Tempered Glass: Strength, Safety & Style
Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is a specially treated safety glass that is much stronger than regular glass. Although it is much less likely to break than standard glass, when it does, it breaks into small, blunt pieces rather than dangerous shards. This feature makes tempered glass a much safer option for businesses and homes.
Building codes often call for tempered glass, especially for windows and doors in high-traffic areas. It is vital that you choose a trained local glass supplier for glass projects to ensure that you meet all the city and state building regulations. Roxy Glass in Marin County is just such a supplier. The team can help you navigate the often intricate building regulations and codes, ensuring that you meet requirements.
Why Choose Tempered Glass?
There are several very good reasons to choose tempered glass for your windows, doors, and other architectural design elements. These include:
Strength and Safety
Tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than standard glass. It can handle greater force and impact, making it ideal for windows, doors, and glass railings. If the tempered glass does break, it crumbles into small chunks instead of sharp pieces, so it is unlikely to hurt anyone in the vicinity.
Heat Resistance
Tempered glass withstands heat and sudden temperature changes well, which is why it’s used in oven doors, fireplace screens, and kitchen glass features.
Safety Code Compliance
Most local building codes require tempered glass in areas where people are likely to come into contact with it. These include areas such as doors, stairs, showers, and low windows.
Quality You Can Trust
Tempered glass is produced through a precise process in which the glass is heated to extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooled. This treatment creates internal stress in the glass, making it stronger and more durable. The downside of tempered glass is that it cannot be cut or drilled once it has been tempered. It is, therefore, essential that your glass supplier precisely measures the glass up front.
How Is Tempered Glass Made?
All tempered glass goes through a similar process:
- Cut and Shape: First, the glass is cut to its final size.
- Heat: It’s heated to over 1100°F (600°C) in a special furnace.
- Rapid Cooling: High-pressure air rapidly cools it, creating tension inside and compression on the surface.
- Final Product: The result is a much tougher glass that’s safer and moreresistant to impact.
Where Is Tempered Glass Used?
Tempered glass is a versatile material used in businesses and homes. Common applications include:
- Balcony and patio doors
- Shower enclosures and bathroom glass
- Storefront windows and commercial doors
- Pool fencing and glass railings
- Gym, spa, and athletic facilities, and mirrors
- Display cases and exhibition areas
- Staircase and hallway windows
- Skylights and floor-level windows
If someone could bump into it or fall against it, tempered glass is the safest choice.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass
Both types of glass are designed for safety, but they serve different purposes.
- Tempered Glass breaks into small pieces and is used where impact resistance is essential.
- Laminated Glass has a plastic layer between two sheets of glass. It holds together even when broken and helps block UV rays and reduce noise.
Laminated glass is ideal for skylights, windshields, or other applications where extra soundproofing is required.
Work With the Experts
The team at Roxy Glass in Marin County understands when and where tempered glass is required and will ensure that your project meets safety standards and building codes. You can also bank on beautiful and secure installations, no matter what your project.
Safe and Durable Tempered Glass
Tempered glass combines safety, durability, and elegance. It’s perfect for both functional and design-focused applications in businesses and homes. Ask for tempered glass for large windows, stylish railings, and shower doors and enclosures. Protect your employees and visitors from the dangers of broken glass when you invest in safe and durable tempered glass.