Obscure, Patterned and Translucent Glass

Royal Exchange roof window panes - coloured

Pilkington Texture Glass is a range of decorative glass for the architect and designer. The range offers a wide choice of finishes and patterns with varying degrees of translucency. The designs give scope for combining functional suitability with decorative effect, whilst emphasising the natural light-enhancing properties of glass.

The glass can be supplied in toughened or laminated form for safety and incorporated into double and triple glazed units.

Glass patterns are ranked for obscuration on a scale of 1 to 5. The degree of privacy offered will depend on the lighting conditions and the distance of both the viewer and the viewed subject from the glass.

Maximum Sheet Sizes

The maximum standard stock size available is only 1320 x 2140mm. Larger sizes may be available on request for very large quantities only. The glass will need to be supplied with our 50mm wide aluminium jointing section extrusions for projects where the glazing bar lengths exceed the 2140mm maximum size.

Appearance

Most of the designs are directional as such and should be glazed to the customer’s preferred orientation. This is especially important where several panes are glazed together, in this and all other glazing applications, the direction and match of the pattern should be decided and agreed before cutting.

Obscuration

There are various degrees of obscuration, from one that offers no obscuration to those that provide a high level of privacy. When obscuration is the main requirement it is strongly advisable that the customer sees samples of Pilkington Texture Glass before making and agreeing the final choice. As a subjective guide, the Pilkington Texture Glass patterns are ranked for obscuration on a scale of 1 to 5 (see image) the degree of privacy offered will depend on the lighting conditions and the distance of both the viewer and the viewed subject from the glass.

Product Performance

The solar optical properties of Pilkington Texture Glass depend only on the thickness, not the pattern. 6mm thick patterned glass has 87% light transmission and 82% total solar heat transmission

Translucent Glass

Translucent glass will allow a high percentage of light to pass through the product but vision of the image behind or in front of the glass is almost totally obscured creating a perfect privacy option. Diffussa laminated glass is two panes of clear glass x 3 or 4mm thick with a white translucent PVB interlayer which also helps somewhat in reducing glare from sunlight.

Wired Glass & Wired Glass Alternatives

Georgian Wired glass, commonly known as Pyroshield glass, is available in a textured finish for added obscurity, however this glass no longer meets the safety classification requirements of BS EN 12600. For those seeking a similar aesthetic with enhanced safety, there are several alternative glass types that replicate the appearance of Georgian Wired while providing a safety classification in accordance with BS EN 12600. These alternatives are particularly suitable for roof glazing projects where it is important to match the appearance of existing glass, although Georgian Wired effect glass is less commonly used in new builds due to its traditional look.

The Georgian Wired effect is achieved through advanced techniques such as digitally printing on heat-treated glass or incorporating printed PVB or SGP interlayers in laminated glass. This method not only replicates the classic wired design but also significantly improves safety, ensuring a non-fragile assembly in compliance with CWCT TN66 & 67 when used in our glazing systems.

Our Heritage glazing system is an ideal application for wired effect glass types in roof glazing. Historically, the original Georgian Wired glass was used to ensure that early patent glazing systems would remain intact after fracturing. Today, wired effect glass offers a similar aesthetic while adhering to modern safety standards.

Wired effect glass is also available in larger sheet sizes than typical textured patterned glass, with maximum dimensions of 3210mm x 2400mm, providing greater flexibility for various glazing projects.

For more information, please contact us.