WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BIRD-SAFE GLASS

Did you know that millions of birds are inadvertently injured or killed each year due to collisions with buildings? Bird-safe glass, also referred to as bird-friendly glass, is a specialized architectural solution designed to address this issue by creating a reflective or visually apparent surface. Here’s what you need to know about this type of glass.

The types of bird-safe glass

There are two main types of bird-safe glass on the market.

1. UV-reflective patterns. Unlike humans, birds can see ultraviolet light. Therefore, manufacturers can incorporate colourful, UV-reflective elements into the glass to create patterns that are apparent to birds, alerting them to the presence of the glass. Meanwhile, the glass still looks transparent to the human eye.
2. Fritted glass. Fritted glass is a term used to describe glass printed with ink, which contains ultra-small ground glass particles. However, digital ceramic printing is now the go-to method for making patterns and designs in glass. The ink is spread on the glass and then heated in a kiln to fuse it together. The patterns on fritted glass can vary from small dots to elaborate designs, reducing the appeal of the glass as a continuous, clear flight path for birds.

When installing bird-safe windows in your home or business, it's important to follow certain guidelines. One of the most important rules is the 2 by 4 rule, which states that untreated areas should have no more than two inches of horizontal space or four inches of vertical space.

The benefits of bird-safe glass

Incorporating bird-safe practices into design is a component of responsible, sustainable architecture that considers the well-being of both humans and other living beings. Specifically, bird-safe glass is critical for buildings located in urban areas and along migratory routes. Reducing bird collisions helps conserve biodiversity. After all, birds are crucial to maintaining the environment as they consume billions of insects, pollinate plants and spread seeds.

Bird-safe glass solutions

At Verrage Glass and Mirror Inc., we offer bird-safe glass solutions that utilize digital printing or fritted designs to reduce reflections. Our team can print dots and patterns in different sizes and densities, or any image, whether translucent or opaque, to create visual markers that help birds recognize solid objects to avoid.

Bird-safe glass windows in Woodbridge, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Markham, Vaughan and the surrounding areas

If you’re looking for a way to make your glass windows, doors and architectural features bird-friendly, look no further than Verrage Glass and Mirror Inc. We offer a range of bird-friendly glass solutions that are both effective and esthetically pleasing in Woodbridge, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Markham, Vaughan and the surrounding region. Don’t compromise on safety or style! We can help you make your space a haven for all creatures. Contact us today to discuss your options for residential or commercial custom mirror and glass products.