Tempered Safety Glass
Tempered safety glass is regular glass that has gone through an additional heating and fast cooling process that increases the strength of the glass 4-5 times. Tempered glass also breaks differently than regular glass. Regular glass will break into long, sharp shards that can easily harm someone as it is breaking, or even while cleaning it up. Tempered glass breaks into thick, blunted blocks, reducing the chance of harming anyone.Laminated Safety Glass
Laminated safety glass is two pieces of regular glass with a very thin layer of clear plastic material sandwiched in between. Glass can also be laminated on the outside of the glass – tinting, for example, can be a laminating process. This process, while adding strength, is not the same as laminated safety glass. The layer of plastic between the glass layers keeps the broken glass stuck to laminate, often supporting itself even after the glass is substantially cracked. This effect is the same as bullet-proof glass, which mainly differs in that it has more, thicker layers of glass and plastic. Laminated safety glass also has the additional benefits of blocking dangerous UV light and sound-proofing that tempered safety glass does not have.
Choosing your Safety Glass
Both tempered and laminated glass are rated for use as safety glass. The best way to choose between them is based on function. If UV protection or sound proofing are beneficial for your use, then consider using laminated safety glass. In most cases, tempered glass is more affordable than laminated safety glass and is also available in more styles, and can be your go-to safety glass.
The glass experts at Tempered Glass can work with you to ensure you are choosing the best glass for your project, including which safety glass is most appropriate. Contact us today to get started on your next glass project.
