Our Glass Range
Glass lights up a building, which lights up your life!
That’s what we do at Rainbow Glass.
We also manufacture and distribute all types of Aluminium Windows & Doors which are tested and certified by AAAMSA. These aluminium windows and doors are manufactured by our sister company in East London called Brilliant Aluminium (Pty) Ltd and distributed by our Rainbow Glass & Aluminium branches in East London, Port Elizabeth, George and Mthatha.
Only the best
Glass Range
Please select from our range below to learn more
Float
Obscure
Toughened Safety Glass
Laminated Safety Glass
Insulated Glass Unit / Double – Glazed Unit
Glass
Float / Monolithic Annealed Glass
Float glass is made from mixing raw materials like dolomite, limestone, sand and soda ash. The mixture of materials is melted in a furnace until they form molten glass which is then floated on a bed of molten tin, hence the name ‘Float glass’.
We use float glass in our processing of Toughened Safety Glass and Insulated Glass. (These are described in detail later)
- Available Colours: Clear as well as Bronze and Grey tinted options are common.
- Thickness range: 3mm to 19mm
- Applications: Windows, Interior furniture such as Shelves and Table tops
Glass
Obscure Glass
Obscure glass (also known as figured glass) is also a type of float glass that reduces the amount of transparency without a great reduction in the amount of visible light.
This glass is commonly used in bathrooms offering privacy but not blocking out light.
Rainbow Glass offer various different patterns to provide an added decorative effect.
Acid-etched glass is also a form of obscure glass that we offer. It has a frosted look with a smooth feel and is a popular choice for use in bathrooms, showers as well as in office partitioning.
Toughened Safety Glass
Toughened / Tempered
Toughened glass is made by heating float glass to approach its softening temperature and suddenly chilling it with jets of cold air, which produces highly desirable conditions of induced stress. This results in additional strength, resistance to thermal stress and impact resistance. Toughened glass is 4-5 times stronger than normal float glass.
In the event of breakage, toughened glass breaks into small blunt particles causing practically no injury. So, it is a safety glass and is a must in a variety of applications.
Applications: Facades, Furniture, Shower doors, Balustrades, Windows and doors.
Based on the customer’s requirements, we can toughen clear and tinted float glass, patterned glass, hard-coated Low-E glass, etc.
Laminated Safety Glass
Clear and Tinted Laminated Safety Glass
Laminated safety glass is made of two pieces of float or toughened glass inter-layered with a layer of plastic film known as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).
The most popular makeup of laminated glass includes 3mm float glass / 0.38mm clear PVB interlayer / 3mm float glass. A combination of these give us what is commonly called 6.38mm laminated glass.
Laminated glass can be made with different PVB thickness and glass thickness depending on the application which increase the strength of the product. Common uses for laminated glass include airports, skylights, facades, glass floors etc. The PVB layer of laminated glass may also be clear or tinted.
One of the best benefits of laminated glass is that in the event of breakage, the glass is held together by the PVB interlayer and forms a ‘spider-web’ effect rather than breaking into large, sharp pieces. Therefore, it is also a safety-glass.
Laminated Safety Glass
Performance Laminated Safety Glass
Our performance laminated glass range provides enhanced security, safety, sound control and energy efficiency.
Security
An increased thickness of the PVB interlayers ensures additional protection and greater resistance to any force applied. PVB thicknesses may increase from 0.38mm for low degree of security to 0.76mm for medium level of security to 1.52mm for a higher level of security.
Solar Control
A few concerns with glass in buildings include solar heat gain or loss as well as the comfort of those within the building. Laminated glass with solar control benefits ensures that the amount of solar radiation and harmful UV rays which enter a building are reduced. This allows the interior temperature of the building to be better managed while allowing for sufficient natural daylight to pass through the building. It also ensures that the UV rays do not damage or cause the fading of interior furniture, fittings and clothing.
Sound
Acoustic laminated glass allows for the damping of sound transmittance which significantly reduces the noise from loud music, traffic, airplanes, constructions sites etc. For interior partitions or windows, soundproof laminated glass can assist to keep conversations private or reduce the amount of sound transmitted from music in your braai / entertainment area.
Energy Efficiency
Low – E glass or (Low Emissivity glass) is an ideal energy efficient type of glass applicable for use in all types of buildings. It is available both as Low-E Float glass and as laminated glass. The coating on the glass keeps more heat on the side of the glass where it originated.
This prevents heat from escaping the room and it reflects away the sun’s exterior heat from entering the room. This results in keeping the room warm in winter months and cool in hot summer months. All this happens while letting visible light pass into the building.
Glazed Units
Insulated Glass / Double
Double glazed units consist of two or more panes of glass which are separated by an air gap, which is often filled with Argon gas. This gap acts as an insulation. It reduces humidity, noise, sunlight and cold air which may pass through the glass.
The main benefits of using double glazed units in buildings include:
Enlarge Your View and Space
Allows for larger window spaces, opening the building up to more natural light and greater views.
Increased Security
Due to double glazed units comprising of not one but two layers, when attacked with force the glass will not crack or shatter as easily as single glazed float glass. There is added protection if laminated safety glass is used in a double glazed unit.
Reduced Noise
Double glazed or even triple glazed windows are commonly used in airports due to its enhanced acoustics. A seamless transmission of light is still possible while restricting external noise reaching the inside of the building. Say goodbye to your noisy neighbours!
UV protection
The transmission of harmful UV rays through a double glazed unit is significantly reduced ensuring that interior décor and furniture such as your lounge suite or curtains do not fade.
Energy Efficiency
Double glazing ensures next level insulation by reducing the transfer of hot or cold air through your windows and doors.
Similar to our Low-E glass, double glazing assists even more in making your home cooler during summer and warmer during winter. In effect, it saves you money on the use of air-conditioning and indoor heating.
All these factors make Double Glazed units the ideal and most sustainable choice for glass in buildings.
Only the best
Accreditations
