The Glossary of Glass Industry Terms

6 Tips for Choosing a Glass Company

June 2, 2022 by diamondstate_sk Leave a Comment

Not sure how to understand all the jargon you might hear thrown around when talking about glass and mirrors? Here’s your essential guide with definitions for common vocabulary used in the glass industry.

Annealing
Standard glass is manufactured via a process called annealing, in which hot glass is slowly cooled to a lower temperature in order to increase strength and durability.

Beveling
Beveling is the name of the process by which the edges of a flat pane of glass are finished to a beveled angle.

Double Glazed
A double glazed window is one that has two layers of glass, to improve insulation and energy efficiency.

Etching
Etching is a process by which designs, icons, or words can be cut into the surface of glass through the use of an acid or abrasive substance.

Fabrication
Fabrication refers to when an item is manufactured or created from existing materials as opposed to from scratch.

Fire Resistant Glass
Fire-resistant glass has been specially manufactured to serve as a protectant against fire or extreme heat.

Fire Protection Rating

This describes how fire resistant a type of glass is– a 30 rating can withstand fire for 30 minutes, a 90 rating for 90 minutes, etc.

Float Glass
Also known as flat glass or sheet glass, this type of glass is the standard variety, which is made by “floating” a ribbon of molten glass over molten metal such as tin.

Frame
A frame is a structure made out of aluminum, wood, or another hard material that can support the weight of a pane of flat glass.

Glazing
This is the industry word for the process of fitting and installing glass into a window, door, etc.

Heat-Strengthened
Heat-strengthened glass has gone through an extra heating process in a furnace and is usually around two times the strength of regular annealed glass.

Laminated Glass
Also known as safety glass, laminated glass consists of two glass panes adhered to a layer of plastic in the middle, so that when the glass breaks it does not shatter.

Pane
A pane of glass is one single piece of glass cut to a specific size needed for glazing.

Panel
A panel of glass consists of multiple panes which are cut and installed together.

Plexi-Glass
Plexi-glass is a thick, transparent material that’s actually not glass, but durable plastic.

Sash
A sash is a frame within a window that’s made to hold the pane of glass; it usually slides vertically, horizontally, or outward to allow the window to open.

Sealant
Sealant is a thin liquid solution that’s applied to a pane of glass to improve its ability to withstand water damage, dirt, etc.

Security Glass
Security glass is a type of laminated glass designed to protect against forced entry, often used in storefronts.

Shower Enclosure
A glass enclosure is often installed around a shower area in a residential bathroom to allow for enhanced privacy; it may be clear or frosted.

Tempered Glass
Tempered glass undergoes additional thermal or chemical treatments that make it four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass.

Two-Way Glass
Two-way glass, or mirrored glass, has a reflective surface on one side, meaning you can only see through from one side of the pane.

Professional Glass Company Serving the Dover, Delaware Area

If you’re still experiencing some confusion around the glass, no need to worry. The professionals at Diamond State Glass can help answer all of your questions and help you select just the right glass option for your commercial or residential needs. Based in Camden, Delaware, Diamond State Glass specializes in providing sales, installation, and repairs of mirrors, residential glass, commercial glass, and more.

As a family-owned and operated business, Diamond State Glass takes pride in being a local glass provider that has been exceeding customer expectations for two decades. Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.

April 29, 2022 by diamondstate_sk Leave a Comment

If you need the services of a professional glass company, chances are there may be many providers in your area. If you’re not familiar with the glass industry yourself, the choices can feel overwhelming. Follow these six tips to help you evaluate a glass company and ensure you work with professionals that will provide high-quality results.

1. Consider Their Experience

When it comes to a service provider like a glass company, experience is everything. You want to know that the glass company you choose to work with has been in business for a long enough amount of time that it’s clear they have the high quality, skill, and service level to satisfy customers. Look for the specific type of glasswork you’re looking for as well. The glass company in question should have broad experience in the area you’re looking for.

2. Make Sure They’re Properly Licensed and Insured

This goes for any type of company you would be doing business with. Always make sure your service providers have the proper licensing and insurance for the job. These licenses are what allows a company to legally do business in your area. Insurance protects you, the customer, from having to deal with the headache if something major goes wrong.

3. Understand Their Customer Service.

Being a good company is more than just the work you perform. It’s also about the customer service you provide. When choosing a glass company, you should find a business that puts the customer first by providing prompt and friendly service, efficient communication, and fair prices. A quick look at the company’s website or a conversation with a representative should give you an idea of the priority the company places on treating its customers well.

4. Check Out Their Capabilities

When choosing a glass company, it’s important to make sure that the company can perform the work you’re looking for. Even if the job you’re needing to hire a company for is relatively simple, a company that’s capable of performing specialized work shows a level of expertise and commitment to detail that will likely carry over into any project.

5. Ask for a Free Estimate

A reputable, honest glass company will be able to provide you with a free quote or estimate on your project so that you can get an upfront idea of what costs will look like. Although final costs can change to an extent, this should be as accurate as possible and include costs related to labor, all materials, and any fees.

6. Read Some Customer Reviews

The great thing about the internet is that you have access to customer reviews that show previous customers’ experiences with a store, restaurant, doctor’s office– or glass company! It’s easier than ever to understand a company’s reputation within the community by reading through both positive and negative reviews online. You can read testimonials from past Diamond State Glass customers here.

Professional Glass Company Serving Dover, DE

If you’re looking for a glass services provider, you’ve come to the right place. Diamond State Glass is a premier glass company with extensive experience in mirrors, residential glass, commercial glass, and more. We specialize in providing exceptional customer service and exceeding expectations on each job we complete.

Diamond State Glass is a family-owned and operated glass company that has two decades of experience providing high-quality glass products and services to Delaware residents and businesses. Based in Camden, Diamond State Glass has a team of friendly and experienced glass professionals serving all of southern Delaware south of the Chesapeake and Delaware canal. We’re a local business, and strive to treat each of our customers like the neighbors they are. Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.