Weather-resistant glass for
industrial applications: Him Imperial’s top picks

With evolution in technology and a number of variants being produced, glass is one of the most essential materials in the construction of residential and commercial structures. Laminated glass is widely used in buildings in glass facades, skylights, balustrades, roof glazing, partitions, etc. and are the first choice for their anti-theft and anti-vandal properties. Since it also has proven acoustic properties, laminated glass is also extensively used in hotels, airport terminals, recording studios, etc. The most commonly visible use is of course as windshields of vehicles with most of them made from laminated glass. Besides being tough and durable, glass used in construction has to resist winds and heat and cold temperatures.

This type of glass is produced through special processes and used in windows to weatherproof homes and other residential and commercial spaces. These windows are able to withstand bad weather such as heavy rains and winds that could cross speeds of 300 kmph while preventing sustainable temperatures from inside leaking out to the open. The other aspect is that it can handle rapid changes in temperature without breaking. The glass is also ideal for use in structures considering that it can withstand impact and physical shock without breaking like regular glass.

Benefits of weatherproof glass

The right type of glass also helps in weather management and increasing home energy efficiency, helping reduce dependency on artificial energy sources and helping better harness natural sources of energy – light, wind and heat. In warmer zones however, too much sunlight can cause furniture and curtains to fade, and warm the environment within. Laminated glass can reduce the amount of heat entering the home. Solar control glass is used in homes to offer clear views while also cutting the amount of UV rays penetrating the inside.

Heat-resistant glass is a specific kind of glass that can withstand an excessive variety of temperature changes. The glass is made with soda lime, silica sand, and certain chemicals that impart the heat-resistant properties of this glass.

For very high temperature applications, specially formulated ceramic glass is used. This can withstand constant temperatures up to 1250 degrees and more depending on the thickness. The other kind of specially used glass for high temperature applications is Borosilicate glass, commonly used in producing laboratory equipment. The heat-resistivity of glass is decided by global scores and the glass is categorised as follows.

 

• Class E: This glass prevents fire and smoke and contains the fire.
• Class EW: This type prevents the transfer of warmth and thereby prevents the fire.
• Class EI: This type prevents the fire heat from growing and spreading.

 

Usage of heat resistant glass

Datacentres and server rooms are the backbone of today’s businesses. Since large server systems generate heat, there is a threat of an unintentional fire. So usually server rooms are protected by installing heat-resistant glass to ensure protection in the unlikely event of a fire breakout.

Glass walls are commonly used in modern workplaces to provide the appearance of a sleek, open environment. Several office spaces use floor-to-ceiling glass walls, replacing them with space occupying brick and mortar walls or wooden or prefab partitions. Since regular glass is not shatter proof and offers no protection against an accidental floor, heat resistant glass is used considering its strength and durability.

Glass flooring is another emerging trend in several shops and business establishments such as high end electronics and accessory outlets, fashion brand outlets, clubs and bars, dancing zones etc. Strobe lights can be set below helping create a fancy environment that is also fire resistant and durable.

Windows and doors are made of laminated glass for better safety and security. This offers the premises’ better security while offering adequate light.   

Staircase entry and exit points use glass doorways as they are fire resistant and in the unlikely event of a fire, these installations ensure the fire does not spread all over the place.

Lift carriages in most modern shopping malls and commercial areas have glass carriages. While metal or timber cabins have been suitable lift carriages for over 100 years, they are opaque. Glass carriages are fashionable, stylish and help the security personnel monitor movement, passengers and also detect a fire or a malfunction instantly.

Laminated glass can be produced with different thicknesses and various coating combinations help create different characteristics such as better insulation, low radiation etc.

Him Imperial – a leading name in weather resistant glass

Him Imperial Auto Glass Works is one of India’s leading manufacturers of glass and a complete glass solutions company. Him Imperial produces several varieties of glass for various applications.

Established in 2008 in Kala Amb, Himachal Pradesh, Him Imperial manufactures to exacting internal standards using the finest raw materials and processes. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and our products’ quality standards are approved/verified by ARAI (THE AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION OF INDIA), ICAT (INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY), BIS (BUREAU OF INDIA STANDARDS) & IATF (TS). We are a European Union (E+ Marking) certified company.

Our manufacturing facilities incorporate modern machinery and a full-fledged testing lab with sophisticated equipment. We have developed a high level of competence in product development that includes in-house tool design. Today we are a widely recognised automotive and building and construction glass solutions company and produce one of the largest spans of laminated glass (2000 * 3000 mm wide) for front windshields of heavy vehicles.

Since inception, we have worked to forge long term relationships with our customers and are driven by the core values of integrity, transparency and commitment to quality. We are proud to have some of the best known names in the industry for customers – leading coach builders, state road transport corporations, heavy engineering equipment manufacturers, reputed builders and developers, prestigious manufacturers of buses, cars and trucks among others, who vouch for Him Imperial laminated safety glass.

To learn more about our offerings in laminated glass and our range of products, visit us at www.himimperial.in.