Building with glass has many benefits to the environment such as cutting waste and creating renewable energy. While there are many benefits, there is an issue when it comes to migrating birds. Every year nearly 100 million birds die from collision with glass buildings in the U.S alone. Birds cannot see glass, only the reflection that the glass creates, which is generally mistaken for open sky. As glass specialists, we know the importance of using glass in construction, and we actively support the creation of bird-safe glass.
How Bird-Safe Glass Works:
Bird-safe glass is constructed so it’s clearly visible to migrating birds. This has been administered by creating a special film or coating over the glass to make it more noticeable on the outside. “A variety of approaches, such as fritting, silk-screening, or ultraviolet coating, create a pattern that breaks up the reflectivity of the glass and alerts birds to its presence. More important than the technique used to create the pattern is its spacing: Testing has shown that the “2×4 rule” is most effective—meaning that the silk, coating or markings are added across the pane, spaced two inches apart horizontally, and four inches apart vertically. Research has shown that birds will not fly through spaces less than two inches high or 4 inches wide. “
Bird-safe glass options are not limited to large-scale glass buildings; home window options are available to keep your windows safe for everyone! For any glass needs or questions contact Cornwall Glass, your glass experts.