What Is Safety Glass?

July 25, 2022

What Is Safety Glass?

Laminated Glass Balustrade Of A House — Glass Repairs & Installations in Taminda, NSW

Safety glass is specially made to reduce the risk of breakage and of injury if it is broken. Safety glass typically falls into two categories: toughened glass and laminated safety glass. Wondering whether safety glass is right for you and your next project? Read on for our helpful information guaranteed to make your decision easier!

Toughened Glass

Toughened glass, or tempered glass, is strengthened through an accelerated cooling process. By cooling the glass more quickly, the tensile strength is increased and it becomes less likely to break as a result of heat, wind or impacts. While toughened glass can't be cut or drilled, it can still shatter, so isn't as durable as laminated glass. But even if tempered glass does break, it shatters into small cubes, meaning the chance of being injured from a shard is still greatly reduced. Toughened glass is lightweight and holds up against force, so it's frequently used in shower screens, shower doors, car windows, glass doors and tables, scuba diving masks, cookware, and kitchen items.

Laminated Glass

The second type of safety glass, laminated glass, is made using a different method. To manufacture laminated glass, a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is placed between numerous panes of glass. Heat and pressure are then applied to meld the glass and the PVB together to form a single sheet. The purpose of the PVB is to securely lock the glass in place and prevent it from shattering through impact or force. The PVB layer can also be made to different thicknesses or in different colours, thus allowing laminated glass to reduce UV radiation and glare within your residential or commercial space. As laminated glass holds up against breakage and shattering, you'll often find it used in skylights, vehicle windshields and commercial shopfronts.

Why Use Safety Glass?

Both toughened and laminated glass provides extra strength, security and durability than typical glazing. They're a great choice if safety is a priority - if you're renovating your business, or even just installing a new shower in your home. In some instances, safety glass must be used in manufacturing, as they guarantee reduced injury in the event of a breakage. 

Choose Tamworth Glass For A Job Well Done

At Tamworth Glass, we're passionate about delivering the best window and glass solutions for our valued clients throughout the region. Through our years of experience in the industry, we've built a great reputation for friendly and reliable service, high-quality products, and efficient, reliable installations and repairs. From insurance claims, general repairs and replacements to installations of a new shopfront , a barrier door or safety screen, you can trust we've got the skills, tools and experience needed to get the job done. Come and visit our showroom to see more of what we have on offer, or contact us today on 02 6765 8133 to hear more about our services or to book an onsite visit with our professional glaziers.