Laminated vs. Tempered Glass: Which One to Choose?

Safety glass is essential for a variety of projects from patio furniture and shower doors to commercial storefronts. There are two different break-resistant solutions: laminated glass and tempered glass.

 

Both are excellent choices for home, business and car owners looking to improve the security of their glass - but it depends on the application. Read on to learn more about the best applications for laminated and tempered glass.

 

What makes glass "safety glass"?

 

Safety glass can be defined as a type of glass that is manufactured through a process designed to reduce its likelihood of breaking. When safety glass does break, it is designed to be less likely to cause injury to those who accidentally crash through it or have to clean up the mess.

 

Safety glass can be manufactured in a variety of ways. This article will focus on the two most common types of safety glass: laminated glass and tempered glass.

 

 4 Layers Laminated Tempered Bullet Proof Glass

What is laminated glass?

 

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass made from two or more sheets of annealed glass joined together by a layer of plastic or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). You can think of this connection as creating a glass sandwich (glass, plastic, glass). Some types of laminated glass are made from multiple layers (think of these as laminated glass sandwich cakes).

 

Laminated glass characteristics.

 

The plastic portion of laminated glass can be clear or tinted.

Laminated glass helps to shield against UV radiation.

Laminated glass facilitates sound insulation.

 

One of the biggest benefits of laminated glass is that if it does break, the broken glass sticks to the plastic rather than falling to the floor.

 

One Denison Street (@Australia)

Common uses of laminated glass.

Sunroofs

Automobile windshields

Glass railings, glass facades and glass floors

 

What is tempered glass?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is made with the use of heat or chemicals to strengthen the glass. This process is sometimes called "tempering". Tempered glass is four times stronger than typical annealed glass of the same size and thickness.

 

Other benefits of tempered glass.

Higher tensile strength (it can be bent more easily without breaking)

Wind resistance

If it breaks, tempered glass will shatter into round cubes rather than sharp pieces

 

Tempered glass is commonly used in large windows, skyscrapers, auto glass, monitor screens (on computers or cell phones), and household appliances.

 

3 Layer Laminated Hurricane Resistant Glass

 

Laminated vs. Tempered Glass Uses

 

As we have discussed, in some cases it may be preferable to choose laminated or tempered glass. In general.

 

If you are looking for security, choose laminated glass. Laminated glass is particularly suitable for commercial glazing. The extra layer of vinyl or plastic between the panes creates a barrier that is difficult to break through, thus keeping your business safe from intruders and inclement weather.

 

If you're looking for secure interior glass, choose tempered glass. Tempered glass is the perfect glass application for your home. Applications include glass for bathtubs and shower doors. It is easy to clean and often less expensive than laminated solutions.

 

Both tempered and laminated glass can be used in automotive applications. northglass can replace, repair or install tempered or laminated solutions for your windshields, windows and other automotive glass problems.

 

Let Glass Doctor fix your tempered and laminated glass panels

 

At Northglass, we know glass like the back of our hand. With our extensive knowledge and experience in working with laminated and tempered glass, we'll help you determine which is right for your home, car or business.

 

Whether you are replacing windows, building from scratch or designing a custom solution, we can meet your safety glass needs. Feel free to contact us online or contact us to learn more about our security glass solutions.