Follow Us

How Tempered Glass is Different from Other Glass Options

When it comes time to explore all the options available for your construction project, there may be one detail that could slip through… the type of glass you'll use. We have a few compelling reasons to choose tempered glass. 

Tempered glass is different from other types of glass available in the market, primarily because it's designed with improved safety features. This type of glass is made by undergoing a process that includes sandpapering any sharp edges, a heat treatment process through a tempering oven, then the glass undergoes a high-pressure cooling procedure called “quenching.” According to Scientific American, “Another approach to making tempered glass is chemical tempering, in which various chemicals exchange ions on the surface of the glass in order to create compression. But because this method costs far more than using tempering ovens and quenching, it is not widely used.”

Because of this, the glass is considerably stronger than other types. Let's explore what tempered glass is, and what to look for when it comes time to replace your windows. 

What to Know About Tempered Glass


So what are the advantages of using tempered glass for your replacement windows?

TEMPERED GLASS VS STANDARD GLASS

First, let's discuss the alternative to tempered glass and that's standard glass. Tempered glass is four times stronger than standard glass due to a special coating. Standard glass breaks into large, irregular-shaped shards. Tempered glass is known for its safety because, unlike regular glass, if broken it fractures into small, relatively harmless pieces.

Tempered glass is used in a number of ways including on laptops and smartphones, in kitchen appliances, in sports arenas, and through many other applications. Our favorite application is in construction projects. Tempered glass is used for shower doors, bathtub enclosures, sliding doors, windows, skylights, swimming pools, and more!

WHERE DO YOU NEED TO INSTALL TEMPERED GLASS

Because tempered windows are made to reduce injury, they are required in certain areas of your house per the California Building Code. 

  • Any door in your house that has glass 
  • Any window within 2’ of a door 
  • Any window that’s within 60″ of a drain or bathtub, or shower
  • Any window within 18 inches of the floor
  • Within 5’ of a hot tub

TEMPERED GLASS COMES WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY

Tempered glass comes with high impact strength and suppleness because it is designed to rebound off sharp edges when broken instead of shattering into large dangerous shards. In addition, the film layer used in these windows is designed to give them a strength rating of 4.7 (out of 5) on the Mohs scale, which tests for hardness minerals with the numbers 1 through 10. This makes it one of the most substantial available types of glass on the market today – and because it's resistant to impacts as well, it will save you money and reduce your risk of injury in the long run.

Because it's made from tough materials, tempered glass is also very durable – that means you don't have to worry about replacing it anytime soon! In addition, because this type of product comes with a lifetime warranty, its manufacturer guarantees that it will last for decades if properly maintained and treated. 

TEMPERED GLASS IS THE STRONGEST GLASS OPTION AVAILABLE

You may think that tempered glass isn't much different from other types of glass, but it's actually designed with a higher level of safety than other products. The film layer in the glass is four times stronger than standard safety glass. Tempered glass also comes with anti-shatter edges, meaning that it will break into small round pieces instead of massive shards when it shatters. This means you and your family members are much less likely to get injured if a window in your home breaks unexpectedly.

In addition, this type of glass breaks into round pieces than other types, making it safer for children and pets to be around. Larger shards of glass can harm your little ones when they are playing or running around the house, but tempered glass will reduce the risk of injury – and it's also non-toxic, so you don't have to worry about contacting harmful chemicals if you get cut.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION FOR ULTIMATE SAFETY

By hiring professionals to replace your windows and install them properly, you'll be able to protect yourself from severe weather conditions and reduce energy costs over time as well – making this an ideal investment for your home.  These features make it one of the best types of products available on today's market, which is why it's such a popular choice among homeowners who are looking for replacement windows and doors. 

HOW TO KNOW IF GLASS IS TEMPERED

Determining whether the glass in your home is tempered is very simple. In the corner of all tempered glass windows and doors is a stamp. It’s usually found in one of the bottom corners. This stamp is put on by the manufacturer and proves to inspectors and homeowners that the glass is indeed tempered. 

If you are in the market for either new windows or replacement windows, we would love to hear from you. At Newman Windows and Doors, your safety and security are our top priority. Therefore, we can help you determine the best type of window or door for your home. 

 

  • Get In Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

"*" indicates required fields

Apply Here

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.