Red Seal Glazier Practice Exam

Using untreated glass in buildings can lead to issues with thermal stress, making it prone to cracking or breaking when exposed to significant temperature changes. Untreated glass does not have the same level of resistance to temperature fluctuations as treated glass, which is often designed to handle thermal expansion and contraction.

When untreated glass is subjected to direct sunlight or other heat sources, the temperature differential can cause stress points within the glass. If these stresses exceed the material's tolerance, it may shatter unexpectedly, posing safety risks and requiring costly repairs or replacements.

On the other hand, untreated glass does not inherently carry a high cost compared to treated options, does not have less clarity, and also does not limit design options in the same manner. In fact, its clarity can be quite good, and design choices are often more related to other factors than glass treatment type. The primary concern remains the susceptibility to thermal stress, which significantly impacts its suitability in construction.