We live in an age in which everything is becoming “smart”. Fairly new Smart Glass technology is paving the way for more homeowner convenience and extra pizazz.  

Would you like to live in a home in which the glass is smart? We have compiled some information to help you determine whether or not Smart Glass is an investment you may be interested in making. Join us to learn all about Smart Glass and what it may be able to offer to your home.

What is Smart Glass?

Smart glass is considered a new technology and also goes by the name switchable glass. It is currently used in interior home design. This unique technology has enabled glass to automatically control light transmission – changing from transparent to opaque or vice versa. 

Additionally, the amount of heat that can move through glass is directly affected by the amount of light enabled to pass through the glass. Some people predict curtains may become obsolete someday if Smart Glass takes over the home glass market. 

Smart Glass Technology – How Does it Work?

It’s pretty incredible that there is self-dimming glass, so it’s no wonder you may be interested in how it works. Smart Glass operates through a Smart film inserted between two glass layers.

 The Smart film contains particles that react to electricity. The placement of the small particles allows for more or less light and more or less heat to pass through the glass.

Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals are one of the main agents utilized for the functionality of Smart Film, also called PDLCs. PDLCs are liquid crystals (which have a fluid-motion property) embedded in film using polymers.

The liquid crystals consist of differing optical characteristics on each of their sides. Electrical currents change the positioning of the crystals. Transmissible light, as well as heat, are controlled by the current and subsequent changing crystal positions.

Controlling the Glass

You can control Smart Glass settings by remote, voice control, or wall switch. Other methods of adjustment can be custom-designed by an engineer. Imagine; automatic opaqueness of glass upon entrance of a bathroom stall. Or automatic opaqueness of glass shower walls when you turn on the shower. These are just two of limitless possibilities. The innovation will only expand. 

Smart Glass Uses

Now that we’ve discussed the basic function of Smart Glass, let’s talk about it’s uses. The options for this innovative technology are unlimited, but we’ll cover some general uses that may spark some of your own innovative smart glass use ideas.

Smart Glass Door

Who doesn’t love the option of letting all the sunlight come in through glass doors on a beautiful day? Imagine being able to block out the light by remote control if you decide the light is too much. Want to watch a movie, but the glare from the glass door is too much? No problem! Simply press a button or flip a switch, and the problem is solved.

Smart Glass would be great for glass sliding doors or french doors, in my opinion. Sliding glass doors and french doors look beautiful in any home and allow the space to fill up with bright natural light. 

The lack of privacy provided by glass doors is one downfall of this gorgeous interior design feature. However, smart glass can become opaque on-demand – offering the ultimate privacy behind glass without blinds, shades, or curtains! 

Smart Glass Windows

Smart glass is frequently used in windows. This technology is incredibly beneficial if you’re looking to keep a space cool in hot weather. The summer sun is especially good at heating rooms with several windows – hiking up your cooling costs. Luckily, Smart Glass windows are especially good at preventing this from happening.

Smart Glass windows also provide a privacy option without curtains, shades, or blinds. Blindness, curtainless, and shadeless windows can make a space look and feel more open and appear larger than it actually is. This technology is also impressively modern in design.

For Instance

Think about how Smart Glass windows can change life for people who work or live in predominantly glass buildings or houses. 

Imagine, if you will: a crucial conference is getting ready to take place, at a prestigious marketing firm, in an impressive New York City skyscraper building office. The skyscraper, at first glance, seems to be composed solely of glass – a breathtakingly modern appearance. But, to make it even more modern, the glass has functions of its own!

As everyone, dressed to the nines, scurries into the conference room after battling inner-city traffic, the conference coordinator simply flicks a switch on the wall. Then, the formerly stunningly bright natural light of the room switches to optimal conference room lighting. The attention of all in the room is now entirely focused on the speaker or the presentation board. 

That’s an impressively modern vision, right?

Smart Glass Shower

Many modern homes have glass shower doors and walls. While it is a visually appealing design, it offers few practical options for privacy. Glass shower doors and walls can become opaque upon demand with Smart Glass technology. It provides a quick, practical solution to a modern glass shower design’s privacy issue.

I imagine we’ll begin seeing Smart Glass showers in luxurious facilities such as prestigious gyms, spas, and other places with shower rooms. This design feature would allow users to do a quick visual inspection of showers before deciding which one they’d like to enter. Then, the user can flick a switch to turn the walls into privacy walls. 

Or, the glass can be on an automatic switch. Maybe the switch will be triggered by the closing and locking of a shower door or by the operation of shower water. The ideas are unlimited.

Smart Glass Mirror

Smart Glass mirrors are a bit different than the other Smart Glass uses we’ve already discussed because mirrors aren’t intended to be transparent. Mirrors are often one-sided, unlike all other home glass structures.

Traditionally, mirrors are designed as two-way glass. Then a discovery was made! Smart Glass technology in mirrors can allow for more light to pass through the mirror. The adjustment of allowable transmissible light in a mirror affects the clarity and coloration of reflected images.

Smart Mirrors 

Smart mirrors are a relatively new technology that allow people to use their mirrors similarly to a device screen. You can play apps on these mirrors, the image brightness is adjustable, and the mirror can even be turned on and off. Smart mirror technology is often assisted by the use of Smart Glass.

Buying Guide

Here are some tips to consider if you’re interested in investing in some Smart Glass of your own:

1. Research all brands. Then, you’ll be confident you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

2. Research all local installation companies and contractors. Once again, to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

3. Consider how you’d like to control your smart glass – remote, wall switch, automatic sensor switches, etc.

4. Provide a concise plan to act as a guide for your chosen renovation and installation professionals.

What to Look for When Buying This Type of Product

Smart glass is a growing industry worth 3.66 billion dollars in the US in 2020. There are a growing number of Smart Glass manufacturers and Smart Glass products to choose from. Consider the features, problems, and common issues and concerns of each Smart Glass product before purchasing.

Features

Smart Glass provides a few different features. Look for Smart Glass that provides the best quality for the feature you desire most. Some of the desired features to consider include:

• Privacy
• Temperature control 
• Control switch method
• Transparent to reflective adjustability 
• Reflective clarity
• Durability

Problems

Issues are possible with Smart Glass features. Smart Glass runs by electricity, and malfunctions can arise just like any electrical apparatus. 

*Please note that your Smart Glass will not work without electricity.

Before investing in Smart Glass, research the product you’re considering and read customer reviews. The ability to learn from others’ experiences is one of the many benefits of the world wide web. Look for a product that has little to no customer complaints or concerns.

Common Issues and Concerns

Privacy is a common concern when it comes to Smart Glass. A loss of electricity to Smart Glass walls, windows, or doors will cause a loss in privacy control. 

If you’re in a public shower in which opaqueness is created by an electrical current and the power goes out, then you will lose your privacy wall. However, not all Smart Glass works in this way– just another reason why it’s critical to do your research before investing.

Smart Glass For Homes- Is it For You?

Smart Glass is an innovative new technology. The growing market is evidence that Smart Glass is chosen more and more often for futuristic, modern projects. This type of glass is more expensive than standard glass, but it has so much more to offer. Whether you choose Smart Glass for your home or not, one thing is for certain- its influence in the world is just beginning. 

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