Which material is commonly used as a barrier in glazing systems?

In glazing systems, glass is primarily used as a barrier due to its unique combination of properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications. Glass provides excellent visibility while also allowing natural light to enter a space, making it an ideal choice for windows and facades. Its properties include durability, resistance to weather conditions, and the ability to provide thermal and acoustic insulation when appropriately treated or coated.

Moreover, modern glazing technologies have advanced the performance of glass, such as tempered or laminated varieties, which enhance safety and security. This makes glass an effective barrier against environmental elements, such as wind and rain, while still allowing for aesthetic appeal.

Other materials, although they can act as barriers in various contexts, do not typically offer the same advantages as glass in a glazing system. For instance, plastic may not have the same structural integrity or optical clarity as glass, wood, while applicable in some contexts, is not commonly used in contemporary glazing systems due to its susceptibility to decay and warping, and metal, while sometimes used in framing, does not provide the same qualities of transparency and light transmission as glass does.