The world of glass is flooded with a variety of options when it comes to architectural glass. With advancements in technology, specialized glass types have been synthesized which offer a lot of benefits for the home owner or the office worker. Apart from providing an aesthetic and a structural solution, glass also serves as an important architectural element that keeps the space energy efficient, private, noise-proof, and secure based on its construction.
Tempered glass (or toughened glass) and laminated glass are the two most commonly used glass types in the market. Unless you know both the variants inside out and what benefits they offer, deciding which one to use where at your home could be a tricky prospect. Here’s a quick guide to help you make an informed decision every time:
What is tempered glass and where should you use it?
Tempered glass is a form of high-strength glass that is formed by heating ordinary glass to 680 degree Celsius and rapidly cooling it. This process of tempering and instant quenching creates tension and compression on opposite glass faces, thereby increasing its strength significantly. A high-grade tempered glass is often four to five times stronger than ordinary glass, all the while retaining its light transmission and energy properties. Tempered glass, if broken, shatters into small powder-like blunt pieces which are not at all injurious.
Places in your home or office which are prone to severe weather, and windows and doors which do not see heavy traffic should be made of tempered glass. It can bear huge weight and pressure, and is a great choice for facades, table-tops, canopies, wash basins, and shower enclosures. Do keep in mind, though, that tempered glass cannot be drilled into or polished later on.
What is laminated glass and where should you use it?
Laminated glass, as the name might suggest, is a durable glass type manufactured by sandwiching a plastic interlayer, often PVB, between two glass layers. This multiplies the impact resistance of the glass, and provides it additional properties such as sound dampening. One special property of laminated glass is that, in the event of breakage, it doesn’t shatter as the laminate holds the broken pieces together. This minimises chances of any injury.
Laminated glass provides exceptional UV-light reduction and noise resistance apart from superior structural utility and amazing impact resistance. It should be used in the most vulnerable places of the house or the office, such as ground level doors and windows, as it offers resistance against breaking and entering. It can also be used in constructing private cabins or studies, meeting rooms, domes, skylights, glazing, etc.
For a perfectly constructed glass space, always approach the best laminated and toughened glass manufacturers in your city which can offer a 360 degree service right from choosing the right glass to installation and prompt after-service.
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