Answering Some Commonly Asked Questions About Glass Splashbacks for the Home
Glass splashbacks are very attractive and hygienic, as glass is dense and doesn't allow germs and bacteria to settle into its surface. Glass is also safe for a kitchen, as it can stop a stovetop fire from igniting the walls behind the stove, making it easier to extinguish a flame. If you're thinking about glass splashbacks for your home, note some questions you might have about this material so you can determine if it's the right choice.
What is low iron glass?
Glass is a mixture of materials that are heated and shaped and then cooled and hardened to become glass. These materials may include iron, which helps to give glass its density and strength. Too much iron in glass, however, can also create a greenish tinge, so that the glass is very strong, but also a bit unsightly. Low iron glass is made with a lower grade or amount of iron; it's still very dense, but won't have that unsightly tinge as it ages. It's good to consider low iron glass for a splashback, so that you don't end up with green glass behind your stovetop that will then need replacing.
Is laminated glass a good choice for splashbacks?
To laminate something means to cover it with an outer layer of some other material; laminated glass will then usually have an outer layer of a dense plastic that makes the piece much lighter. Homeowners who want to install their own splashback may opt for a laminated glass for this reason, as the lighter weight makes it easier to manage. However, laminated glass may also be less durable in a kitchen, as the plastic coating may be softer and more porous, and more likely to hold food debris and germs. It may also be less fireproof than safety glass. Carefully consider this option even if you want to install a splashback yourself, as it may not be the best for your home.
Can a tabletop or chopping board match the splashback?
If you opt for safety glass and not laminated glass, you can usually have a tabletop and chopping boards made to match the kitchen's splashback. These may need stoppers or pads on the bottom, so that they don't slide around on the table's surface or a benchtop, but whatever their design, ask your installer about having them made before you choose the glass for your splashback. This will ensure all those glass pieces match perfectly.
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