verglasten

Verglasen is the German verb meaning to glaze, and the participle form verglasten describes surfaces that have been coated with glass or glazed. The term is used in several contexts, most notably in architecture and in ceramics.

In architecture, verglasen denotes the use or installation of glass in buildings, especially for windows and façades. Glassing serves to admit daylight, protect against weather, and influence thermal and acoustic performance. Modern glazing often uses insulating glass units (IGUs) with two or three panes separated by an air or gas-filled gap. Low-emissivity coatings reduce heat transfer, while inert gas fills such as argon or krypton improve insulation. Spacer bars and frame design affect thermal bridging. Glazing can be clear or tinted, and may include solar-control coatings to manage solar gain. The term also covers enclosed spaces with extensive glazing, such as glass façades or conservatories, where daylight and transparency are defining features.

In ceramics, verglasen refers to applying a glaze to pottery or ceramic objects, which then fuses to a glassy surface during firing. Glazes determine surface quality, porosity, color, and durability and can be transparent, opaque, or decorative.

Historically, advances in glass production enabled larger panes and new architectural possibilities. Today, glazing remains central to energy-efficient design and daylighting, with standards frequently emphasizing U-values, solar heat gain, and condensation risk.