The Complete Handbook of Glass

Glass appears simple. In reality, it is a complex engineered material with dozens of variants, each optimized for different performance demands and building codes.

This handbook cuts through marketing and incomplete information to give you the technical knowledge professionals actually use: how glass is made and why that matters for strength and durability; the difference between annealed, tempered, laminated, and insulated glass and when each one is the right choice; how to read and compare specifications like U-value, solar heat gain coefficient, and acoustic performance; how to install glass correctly and avoid leaks, thermal stress, and safety failures; how to diagnose and repair the most common problems; and where the real business opportunities lie—whether you're a contractor looking to add a service, a facility manager evaluating upgrade options, or an entrepreneur building a glass business.

Drawn from installation manuals, building codes, and the practical experience of glaziers, architects, and glass suppliers, this reference gives you the language and knowledge to specify glass confidently, communicate with suppliers and installers, and make decisions that last.