Mesh-laminated glass in public spaces: is it durable enough?

Excited by mesh-laminated glass but unsure whether it's suitable for public spaces? Sort the facts from the fiction in our glass guide.



Mesh-laminated glass is a wonder of the glass world. It combines the strength, thermal efficiency and durability of safety glass with gorgeous metallic textures.

It's an aesthetically versatile product that can fit almost any vibe – from rugged industrialism to more delicate and diffusive applications.

But is it durable enough for public spaces? We're often asked this question – perhaps because old kinds of laminated glass were susceptible to edge delamination.

The simple answer is "yes". Laminated glass is highly durable and is relied on in many settings as the glass of choice for high-traffic public spaces.

This is partly because of its superior strength – around six times the strength of float glass. But it's also because of its distinctive post-breakage behaviour. When a laminated glass unit breaks, the broken glass is designed to hold together without shattering.

And this is true for all kinds of laminated glass, whether mesh-laminated, coloured or acoustic.

In this article, we take a look at the aesthetic and functional roles that mesh-laminated glass can play in public spaces.

What is mesh-laminated glass?

Mesh-laminated glass is a kind of safety glass. It's created by bonding two or more glass panes together with a mesh interlayer and a plastic interlayer (often made from PVB).

The mesh interlayer has a metallic and often woven look. Customers can choose from stainless steel, copper, bronze and other metals.

The key advantage of mesh-laminated glass is that it combines structural strength, safety, thermal efficiency and acoustic insulation with decorative interest.

This combination of qualities makes it highly suitable for public spaces, whether it's used for partitions, doors, railings or facades.

Why is mesh-laminated glass suitable for public spaces?

There are three main reasons why mesh-laminated glass is suitable for public spaces – and they all relate to its durability.

First, there's the fact that mesh-laminated glass shares a distinctive, safe breakage behaviour with all its laminated brothers and sisters. If broken, the interlayer holds the fragments in place. This prevents falling glass and means the breakage doesn't leave a hole in the wall or other surface.

Glass in public spaces needs to be difficult to penetrate, whether by burglars or bunglers. Mesh-laminated glass is durable enough to protect against impact, making it ideal for shop facades, glass balustrades, glass doors and more.

Related to this durability is the fact that mesh-laminated glass is compliant with safety standards. Architects, specifiers and designers can rest assured they've bought a product that's tested and compliant.

Finally, the durability of mesh-laminated glass makes it great at blocking out noise and UV rays.

Is mesh-laminated glass corrosion-resistant?

Mesh-laminated glass is made by bonding layers of glass with interlayers – typically a mesh interlayer and a plastic interlayer.

This second interlayer is typically water-resistant and corrosion-resistant. This makes mesh-laminated glass an ideal choice for public spaces.

If you've been specifying glass for a while, you might remember a time when PVB interlayers were susceptible to moisture. This problem led, in some cases, to edge delamination.

We're happy to say that this problem is a thing of the past. Modern plastic interlayers significantly enhance the durability of laminated glass – and that includes the mesh-laminated variety.

At the end of the day, laminated glass and mesh-laminated glass wouldn't be used for skylights, facades and other large external applications if it wasn't resistant to corrosion.

Nevertheless, you may want to consider getting the edges sealed in a frame. This helps prevent the edges from slow, long-term delamination.

How do you clean mesh-laminated glass?

Once mesh-laminated glass has been installed, it's essential to clean it regularly. The process is simple and helps increase the durability and longevity of the unit.

First, you need to dust the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth or a gentle brush. Next, you should use a mild glass cleaner or a mixture of liquid detergent and water to clean the glass surface.

It's important to avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or any cleaning materials that can scratch or otherwise damage the glass.

Once you've gone over the glass unit, you should dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth to avoid water spots.

Longevity is one of the key advantages of laminated and mesh-laminated glass, whether in public or private spaces. Make sure you increase its life span by regularly and thoroughly cleaning it.

What's more durable: mesh-laminated glass or decorative films?

Mesh-laminated glass is an investment – a worthwhile one in our view, but an investment just the same. For this reason, some people choose to apply decorative mesh-style films rather than mesh-laminated glass.

This can work in some applications. If durability is your aim, however, mesh-laminated glass is the way to go rather than a removable film layer.

Where is mesh-laminated glass used in public spaces?

It would be quicker to say where mesh-laminated glass isn't used in public spaces. Here, however, is a far-from-comprehensive list of common applications:

• Balustrades
• Balconies
• Glass floors
• Walkways
• Stair treads
• Shopfront displays
• Entrance doors
• Partitions
• Screens
• Skylights
• Roofs
• Canopies
• Curtain walls
  
  

In all of these settings, mesh-laminated glass offers durability and helps keep passersby safe, all while adding a striking aesthetic to the scene.

About TG MI

Here at ToughGlaze, we supply clients in a range of sectors with durable and compliant mesh-laminated glass. This has the durability and high performance needed for installation in public spaces.

Our TG MI range is robust, versatile and made to measure. Like all our products, it's cut, treated and processed right here in Bedford at our state-of-the-art fabrication facilities.

So, if you're looking for high-quality mesh-laminated glass for installation in a public space, get in touch with our experts. They're always ready to discuss your project or provide a fast, fair quote.