Spandrel glass is a type of glass that is used to cover construction materials. In addition to being entirely durable, spandrel glass can also be used in an aesthetically appealing way. Spandrel is commonly used between certain sections of a building including the area between floors, columns, ceilings, and other small or large spaces.

The main aesthetic purpose of spandrel glass is to create an overall uniform appearance. By using colored glass panels, spandrel glass can match most other types of glass that are used to crate a glass-front building. When the color of all glass pieces is observed, it is nearly impossible to tell where one section of a building begins and ends.

Spandrel glass is available in numerous shades ranging from green to bronze. Metal-flecked spandrel can also be acquired from certain retailers. The color of spandrel that is chosen is particularly important, since the color will affect the overall appearance of the building that it is applied to. When carefully matched with similar colors, spandrel becomes the ideal option for all types of buildings.

Spandrel is created using fired-on frit methods. This process includes a ceramic frit - a material used as a basis for glassmaking - that is fused to the glass using high-heat fusing methods. This technique creates a glass that will not fade over time. In addition, spandrel is up to five times stronger than annealed glass. Thus, spandrel glass is particularly suited for industrial buildings. In fact, most modern buildings incorporate the use of spandrel if a smooth appearance is desired.

Due to the fact that spandrel is created using intense heating methods, this glass is particularly resistant to thermal conditions. In addition to attributing to the uniform appearance of a building, spandrel can also be used to supply specific areas of a building with heat, since it has excellent thermal capabilities. Various industrial buildings have been lined with spandrel in order to trap and maintain solar heat. This method has been proven effective, and it is used all over the globe.

Spandrel is a universally appealing material that can be used in a number of ways. Careful placement and planning of spandrel will create a building that is virtually seamless. This relatively new material is the number one reason why various large buildings across the world seem to be made entirely of glass. Even though all structures require metal framing and solid walls, these structural items do not have to be viewed by the public. Instead, spandrel can be used to conceal portions of a building that are not aesthetically appealing.