What to do when Privacy Glass is not enough
You might be looking to keep your glass opaque for one of the following reasons:
- When you want to keep light in but prying eyes out.
- When you need to keep the room temperature down.
- When you want to have a private conversation.
Next, consider how much privacy you need:
- If it’s just a little, consider using a projection film on your glass to give yourself that extra bit of privacy while still letting people see if there’s someone inside or outside the room. This is most effective when used on windows that are visible from outside the building and are placed at an angle where people wouldn’t be able to look in even if they got right up against it.
- If you need full privacy, consider installing an electronic film instead. With electronic films, all it takes is a push button or remote control for your window glazing to go from fully transparent and clear to frosted and opaque. You can also choose different levels of opacity depending on your needs—perfect for those who don’t want their windows completely blacked out during working hours!
Not just for the office anymore
It’s important for people to feel safe and comfortable as they go about their daily routines, so we’re proud of our work installing safety glass in schools, shopping centers, hospitals and more. Privacy architectural glass is a great solution for any space that needs a little extra protection—whether it be from outside influences or the sun.
As schools resume this fall, we want to celebrate some of the spaces we’ve created where students can thrive and grow. Check out these fun examples of privacy glass used in educational environments and beyond!
This technology is growing more sophisticated
“These systems are more adaptable, more energy efficient and far easier to automate than earlier technologies. They can also be used in almost any space, from the living room to a large office or even a smart home.”
The wide range of applications for smart glass makes it an ideal choice for a variety of spaces and purposes, including the ability to address issues such as glare reduction and thermal comfort. As technology continues to improve, this innovative product is becoming more affordable while retaining its distinct advantages over traditional window shades and blinds.
The benefits of privacy glass
How does privacy glass work? Privacy glass uses a thin liquid crystal film sandwiched between two panes of glass. When electricity is applied to the glass, the molecules in the film align and become transparent. When electricity is removed, the molecules go back to their random pattern and scatter light, making it impossible to see through.
Benefits of Privacy Glass
- Improved privacy. No one wants to feel like they are living in a fishbowl in their own home. With privacy glass you can enjoy relaxing in your home without feeling exposed or even naked to your neighbors! Privacy glass can help prevent peeping Toms or nosy neighbors from seeing inside your house at night when you are trying to relax inside. Privacy glass also prevents people from being able to see what is happening inside your house during the day so you don’t need to worry about closing all of your blinds at every hour of the day.
- Energy savings on heating and cooling costs – The ability for privacy glass to tint reduces unwanted heat gain from direct sunlight effectively reducing the amount of energy needed for air conditioning during hot periods of time such as summer months or specific times where most homes get direct sunlight into specific rooms (i.e., kitchens). During colder seasons such as winter months, switching off the electric current allows heat gain by letting sunlight pass through effectively reducing energy consumption spent on heating costs during these times.
- Ability for instant natural lighting – Switching off power allows natural daylight into a room which eliminates electrical consumption that would otherwise be used by lamps/lights if traditional window materials were used in place of tinted windows/doors with privacy glass option available.*Reduced need for blinds – Privacy glazing provides an effective means for eliminating the need for window treatments (blinds) and increasing usable floor space within a room while providing increased thermal insulation performance over standard double glazed units.*Preventing accidents – The use of electrochromic glazing has also been found beneficial in healthcare
Why smart glass provides an affordable option
Smart glass is more affordable than smart windows.
It’s easy to see the appeal of a one-touch system that turns your clear glass opaque at the flick of a switch or tap of an app. But when you’re ready to get serious about privacy, stop thinking smart glass and start thinking smart curtains—and no, we’re not joking. Smart glass is more practical and affordable than traditional privacy glass. It offers many useful applications in addition to privacy, including:
- Light control
- UV protection
- Energy efficiency (your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard)
- Noise reduction (less air can pass through a window covered by drapes)
Privacy glass is getting smarter and more versatile.
The evolution of smart glass has made an impact on the construction and commercial industries, but what exactly is its purpose? Smart glass can be installed in windows and doors to regulate the amount of light that comes into your space. It also acts as a barrier from UV rays and provides insulation for your building. All of these factors can lead to reduced energy costs for your building, which makes it cost effective in the long run. Additionally, it can help with safety—smart glass can be installed in office buildings, hospitals and schools to keep staff members safe if there’s a break-in or other emergency situation.
Smart glass can be applied to just about any type of window or door you have, whether you have skylights or casement windows. And it doesn’t matter if your current window framing is wood or vinyl—smart glass is compatible with both. You might also see this technology used in storefronts where they want to display products while providing privacy inside the store itself (think three-way mirrors in fitting rooms).
As smart glass evolves, more uses will certainly emerge. For now, we’re happy that smart glass has become more energy efficient and accessible over time!
