Why Tempered Glass is Safety Glass
This type of tempered will not pose a safety hazard if broken. Current building codes require safety glazing in all doors, walking surfaces, bathroom tub & shower enclosures, patio furniture, sidelites, and other applications in high traffic areas where there is a potential for injury.
Tempered safety glass increases the strength approximately 4 times; however, the process makes the glass brittle and can warp its surface. The process involves heating the glass to approximately 1400 degrees, then chilling (quenching) it to 200 degrees within 2 minutes. Once tempered, it cannot be re-cut without shattering. For this reason, all fabrication must be done before it is tempered.
Tempered is used in applications where standard glass could pose a potential danger because it is four to five times stronger than standard annealed and does not shatter into large shards when broken.
Manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, tempering is significantly harder than normal glass.
The brittle nature of tempered glass causes it to shatter into small oval-shaped pebbles when broken. This eliminates the danger of sharp edges. Due to this property — along with its strength — tempered is often referred to as ‘safety glass.’
The thermal process that cures tempered also makes it heat-resistant. Tempered glass can be used in any situation where there is a danger of the glass breaking due to impact or extreme heat.
Laminated Impact Glass Windows
Laminated impact glass windows are typically 2 pieces with a plastic inner layer. The most common application for this glass is the windshield of a car. If the windshield is broken, the laminated impact glass windows will keep the passenger inside the vehicle. Another common application is in jewelry stores to defend against robbery.
The inner layer is .030-.090 thick, providing an excellent ultraviolet screen which can reduce fading in upholstered items and carpets. This type also has sound reduction qualities. The primary limitation of laminated , however, is strength. It can break with just 1/8th of the pressure required to break tempered glass.
We have the capability of supplying and installing Tempered and Laminted Impact Glass Windows in many thicknesses and sizes.
Call us today at (850) 837-8329 to set up a free appointment!
Want beautiful glass for your home or business? You have come to the right place! We look forward to working with you and revealing the real potential of glass edgework types. You’ll be amazed at what we have to offer!
Destin Glass has been servicing servicing Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Santa Rosa, Niceville and the surrounding Florida Emerald Coast since 1979!
We manufacture, service, and install all types of products. We do it all! Let our dedicated team assist you with:
• Custom mirrors
• Counter-tops
• Shower & bath enclosures
• Glass Shelves
• Window Replacement
• Patio Sliding Doors
• Tabletops
• And so much more!
