Ikkunalasi

Ikkunalasi is the glass used in windows, serving as a transparent barrier that allows light to enter while protecting interior spaces from weather. It is commonly installed in building façades, doors, storefronts, and vehicle windows. Ikkunalasi can be clear or manufactured with tints, coatings, or additional features to influence heat, light, and privacy.

Most modern ikkunalasi is made from soda-lime glass, which is formed from silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, with small amounts of other oxides to tailor properties. The float glass process is widely used to produce flat, uniform panes that are smooth on both faces. After production, panes may be cut to size and subjected to further treatments to achieve desired performance.

Typical treatments include annealing for standard glass, tempering (heat strengthening) for higher impact resistance, and lamination where a plastic interlayer holds the glass together if it breaks. Insulated glazing units (IGUs) pair two or more panes with a spacer and a gas fill or air layer to improve thermal performance and acoustics. Coatings such as low-emissivity (low-E) films reduce heat transfer, while tinting or reflective layers can control solar gain and glare.

Applications of ikkunalasi span residential and commercial buildings, storefronts, skylights, and automotive windows. Safety and energy standards regulate thickness, strength, and glazing type in different regions. Maintenance typically involves cleaning and inspecting for cracks, seal failures, or coating degradation to maintain transparency and performance.