Glass_General


See Photo Galleries Below (3No) Including Glass In The Home
+ Textured/ Patterned Glass + Glass General/Working With Glass

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For A Brief History Of Glass And Its Use Today CLICK HERE

Glass, it’s the very foundation of what Bell Glass is all about, and starts in the company offering the sociable service of cutting glass whilst customers wait, offering an on site glazing service in the commercial & residential sectors, and moves on to the fabrication of hermitically sealed double glazed units, whilst also venturing into making use of the latest in technologies via the Ultra Violet bonding of glass for bespoke custom designed projects (all of which is covered in the Photo Galleries below). In a nutshell if it involves glass then Bell Glass are uniquely placed in offering its services and expertise proudly gained over 60 years of family trading. Beyond the glaringly obvious, glass in its various forms can be used within the home in many ways, with the only limit being imagination. Take a look at the Glass In The Home Gallery below, and thereafter put your thinking cap on to determine what design enhancements you could make in conjunction with the expert help offered by Bell Glass. For general information & interest glass is available in the following grades:

Float Glass: This is the most common of all glass types used and probably accounts for 95% of glass seen in windows & double glazed units. Float glass is also used to construct laminated glass, and as a base for thermal/reflective coatings (see E Glass below). Available stock thicknesses are 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, & 12mm, with larger thicknesses up to 30mm to special order. Common sheet sizes for 3 or 4mm are 1320 x 2140mm, with 6mm thick size at 2500 x 3300mm. Although by its very nature float glass is fragile it can in large panels flex under pressure, however when broken it can be very dangerous in comparison to laminated or toughened glass. Laminated Glass: Sometimes called “safety glass” because of its properties. Laminated glass is a combination of 2 or more sheets (of float glass) with 1 or more interlayers of plastic (PVB) forming a sandwich construction which is heat bonded together. Multi layer, multi sandwich laminates of 25mm are used for Post Office anti-bandit screens (and the likes). Typical stock sizes are 4.4mm, 6.4mm,7.5mm, 8.8mm, 9.5mm, 10.8mm, 11.5mm, 12.8mm & 13.5mm. Sheet size are 1080mm X 2140mm 1600mm X 2540mm 3210mm X 2250mm. The nature of laminated glass is such that if broken by impact (or a young child) the central core of the sandwich holds the glass together so that it does not inflict lethal cuts to the body. This specification of glass (or alternatively toughened or wired glass) MUST always be used where glass is low to the floor, where a young child could run into it. Laminated glass is the wisest of choices for typical shopfronts, and is also ideal for all security application (including the home) where penetration by a burglar is greatly hampered. In spite of being a touch more expensive than toughened glass it is way superior on aspects of security. Laminated glass is not the best choice when it comes to glass table tops. From a safety aspect it is obviously better than float glass, but toughened glass is the best choice especially when appreciating that if the edges can be seen then the core of the laminated glass can be seen. Polishing the edges of laminated glass is not practically possible. Toughened Glass: Toughened glass cannot be cut once toughened, and there is no such thing as a standard size of toughened sheet. The process typically involves Bell Glass cutting a piece of float glass (4, 6 or 10mm) to the customers precise dimensions, and thereafter sending it to a specialist contractor to be toughened - this being a heat based process which alters the molecular structure so that when hit or severally impacted the glass fractures into small particles as opposed to lethally sharp pieces. Toughened glass can be incorporated into double glazed units (for say conservatory roof glazing) but generally the process is not cheap, although it is slightly cheaper than laminated glass. With its levels of inherent flexibility toughened glass is also the wisest of choices for items such as glass table tops, or shelves above wash hand basins, however if the glass is being laid onto a solid base almost like a decorative covering then float glass is generally acceptable (if out of reach of young boisterous children). Safety Glass General: Such a group comprises of Georgian wired glass (clear or cast), laminated glass, and toughened glass. If unsure what is the best to use for a given situation then sociable help and a wealth of knowledge is available by telephoning any branch of Bell Glass. Low E Glass: Applied to float glass a low emission microscopic coating of metal oxide is applied to one