If you're looking for new windows for your home, consider tempered glass. Windows made from tempered glass increase the safety and security level of your home, and are also longer-lasting than their non-tempered counterparts. Tempered glass retains its clarity well and is tough and durable in addition to having a wide array of home uses. But what is the difference between tempered glass and other kinds? How can you check to see if you already have tempered glass windows? What are some of the other advantages of installing tempered glass windows in your home? Keep reading to learn more!
What Kind of Glass is Used in Windows?
Glass is glass, isn't it? Not exactly. All windows are not created equal. There are five distinct kinds of glass, made with different methods and having different features. Each type of glass has specific functions as well as use scenarios that it is best suited to. Let's take a closer look at these types of glass.
Float Glass
Float glass is what you think of when someone says "glass." It is molten glass that is poured into tins or molds to create large glass panels. By itself, float glass is pretty delicate and fragile. When it breaks, it tends to crack into large shards that can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, the float glass isn't used on its own. Instead, it is used as a base to create glass for windows, doors, and more.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a combination of float glass and Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin. The resin is sandwiched between two layers of float glass, giving the glass strength and structure. This makes laminated glass particularly well-suited for use in hurricane and business windows or even car windshields. The PVB resin keeps laminated glass from shattering when it breaks. The pieces break but then stick to the resin. Removal is safe, although messy, and cleanup is fairly easy.
Obscured Glass
Obscured glass uses features like etching and beveling to render the glass opaque. Light can still get through, which will allow you to see shadows, but other people won't be able to see in at all. Obscured glass is frequently used in bathrooms for shower doors or partitions. You can also use obscured glass for windows in any room that requires a little extra privacy or as an inlay in your exterior door.
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass, also called standard glass, is slow-cooled float glass that has been thermally treated. The slow cooling process strengthens the glass against internal stresses but does not increase its overall strength. Annealed glass tends to be softer than other types and breaks into large, long pieces. These jagged edges can cause serious injury. For that reason, annealed glass is usually only used if safety isn't an issue. It is cost-effective, so it can be good for larger projects, but it isn't the best choice for homes if you have kids or if your windows are located in heavy-use areas.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is annealed glass that is chemically or thermally treated to increase its strength. The exterior is compressed while the interior is under tension. These opposing stresses cause the glass to shatter when it breaks. Unlike the jagged shards that come from broken annealed glass, broken tempered glass becomes like coarse granules. This makes it very easy to clean up while posing little risk of injury to others.
Due to these safety features, tempered glass is frequently used in consumer products like car windows, shower doors, or as inserts for tables and refrigerator shelving. It's also a very popular option in protection for cell phones and tablets. If you need bulletproof glass windows or doors, tempered glass is what you want. And it is commonly used for windows in businesses or homes that need some extra safety or security.
How Do You Know if Glass Is Tempered?
If you're paying for tempered glass, you'll want to make sure that you're actually getting tempered glass. There are a few ways to check the glass for yourself. Some methods can only be used when your glass is still in whole sheets. But don't worry. If you want to verify that your completed, installed windows are really tempered glass, there are two ways to check that, too.
Check for the Mark
Genuine tempered glass is marked by the manufacturer with a "bug." The bugs will have the manufacturer's name and verification that the glass adheres to Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Usually, these small identifying marks are stamped in the corner of the glass. They are easy to see, so if you're buying the glass yourself, you can verify its authenticity. If you're going through a window replacement company or contractor, you'll have to either trust the staff or try one of these other verification methods.
Inspect the Edges
If you have access to the edges of your glass, run your hand along one. Tempered glass has smooth, finished edges, courtesy of the extreme heat of the tempering process. In contrast, annealed glass, while not necessarily sharp, tends to have edges that are rough to the touch.
Look For Scratches on the Surface
Looking for scratches and finding them wouldn't ordinarily be considered a good thing. But if you're looking for tempered glass, these scratches are a good sign, indeed. Imperfections in tempered glass are caused by tiny particles that either become melted into the glass or scratch the glass during the tempering process. So unlike annealed glass, which is free of such imperfections, finding them is an indication that you have tempered glass. Because bugs and edges are inaccessible in installed glass, you can use this method to check your glass after it has been installed.
