Glazing means glass installed in a building — in windows, doors, skylights, shopfronts, balustrades, even furniture. It also refers to the process of fitting glass and the different types & methods used.
Common Glass Types in Australia
- Float Glass (Annealed)
- Base glass: usually 3–4 mm clear sheets.
- Cheap, but breaks into sharp shards.
- Viridian Glass – Float Glass
- Toughened (Tempered) Glass
- Heated and cooled to be ~4–5× stronger than float.
- Breaks into small blunt pieces (safer).
- Required for doors, showers, balustrades under AS 1288.
- Standards Australia – AS 1288:2021
- Laminated Glass
- Two or more panes with a PVB or EVA interlayer.
- Holds together if broken = safety + security.
- Blocks >99% UV.
- AGWA – Safety Glass Guide
- Acoustic Laminated Glass
- Special sound-damping interlayer.
- Reduces noise from traffic, aircraft, or voices.
- AGWA – Acoustic Glass Overview
- Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass
- Microscopic coating reflects heat but allows light.
- Improves insulation, reduces energy bills.
- YourHome (Australian Gov) – Glass
- Double & Triple Glazing
- Multiple panes separated by air or gas.
- Better insulation, noise control, condensation resistance.
- AGWA – Insulating Glass Units
Glazing Methods
- Single Glazing: one pane, poor insulation & safety.
- Double Glazing: two panes separated by a spacer, often argon gas.
- Triple Glazing: three panes, rare in Australia but used in colder zones.
- Secondary Glazing: internal window added to existing single glazing.
Where Glazing is Used
- Homes: windows, sliding doors, shower screens, skylights, balustrades.
- Commercial: shopfronts, curtain walls, partitions.
- Safety zones: bathrooms, stairs, low-level panels — must comply with:
- AS 1288:2021 (selection & installation)
- AS 2208:2023 (safety glazing certification)
- Specialty: studios (acoustic), banks/jewellers (security), heritage retrofits (secondary glazing).
References:
Why Glazing Matters
- Safety: avoids injury when glass breaks.
- Comfort: better insulation & noise reduction.
- Security: laminated glass deters break-ins.
- Energy bills: modern glazing cuts heating/cooling costs.
- UV protection: laminated glass protects furnishings.
Bottom Line
Glazing isn’t just “glass in a window.” It’s a system of glass types + installation methods that impacts safety, comfort, energy efficiency, privacy, and security.
Whether replacing a cracked window or upgrading your home, always choose glass that complies with Australian Standards (AS 1288 & AS 2208).