face (internal), providing properties that allow all heat and light from the sun to pass through the glass, but it reflects heat back into the room. Pilkington “K” glass specification as frequently used by Bell Glass meets such specifications and is ideal for saving on fuel bills, and loss through glass conservatory roofs. Self Cleaning Glass: This wizard of technology comprises of ordinary float glass with a special photo catalytic coating applied to the intended external face. The wizardry needs water to generate the cleaning process which starts with the coating reacting to the UV rays from the sun which then break down organic dirt particles & algae’s loosening them from the surface (instead of sticking). The coating incorporates hydrophilic properties which means that when it rains (or is lightly sprayed with water) the water drops will roll down the glass (instead of 60% sticking) and in doing so take the particles of dirt with it. Whilst self cleaning glass is a must for high multi storey structures it can be a wonderful bonus for conservatories glass roofs which can be immensely difficult to keep clean. Indeed with today’s labour costs of a window cleaner there is now a means of reducing it. Acid Etched Glass: This is a major manufacturing process and not one applied by Bell Glass. The float glass is etched by acid on one face only and results in a white silky like appearance which has first class obscurity qualities without totally blocking light penetration. Visually it does not initially come across as inspiring, however this can be a false illusion when in the right location it can be superb. This form of glass is ideal for display shelves with secret artificial lighting below, and has a touch of elegance when used as narrow panels in an entrance door (or screen) IF the glass has been bevelled on the edges - which in the process cuts/polishes away the etched surface to create a bevelled area of clear glass. Nice. Acid etched glass can be incorporated into the fabrication of double glazed units, and like white glass can also be used as a protective/decorative top to some items of furniture. Tinted Glass: Such grades are restricted to bronze or grey tinted, with the thickness of the glass specified adding to the visual impact of the tint. Although commonly used on or within commercial buildings its use in the residential sector is limited, where its modern appearance can be somewhat alien to the architectural styling of many properties. Grey tinted glass is ideal for conservatory south facing roofs, and can be fabricated into double glazed units and worked on in the same manner as for float glass. The use of grey tinted glass within the home is only limited by imagination, but can successfully be used for glazing cupboard or wardrobe doors, used as feature shelving (6mm or 10mm thick), or simply used as a protective & reflective decorative top to many items of furniture (especially those subject to being ruined by stains from coffee mugs etc). Beyond being maintenance free it should be remembered that any glass object can enhance the interior of most rooms in bouncing the light around and creating interest to the eye. Picture Glass: A 2mm thick non-reflective glass produced specially for the glazing of framed prints. Highly recommended, especially if the picture is to be hung opposite a window or opposite a light fitting. Fire Resisting Glass: Not so long ago there were zero options in terms of what could be used to provide fire resistance to a glazed door or screen, when the only ugly choice had to be wired glass. Times have thankfully changed and Bell Glass offer “Pyroguard Clear” which is a laminated sandwich construction with a special resin taking the place of wire. Available in two specifications that comply with the “Building Regulations” the 7.2mm thick panels provide 30 minute fire resistance (FR), with the 11.4mm thick panels being suitable for acquiring 60 minutes fire resistance (subject of course to the framing complying with statutory regulations). Suitable for part glazed doors, screens or frames “Pyroguard” is available in clear, satin, or with a stipple finish where some amount of privacy is desired Decorative Glass: A range of textured and decorative glasses that can provide interest as well as varying levels of obscurity/privacy. Again these can be fabricated into double glazed units where required. See Photo Gallery below for illustrative examples.

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As a guide the glass samples photographed below are 6” inches (150mm) square.
Click On Thumbnail Image Below For Larger Photograph

Pat Glass 01 Georgian Wired Clear	Pat Glass 02 Georgian Wired Cast	Pat Glass 03 Oriel Laurel	Pat Glass 04 Everglade

Pat Glass 05 Chantila	Pat Glass 06 Oriel Canterbury	Pat Glass 07 Digital	Pat Glass 08 Autumn

Pat Glass 09 Grey Tinted Plain	Pat Glass 10 Mayflower	Pat Glass 11 Artic	Pat Glass 12 Bronze Tinted Plain

