors There are a few drawbacks to using PET film screen protectors, including: - Not being as effective as hydrogel protectors or tempered glass at blocking out scratches. - Fingerprints and dirt can build up over time, making the screen protector harder to see through. - May not be as durable as some of the other screen protectors available, so it is not the best option to give maximum protection. ## What is the glass on my device made of? The glass on top of the mobile devices' screen is usually made out of Corning's Gorilla Glass or Dragontrail. Both are shatter-resistant and scratch-resistant, which means they work well with both hydrogel and tempered glass screen protectors. It works a [lot like perspex](/guides/glass-repairs-replacements/perspex-vs-glass). ## Which works better with a phone case? If you use a phone case, then it doesn't matter whether you have a hydrogel screen protector or tempered glass protector, because your device will be guarded against falls no matter what type of screen protector you have installed. You may even want to consider installing a thin plastic film to guard against scratches when the phone is in the case. If you are buying a new mobile, take a look at this handy guide from the [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission](https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/mobile-phone-services).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a window cost?

The cost of any window changes depending on the size, type and labour involved in fixing the window.

Why does my window have to be safety glass?

The current Australian Standards AS-1288 states: any glass under a certain height, size and location has to be glazed in safety glass.

What’s the difference between float and safety glass?

Float glass breaks into big sharp chunks everywhere. When safety glass breaks, it breaks into millions of little pieces reducing the potential harm.

What’s the difference between repair and replacement?

Depending on the damage, glass can be repaired without having to replace the whole sheet of glass in the window, door, partition, etc.

What does commercial window, door or shopfront renovation consist of?

Over time, seals around or between glass panels can become worn or dull looking. Maintenance on existing glass will make it look like new.

How does my business maintain for our newly installed glass?

Use clean water and if necessary, mild detergent to clean the glass, and never use harsh chemicals which can damage the glass or the aluminium.

How often does the hardware or other materials need to be cleaned?

Hardware or materials that are exposed to harsh environments such as being close to the ocean or a pool typically require more frequent cleanings.

How long does it take to fix a door/window?

On average a door will take about 1 hour and an average, accessible aluminium window will take about 45 minutes.

I just want the cheapest glass because I rent, why can't I use any glass?

The Australian Safety Standard (AS1288:2006) denotes what type of glass is used for your property, for the safety of you and your family.

Will double glazed units fit my existing frames?

If your frames are timber they most likely will. If they are aluminium the new units probably won’t fit.

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