Tempered Vs. Laminated Safety Glass

Having large windows on your home or business is a great way to improve the visual aesthetics, curb appeal, and overall value of the building. Despite how beautiful glass can look, it does have one major drawback – it breaks. Of course, glass doesn’t just break on its own, but large windows provide an easy access point for people attempting forced entry to get into the building without picking a lock. Tempered and laminated glass are both types of safety glass that have been rising in popularity in recent years as a great alternative to traditional glass, but what are the differences between the two?  

Tempered glass is traditional glass that’s put through a unique manufacturing process that strengthens it from the inside. Heat, high pressure, and chemicals are used to make the glass better at handling internal stress without breaking. Tempered glass isn’t strong enough to withstand a bullet or forceful weapon, but it is significantly stronger than traditional glass and laminated glass. 

Tempered glass is best suited for use on the interior of a building, or on the exterior of a very large building with large windows. Tempered glass is commonly used for shower doors and interior windows in conference or meeting rooms. This glass is more expensive than regular glass, but cheaper than laminated glass. 

Laminated glass is made using layers of regular glass and a layer of resin in between to hold them together. The resin acts as a powerful bonding agent that makes it almost impossible to shatter the glass. While laminated glass isn’t as strong as tempered glass, it is 5 times stronger than traditional glass. When that strength is combined with the resistance to shattering after a hard impact, laminated glass offers great security and protection against potential intruders. 

Laminated glass is better suited for exterior windows that could be broken into, unlike tempered glass that’s used more internally. The layer of resin in laminated glass also provides a lot of design freedom, as certain designs can actually be incorporated into the glass for a better design look. Laminated glass comes with a higher price tag than tempered glass or traditional glass, but you truly are getting what you pay for in quality and life-expectancy of the glass. 

At Atlas Glass and Mirror , we have experience with both tempered and laminated glass. Our team can help you determine which type of glass is best for your project to achieve the best price and long-term results. Whether you’re doing a bathroom remodel or want to improve the security of an office building, we’ve got what you need to get the job done. Contact Atlas Glass and Mirror today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our available services!

Tempered Vs. Laminated Safety Glass

Atlas Glass and Mirror