The Differences Between Impact Glass, Tempered Glass, And Laminated Glass

Here’s a closer look at the differences between impact glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass. Ultimately, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which type of glass you need for your project. 

Impact Glass 

If you have a home in an area prone to hurricanes or tropical storms, impact glass can be a great investment. Not only will it help protect your home from damage from high winds, but it can also make your windows safer for you and your family. Impact glass also filters almost 100% of UV rays to help mitigate fading in fabrics, drapes, carpets, furniture, and other interior finishes. Another positive impact of impact glass is that it helps reduce air and water pollution. Manufacturers recycle their cullets (broken glass), which cuts down on emissions and the use of natural resources that go into manufacturing sand. There are two primary types of impact-resistant glass: tempered glass and laminated glass. 

Tempered Glass 

Tempered glass is typically produced in a process of heat-strengthening standard glass to give it added strength. As such, it is manufactured in a way that makes it up to four times stronger than annealed glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces rather than large shards that could cause serious injury to people near the broken window. 

Laminated Glass 

Laminated glass is produced by uniting two sheets of annealed, heat-strengthened, or tempered glass together with a sturdy interlayer called polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This PVB membrane prevents glass from shattering when it is impacted. The PVB membrane also holds shards of tempered glass together so they cannot become lethal, making it ideal for homes or commercial buildings that want to ensure security. It is also energy efficient because it reduces UV rays from entering the building.  

Categorised in: Glass