Pat Glass 13 Charcoal Sticks	Pat Glass 14 Stippolyte	Pat Glass 15 Florielle	Pat Glass 16 Flemish

Pat Glass 17 Cotswold	Pat Glass 18 Etched White	Pat Glass 19 Minster	Pat Glass 20 Oak


This gallery covers the aspects of working with glass
Click On Thumbnail Image Below For Larger Photograph
	1: Key to much that happens at Bell Glass (Rainham Branch) workshops is literally all about working with glass, with the provision of spacious motorised roller workbenches being needed for cutting and working on large sheets of glass and mirror. Stocks of glass are refreshed at very short intervals due to the amount being regularly used - specifically relative to the production of hermetically sealed double glazed units for windows & doors.

	2: With pallets of glass & mirror weighing tons a fork lift vehicle is used to move the glass around between different areas of the Rainham workshop.


	3: Some people might believe that polishing the edge on a sheet of glass or mirror is simply carried out by something like a small wheel attached to a work bench, however this is not so when as can be seen in the photograph the procedure involves large and expensive equipment in order to achieve a professional finish. Settings on the polishing machine can be adjusted subject to the task at hand (such as only forming a ground safety edge), and although the glass is fed through the machine on a conveyor system the equipment does require experienced operator skills.

	4: Cutting chamfered bevels on glass or mirror sheet requires an equally large piece of equipment as the polishing machine (seen above). Bevel profiles are normally 25mm wide, but can be reduced down to 10mm. In spite of the equipment being sophisticated the many control settings do require considerable operator skills in order to achieve a professional finish.

	5: Unlike many others companies that provide window installations Bell Glass actually produce their own hermetically sealed double glazed units, and also supply the end product to building contractors as well as to other window companies in the Kent area. The procedures of constructing a double glazed unit will become apparent in some of the following photograph. A key aspect of making a double glazed panel to have a long life expectancy starts off in making certain that the glass is as clean as a whistle, and seen in this photograph is the conveyor fed automatic washing and drying cabinet.

	6: Once the glass panels have been laid out on the wheel bench (see photo below) and the aluminium cavity spacers duly located the assembly is sealed on the edges with a rubberised compound - with the equipment in this photograph contributing to that process.

	7: General photograph of the double glazed fabrication workshop area, with a small completed panel sitting on the wheel bench which incorporates a pneumatic edge clamping device (like a long vice).

	8: Seen here - Completed double glazed units in one of the set aside designated workshop storage areas, ready for dispatch or collection. All double glazed units look the same, but it is from the long experience in the market that Bell Glass produce units to the highest of standards.

	9: The function of the aluminium spacer that separate the panels on a double glazed unit do far more than the basics of forming a cavity. The void/chamber of the spacers are filled with a chemical based granular mix, and via the small perforations within the spacer the composition will absorb any moisture within the cavity for around 20 years (plus). This prevents condensation from occurring within the cavity. Before being placed on the glass during the setting up procedure the spacer is run through a machine which applies a very strong adhesive coating strip to the thin edges, and it is this strong bonding which holds the panels together whilst the unit is being moved around having the edges air tight sealed. Aluminium spacers bars come in many sizes, and Bell Glass retain a large stock to cater for all various cavity widths.

	10: Returning back to the glass cutting workshop benches here we see a hand produced contemporary mirror getting the finishing touches from Lee.

	11: Drilling holes in glass or mirror is a common daily activity within the workshop, with the specialised high pressure water assisted drill stand capable of cutting holes up to 50mm diameter.

	12: Bell Glass are likely pretty unique within the County of Kent in using the advanced technology of UV (Ultra Violet) bonding. We are all aware of frameless glass fish aquariums which are held together by silicone mastic, but of course such bonding techniques are hardly visually appealing upon close scrutiny. This is where the UV bonding system comes into its own in that any joint between glass panels can be constructed without there being any conceivable trace of adhesive, or any trace marring the optics of looking through the glass at any point. Constructing anything using the UV bonding system requires extreme accuracy in glass cutting & polishing when there is no physical adhesive bed to fill any minor discrepancies. The process starts off with any 2 glass panels being locked together via precision engineered hydraulic clamps which with their suction properties hold the panels rigidly together (see photo). Bonding agent is then flowed along the joint and the linear Ultra Violet lamp activated for a matter of seconds to produce a solid joint. The use of short wave UV can be very dangerous in causing blindness, so adequate safety precautions are deployed including the wearing of special glasses. Uses for the UVBS are best described as unlimited, with the only true limit being imagination and willingness to pay for perfection. If you have an exciting design idea which would benefit from such forms of construction then telephone the Rainham Branch to discuss the matter.


