The Introduction
Glass plays a pivotal role in modern architecture, whether in residential or commercial buildings. It is no longer just a transparent material that allows light to pass through; it has become an essential element that combines aesthetics with functional performance, including thermal and acoustic insulation. With the diversity of projects in the Gulf market, the presence of major global and regional companies stands out, providing various types of glass to meet design and sustainability requirements. In this article, we review the key supplying companies, the basic types of glass, and the differences in thermal performance, to provide a clearer picture that helps architects and consumers choose the most suitable options for their projects.
Note: In this article, we have made an effort to simplify and clearly explain the types of glass for the consumer. If there is any information that needs correction or addition, we would appreciate your feedback so that we can improve the content to be more comprehensive and accurate in clarifying everything related to glass.
1. Glass companies (Saudi, Emirati, American, Belgian...)
In the local and Gulf markets, flat glass production is available from prominent companies such as Guardian American (with factories in Saudi Arabia and the UAE), Belgian AGC (known for Al Obaikan glass), and the Emirates Glass Company. Additionally, imported glass from French Saint-Gobain, as well as Turkish and Chinese glass, enters the market. Despite the different brand names among these companies, the main types are similar in principle and do not differ much in performance.
2. The main glass used
Clear Glass
It is the base and most commonly used in double glass units or as a single unit, and it is used as a base that can later be painted or colored as needed.
Tint Glass
It is produced during manufacturing by adding metal oxides that give the glass colors such as green, gray, or bronze. It reduces sunlight and adds an aesthetic touch to facades, but it is less commonly used today because it does not insulate heat as efficiently as coated glass.
Coated Glass
When glass is coated with a thin metallic layer (such as silver or oxides), it transforms from ordinary glass into glass capable of controlling heat and light. This is known as reflective glass.
3. Low-E Glass
Among the different types, Guardian's DS (Double Silver) glass is considered the most widely used in the local market. It is characterized by its high thermal insulation efficiency while allowing natural light to enter comfortably, making it the first choice for modern residential and commercial projects. It is available in several colors (green, dark black, blue, bronze). It is worth noting that there are several production lines of low e glass.
Note about HD
HD glass is also one of Guardian's products, and it is a colored coated glass that features a high level of clarity and multiple aesthetic colors, but it is not classified as Low-E. This means it provides an attractive appearance and only moderately reduces heat, while DS remains the best in terms of thermal performance.
4. Thermal performance in reality
When using double glazing (two layers of glass with a 12 mm thick gap usually filled with air), the insulation efficiency varies depending on the type of glass used. A standard unit made of clear glass only provides a U-Value of approximately 2.8 W/m²K. However, when using HD glass with clear glass, the value improves slightly to about 2.5 W/m²K. But when using DS glass with clear glass inside the double glazing, the value can drop significantly to around 1.6 W/m²K or lower, which reflects a substantial difference in insulation and translates to tangible energy savings and greater indoor comfort.
5. Additional Treatments After Cutting
It is important to clarify that all types of glass (clear, colored, coated) are first cut, and then can be processed in additional ways:
Tempered: Glass undergoes a heat treatment that makes it five times stronger than regular glass, and when broken, it shatters into small, non-sharp pieces.
Analogy: Like the side or rear window of a car.
Laminated: It consists of two or more layers with a plastic layer (PVB) in between. When broken, the glass remains intact and prevents shards from flying, making it safer and providing additional sound insulation.
Simile: Like the windshield of a car.
6. Conclusion
Clear glass is the foundation, while the use of colored glass has declined in favor of coated glass. Within the coated category, HD is the most popular choice as it offers high clarity and an elegant appearance with moderate thermal insulation sufficient for most projects. Those seeking better thermal insulation performance turn to Low-E glass, particularly DS (Double Silver), as it provides a significant reduction in heat transfer while maintaining light entry.