Frequently Asked Questions

Is a template needed every time when ordering curved glass?

No is the simple answer. We can produce orders from proper production drawings or from accurate measurements. (Please see ‘How to measure a curve’) However for the person who does not have cad facilities, or who might not have complete confidence in their measuring skills a template is probably the safest way to ensure the order is correct. We would ask that as much specific detail as possible is included with the template, usually made with a light MDF / ply or h/borad.

The shape on the board, does it represent the inside, outside or even centre of glass?
What tolerance has been or should be allowed in the length of the curve?
Is the height indicated on the template and has tolerance been allowed?
Are name and contact details clearly marked on the board?
Sometimes if it is convenient, people drop in the frame to us for us to measure.

Does Trucurve provide framework as well as glass?

We don’t supply any framework, but we can however help in locating a supplier, by recommending someone we have worked with in the past or one that shows they have the capabilities to work to the necessary quality standards.

What about fitting of the finished product?

We are a manufacturer specialising in the supply only to the various trades and most of these contractors fit their own products including the glass. Where a customer is not able to do this, we can arrange for a third party, possibly a local glass company to carry out the work

What is the main difference between laminated and toughened glass?

There are a lot of terms which can overlap and cause confusion, but we will try to keep things as simple as possible.

Laminated glass usually refers to 2 or more panes of ordinary annealed glass which are bonded together. This is done for safety and security reasons because if the laminated panel gets a bang and the glass is cracked as a result, it will stay intact and maintain its integrity, unlike ordinary glass which can oftentimes disintegrate.
The thicker the laminate panel usually the better its safety/ security rating. But regardless of how thick it is, it does not have the mechanical strength of toughened glass

Toughened glass because of the way it is produced, has a strength 5 times that of ordinary annealed glass. The process subjects the glass to a structural transformation, or transformation of its surface which increases its mechanical resistance, especially its tensile strength. Because of this it is considered a structural element whereas laminated glass is not.

Nowadays it is becoming common to see the term ‘toughened laminated glass’ and this describes where 2 panes of toughened glass are laminated together. This is probably the best of both worlds where safety and strength are needed in unison..

Does curved glass have a fire rating?

No it does not. Curved glass has the same fire rating as ordinary flat glass.
Fire rating in glass is achieved by two principle means; either a pyro type glass is used (like a pyrex dish in a domestic oven) or a composite type glass using ordinary glass with intumescent interlayers thereby achieving the necessary fire rating.

Can curved glass be cut down to size?

That depends on the state it’s in. If it’s annealed it can be cut like ordinary glass. When it’s laminated it becomes much harder and no guarantees can be given. In its toughened state nothing can be done with it. That is why we put so much emphasis on getting all the details correct so that the job is done once and done correctly.