Advice and tips
Our advice section is full of answers for those questions that have you stumped!
Types of Glass
Including the details of availability, uses and delivery times
Standard Float Glass
This non-toughened glass goes under several names including standard, Float or Annealed glass. When broken the glass will break into shards and should be avoided when safety is a concern.
Thickness: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 19mm
Colours: Clear, Low Iron, Satin
Toughened Glass
This safety glass is processed in the same way as float glass and is then tempered by using heat to create a durable glass that is 5 x stronger than non-toughened glass. When broken it will shatter into tiny pieces.
Thickness: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 19mm
Colours: Clear, Low Iron, Satin
Laminated Glass
A type of safety glass that's constructed using 2 sheets of annealed glass that sandwiches a layer of polyvinyl. this layer ensures that the glass stays intact without any holes when broken.
Thickness: 4.4 and 6.4mm
Mirror (Cut to size)
Cut to size Mirrors are suitable for many projects. When using in a frame, remember to allow 2-3mm on all sides to allow for expansion of the frame. Polished edges and drill holes mean mirrors can be directly mounted.
Thickness: 4 and 6mm
Colours: Silvered Mirror
Mirror (20mm Bevelled Edges)
Bevelled edge mirrors give a luxury feel and require no frame due to the nature of the polishing process. Choose from a 10-40mm bevel detail but 20mm is our most popular.
Thickness: 4 and 6mm
Colours: Silvered Mirror
Coloured Splashbacks
Low Iron glass is painted on the reverse side with any colour of your choice. We can paint to any RAL, Dulux or Farrow & Ball colour code, the choice is truly yours and we can even add sparkles for a unique look.
Thickness: 6mm
Colours: Any paint colour on Low Iron Glass
Double Glazing
Suitable for replacing those faulty double glazed units or for your own complete set of windows. Our double glazing is available with Planitherm glass on one side for great heat retention and annealed or toughened on the other.
Double Glazed Sealed Units – BS EN 1279 compliant
Thickness: 28mm
Colours: ClearTriple Glazing
The same spec as our double glazing but will an added third layer in the middle providing superior heat retention.
Triple Glazed Sealed Units - BS EN 1279 compliant
Thickness: 28mm
Colours: Clear
PLEASE NOTE:
Our double and triple glazing units do not include the UPVC frames.
Glass Edges
We provide the following edge finishes
Hand Arrised Edge
This is the most basic form of edge detail and is classed as non decorative. The edges are lightly sanded to take of the sharp edge to enable easier handling. This edge detail is often used when edge of the glass will be hidden by a frame or casing.
Machine Polished Edge
A smooth finish with a small chamfer to the top and bottom of the glass edge produces a very clean decorative detail. Common uses include shelves, glass table tops, splashbacks and any other situations where an unfinished edge would not be suitable.
Bevelled Edge
The same process as a machine polished edge but with a deep chamfer to the top edge. Bevels are measured inwards from the outer edge of the glass and range from 10-40mm. Traditionally used for frameless mirrors and other decorative glass.
PLEASE NOTE: Glass supplied with a cut edge or Hand Arrised edge finishing can be sharp, therefore we recommend the use of gloves when handling.
The Colour of Glass
Ever wandered why some glass is green?
Clear Glass
This is the most common type of glass and has a green colour when looking on the side edges, however this is not noticeable when looking through the glass. The green tint comes from the iron content used when manufacturing the glass.
Low Iron Glass
Having a low Iron content gives this glass it's clear look and is used where the green tint of standard glass would not be desired. It is also used for painted splashbacks as the finished colour is not affected by colour of the glass.
Satin Glass
Otherwise known as frosted, this glass colour is great for modern projects and is used for shelves, screens and more. Satin Glass has one smooth side and one non-smooth side.
Optional Extras
We provide the following edge finishes
Holes
We can drill holes in your glass for many purposes although normally they are used for fixing purposes. When drilling glass, the hole must be 1.5 x Glass Thickness from the edge of the glass.
Radius Corners
Corners of the glass can rounded or Radiused to take of the sharp pointed corners. We offer Radius Corners from 10-100mm online but we can offer more if required.
Cut Outs
Mainly used for splashbacks in kitchens, the cut outs we offer online are for single or double sockets. Please get in touch if you need further information.
FAQ's
Do you cut glass to size while I wait?
No, we do not currently offer a While u Wait service as all glass is processed off site.
Can Better Glass visit my property to measure my glass for me?
Do you deliver Cut to Size glass?
We currently offer a pallet delivery service for glass deliveries. We regret that we cannot deliver glass on a courier delivery network.
Can I collect Cut to Size glass from your warehouse?
When will my order be ready for collection?
Your order is normally ready in 5-10 days depending on the complexity of the items ordered and we will contact you when your order is ready.
What happens if I've ordered the wrong size or thickness of glass?
Unfortunately, as all glass is processed to your exact requirements and this means that we are unable to accept returns or cancellations, we will however do our best to advise you to the product/sizes before ordering.
Can i pay online?
Yes, we have full online glass ordering system.