Advantages and disadvantages of safety glass

Safety glass is widely used in various industries, from furniture manufacturing to shower cubicles and shop windows. There are two types of glass that are resistant to impact: laminated and tempered glass. Both options perfectly cope with mechanical damage, are safe to use and increase the reliability of products. Which type to prefer, which of the options is better – it all depends on the application. Let’s consider the options for the use of laminated and tempered glass.

Laminated glass is a construction of two or more layers of glass, between which there is a special polymer film. This layer, usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), creates a barrier that holds glass fragments in case of glass breakage.

The advantage of laminated glass is increased safety. On impact, it does not shatter into dangerous fragments, which is especially important when used in residential and public buildings, shop windows, and to protect furniture and equipment. In addition, laminated glass provides additional noise insulation, reducing noise from outside.

Another important advantage of laminated glass is its resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The polymer film blocks up to 99% of UV rays, which prevents fading of furniture and interior items behind the glass. However, this type of glass has its limitations due to its cost and less resistance to thermal shocks.

Despite all the advantages, laminated glass also has its disadvantages. First of all, it is its cost. Due to the complex production technology, including several layers and polymer film, the price of such glass is much higher compared to ordinary glass. This makes it less affordable for smaller projects.

In addition, laminated glass is more vulnerable to mechanical damage than tempered glass. Although it retains its integrity in the event of impact, the outer layer may crack, requiring replacement. It is also less resistant to high temperatures and sudden changes in temperature, which limits its use in some environments.

Another disadvantage of laminated glass is a more complicated installation process. Its installation requires special equipment and skilled professionals, which can increase the time and cost of the project.

• Skylights
• Car windscreens
• Glass railings, glass facades and glass floors

Tempered glass is produced by special heat treatment. It is heated to high temperatures and then cooled sharply, which creates internal stress in the glass, increasing its strength. As a result, tempered glass is 4-5 times stronger than ordinary glass and much more resistant to impact loads.

The main advantage of tempered glass is its high mechanical strength. It can withstand significant shocks and loads, which makes it an excellent choice for use in places with increased load: offices, shopping centres, sports facilities. When broken, toughened glass breaks down into small, safe fragments, minimising the risk of injury.

Tempered glass is also resistant to temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for showers, shop fronts and building glazing. However, its key disadvantage is that it cannot be further processed – it cannot be cut or drilled once tempered, limiting its use in a number of projects.

Tempered glass, despite its many advantages, is also not without disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that it cannot be machined after the tempering process. This means that all necessary cut-outs and holes must be made before heat treatment, which requires precise design.

Tempered glass does not have the properties of laminated glass in terms of shatter retention. Although its shards do not pose a serious hazard, they can still shatter and damage surrounding objects. This makes it less favoured for use in areas with high security requirements, such as storefronts or glass doors.

In addition, the price of tempered glass is also higher than standard glass, which can increase the project budget.

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

If you place a premium on security at commercial properties, then order laminated glass windows or display cases. The extra layer of vinyl or plastic between the panes provides a barrier that is difficult to penetrate, thereby protecting your property from intruders and harsh weather.

If you want to increase the security of your home, opt for tempered glass. It is ideal in application for bath and shower doors. It is easy to clean and is cheaper than laminated glass.

Windows Gurus offers professional replacement, repair and installation services for both toughened and laminated glass. We will help you choose the best option for you, based on your budget and the specifics of the glazing object. The company’s staff will also provide assistance with car glass repair. To contact a specialist, write us a chat or call us on the phone.