This gallery illustrates a few simple ideas which might inspire you to make better use of glass in your home or office.
Click On Thumbnail Image Below For Larger Photograph
	15: Simply adding a sheet of float glass to the top of cabinets, drawer units, tables, etc, can do wonders especially to cheap melamine surfaces (as seen here). Not only will the glass softly bounce natural daylight around the room, it adds a touch of magic to objects placed on the glass by creating interesting & rich reflections. Beyond the visual enhancements the glass acts as a great protector to the furniture, and where used in the bedroom is ideal for those who eat jam sandwiches in bed. Using low cost 4mm glass is fine, but for a touch of opulence try 6 or 10mm - naturally with polished edges.

	16: Although Bell Glass do not sell glass shelves suitable for bathroom or cloakrooms, the fact of the matter is that when purchasing such a item the widths available are extremely limited and hopeless if one is after a specific width for a specific reason. Seen in this photograph is an example where the dimension between the chrome supports was critical in order to locate onto the centres of the lacquered mirror frame uprights. The solution was for Bell Glass to provide a new piece of 6mm toughened glass to the exacting required dimension. (Bevelled mirror also supplied by Bell’s).

	17: Adding a few shelves to the home for the display of ornaments and the likes is very commonplace, but alas the tendency is to think of timber as the construction material, when a far more enlightening & richer material is at hand by making use of glass.
	Apart from timber being heavy on the eye, glass offers the unique opportunity of creating a shelf with concealed lights below, which in turn is magical for ornaments placed on the shelf, whilst also adding to the lighting design scheme of the room.
	As can be seen in the adjoining 3 photographs where white opal glass (or acid etched glass) shelves are used they creates a wonderful soft glow to displayed items, especially if they are glass. That said most forms of objects become richer when lit this way.

	18: Putting aside illuminated display shelves, where it comes to simple shelves glass again is the hands down winner, with 10mm thick polished shelves (as seen here) conveying a feel of richness, lightness & solidity. Of course other obvious benefits are that there is no need to get out the saw & sandpaper, nor the need to paint or varnish them each year. All is needed is to give Bell Glass the dimensions and quantity required.
	There are numerous methods for supporting shelves, but as can be seen when it comes to clear glass there is nothing more neater and less obtrusive than using profiled Perspex pegs.

	19: White opal glass is also a great reflective and rich material for adding to the top of a table or cupboard unit, and seen in this photograph is an example where the material has additionally been combined with a thin horizontal mirror strip and vertically applied to the somewhat dated teak bed head in order to liven it up.

	20: Existing simple cupboards can easily be treated to a face lift by removing any existing central panel and replacing with 6mm grey tinted glass. The use of clear float glass is fine, but of course it does mean easily viewing the possible clutter within the cupboard.

	21: This cabinet originally had plain glass doors, but the contents often became cluttered and annoying to the eye so the glazing was replaced with acid etched glass, with Bell Glass doing one of their favourite tricks in applying a 25mm wide bevel to the perimeter which with skill cuts away the etched surface to make it plain, so that when polished it really looks something special. Finishes like this can be applied in numerous instances to enhance what exists.

	22: There was a time when coming up with an idea that involved a large hole to be cut into a large piece of glass or mirror was not only a risky business, but somewhat expensive for those on a budget. These days Bell Glass tackle such tasks blindfold for a reasonable cost, and as seen in these 2 photographs they had no problems in machining a mirror fascia on a plumbing duct to receive a push button WC vacuum flush device.
	Do remember then if you have an idea involving large holes, then don't hold back because its all possible without robbing a bank.