Examine With Polarized Sunglasses
This is a fun way to check your glass! Put on some polarized sunglasses and look through the glass into the light. Tempered glass will have spots or lines running through it. These marks are relics left behind by machine rollers used during the heating process. You might need to look closely and carefully; the marks can be hard to see.
What Makes Tempered Glass Windows an Excellent Choice
Tempered glass windows are an excellent choice for many reasons. Besides the fact that it is multi-functional and safer for home use, you will be surprised at the versatility of this glass. But that's not all. Keep reading to learn exactly why tempered glass is the right option for a variety of home projects.
It's Safer in Case of Breakage
Having a window break doesn't happen often, thankfully. But when an accident happens, you want to keep everyone as safe as possible. Pets, kids, and even adults can be seriously injured when traditional glass breaks, both from the breakage and during the cleanup. Big pieces and jagged edges are dangerous for everyone and are difficult to clean up. But tempered glass doesn't shatter. Instead, it breaks into small, coarse pieces. It's still broken glass; it can still injure people if they are not careful when handling the pieces, so take care when cleaning it up. But generally speaking, the risk of severe injury from tempered glass is relatively small.
Much Durable and Stronger Than Regular Glass Windows
Tempered glass is naturally strong and tough. It is made that way by thermal processing during manufacturing. This strengthening means that your tempered glass is less likely to break than other kinds of glass. It can withstand strong winds, direct impact from small objects, and even small explosions. The glass is also scratch-resistant, which means that your trees won't leave marks on your windows on windy days. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, think about adding tempered glass windows to your home.
It Enhances the Security of Your Property
That same strength can be another asset besides protecting your home from Mother Nature or a badly-thrown baseball. Tempered glass will put up a fight against nefarious characters.
Its Stability Makes It Heat-Resistant
Tempered glass can withstand temperatures up to 470°F. This makes it ideal for scores of uses, including stovetops, shower doors, and more. Whether you find it in your kitchen, bathroom or your windows, know that tempered glass is sturdy. Unlike regular glass, which does shatter when exposed to heat, tempered glass does not. This is important in a fire when glass shards would worsen an already dangerous situation or in your kitchen where constant exposure to high heat could be catastrophic.
Versatile in Terms of Design and Creative Applications
Tempered glass can be used virtually everywhere glass is needed. Since it is strong and sturdy, you will frequently find tempered glass in coffee tables, stovetops, and refrigerators. The glass turntable in your microwave is tempered glass, as is the screen protector on your phone. In interior design, tempered glass is required for use in frameless construction like shower doors and glass partitions. Tempered glass can add innovative design features to your home in stylish and safe ways while maintaining its strength and beauty.
Available in Different Patterns
Tempered glass is a great way to add pattern or texture to your home. It comes in a wide range of designs to suit your unique wants and needs. Tempered glass can be clear, colored, frosted, or even stained. You can get it etched, textured, or engraved. There are plenty of options to meet all your desires, so let your creative side shine through and create the home of your dreams.
Superior Clarity and Quality
If crystal clear glass is what you want, go with tempered glass. While the tempering process makes it tough, the heat doesn't affect the clarity of the glass. Tempered glass is wholly transparent, which makes it particularly well-suited to use in windows and glass doors. That clarity also won't be affected by scratches or dings. Tempered glass is more scratch-resistant than other types of glass, so the surface will stay undamaged for a long time. Use in high-traffic areas or in parts of your home where the glass will frequently be jostled or scraped. Tempered glass windows will ensure that all your views of the outside remain beautiful and clear for years to come.
Take Advantage of Having Tempered Glass Windows in Your Home
There are many advantages to having tempered glass windows in your home. Besides having scores of safety and aesthetic features that make it perfect for multiple uses in your home, tempered glass is more insulating and will increase the energy efficiency of your home. If that big picture window in the front of your house is annealed glass, think about making the switch to tempered glass. Not only will you find that your heating and cooling costs decrease, but tempered glass is the safer option for windows with a large surface area.
Additionally, while tempered glass is not the preferred glass for soundproofing, if simple noise reduction is your goal, then it will do nicely. Laminated glass is used for true soundproofing but is not inherently the best option for home windows. You can insulate your home against car and foot traffic noise by replacing your annealed glass windows with tempered glass ones.
Tempered glass is approximately 25% more expensive than basic annealed glass. Taking this into consideration, weigh the benefits of switching to tempered glass. We think it is worth the investment.
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