Walk-on glass is glass that has been made to a specific thickness and strength so that it can withstand the weight of pedestrians walking on it. It can be used for applications such as flooring in showrooms, glass bridges, decks, and other architectural features. The edges of the glass are usually bevelled to reduce the likelihood of breakage due to stress fracturing. Standard walk-on glass might range from anywhere between 20mm thick up to 80mm thick depending on the size and load bearing requirements. The glass itself is generally made from laminated safety glass, which uses multiple layers of annealed or tempered safety glass to form one strong unit with increased strength and rigidity.
What is Walk-On Glass Commonly Used For?
Walk on glass is a safer way to access or maintain many structures or items that could otherwise be difficult to access. It can be used for:
1. Abridging long distances over water or other precarious surfaces, such as oil rigs and bridges.
2. Undertaking maintenance on previously inaccessible parts of large machines; for example, crews may need to repair the outer casings of aeroplanes or fix the inner workings of computers.
3. Installing rooftop gardens and light fixtures in areas that are well out of reach without the use of scaffolding or ladders.
4. Erecting glass domes on buildings where an extra layer of protection is needed against inclement weather conditions.
5. Setting up indoor swimming pools where a thin sheet of supportive glass can create a protective seal between swimmers and the outside environment.
With so many bespoke uses, it’s easy to see why walk-on glass is so popular!
So- Is Walk-On Glass Double or Triple Glazed?
Here at Finepoint Glass, we understand that walk-on glass can be absolutely stunning. We love improving properties with our bespoke range of walk-on glass installations- whether to showcase rooms, gardens or art installations, the possibilities are endless. We hope you’re as excited about our range of walk-on glass as we are, but we understand that it’s natural to have some questions.
The structural integrity of any walk-on glass installation is of the highest importance. So while we know our glass is stylish, we also want it to be functional- a real all-rounder! With this in mind, we try to make sure our glass boasts efficiency as well as beauty. Here, we answer the question- is walk on glass double or triple glazed?
In Short- It Depends!
Walk-on glass can be fully customised depending on the requirements and specifications of the project. This is ensure both durability as well as energy efficiency.
Walk-on glass is a fantastic and innovative way to bring natural light and the surrounding views into an enclosed space, while also having the practical benefit of adding an extra layer of durability to a floor surface. But what many don’t understand is that there are actually two types of glass used in walk-on applications, each with different levels of glazing: double and triple glazing. Understanding the differences between these two kinds of glazing can help you make the best decision for your walking glass needs.
What’s Best For My Project?
First, let’s start by understanding what double glazing is. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass that are sealed together at their edges using an airtight sealant. This creates a barrier between them and keeps air from getting in or out, improving insulation and reducing environmental noise from entering the space. Double glazed walk-on glass also offers added security and helps keep out any dust or dirt as well as more extreme weather conditions. However, its thickness makes it slightly more liable to cracking due to hard impacts, like dropping heavy items on it or placing large pieces of furniture on top.
On the other hand, triple glazing has three panes of glass sealed together, making it thicker than double glazed walk-on glass. This increased thickness adds even more strength and stability which helps resist any impacts that could potentially cause cracks or breakage to occur. Triple glazed walk-on glass is also able to provide even better insulation and noise reduction, as the additional pane acts as an extra barrier to the outdoors.
Both double and triple glazing walk-on glass offer their own unique benefits and can both be used to great effect in many different settings. Double glazing is generally much less expensive and thus more suitable for most people working with a limited budget. However, it may not be able to withstand as much wear and tear over time as triple glazing. Triple glazed walk-on glass, on the other hand, is much thicker and more durable, making it especially suitable for areas subject to heavier use or harsher conditions.
How Do I Decide?
Ultimately, it comes down to what type of application you need it for- and how heavy wear you need your new glass to be. Our friendly team of expert installers are always on hand to help you decide what type of glass would be best for your project!
Browse our range of walk-on glass online, or visit our showroom. We would love to show you what we have on offer! Alternatively, contact us and a member of our helpful team will get back to you. We look forward to working with you!