Laminated Glass vs Spandrel Glass: Which Is Better?

November 18, 2024

Key Takeaways

Laminated glass is made by bonding two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, making it safer and more durable.
Spandrel glass conceals structural elements and offers excellent thermal insulation and design flexibility.
Laminated glass provides UV protection, sound insulation, and increased security, but is heavier and more expensive than standard glass.
Spandrel glass is opaque and ideal for building facades and interior partitions.
Panda Windows & Doors customizes laminated and spandrel glass for residential and commercial projects.

What is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that stays intact even when it shatters. This glass is manufactured by bonding two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This design enhances safety, sound insulation, and UV protection.

Laminated glass consists of:

Two layers of glass
A plastic interlayer (PVB or EVA) between them

This interlayer makes this type of glass resistant to penetration and impact.

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.

We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 6-10 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.

Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

Advantages & Disadvantages of Laminated Glass

Advantages

Safety and Security

One of the most significant advantages of laminated glass is safety. Its interlayer holds the glass together even when it shatters and reduces the risk of injury from sharp shards.

Sound Insulation

Laminated glass has excellent sound insulation properties. The interlayer dampens sounds from traffic and construction.

UV Protection

Besides safety and sound insulation, laminated glass offers UV protection. The interlayer blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and protects your interiors from fading and damage.

Disadvantages

Cost

Laminated glass is generally more expensive than standard glass. The additional layers and manufacturing process contribute to its higher cost.

Weight

Another downside is its weight. Laminated glass is heavier than standard glass, which can make installation more technical, challenging, and expensive.

What is Spandrel Glass?

Spandrel glass is a specialized type of opaque glass used to conceal structural elements like beams, columns, and HVAC systems.

Advantages

Design Flexibility

Spandrel glass can be customized with various colors, finishes, and patterns to match any style of architecture. This flexibility allows for a great degree of creativity in building design.

For example, spandrel glass can be painted or coated to achieve the desired opacity and color. This makes it possible to create visually appealing facades.

Thermal Insulation

Insulated spandrel glass comprises two layers of glass with an insulating material between them. This construction minimizes heat transfer and makes buildings energy-efficient. By improving thermal insulation, spandrel glass contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment and significantly lower energy bills.

Disadvantages

Limited Transparency

Unlike vision glass, spandrel glass is opaque and cannot be used in areas where visibility is desirable. Because of these limitations, spandrel glass is best suited for building facades and interior partitions.

Higher Cost

Another disadvantage of spandrel glass is its relatively high cost compared to standard glass. The additional layers and coatings required to achieve opacity and thermal insulation contribute to the increased price.

Spandrel glass is used in architectural design to cover structural elements and lend a pleasing aesthetic to building exteriors.

Laminated Glass vs Spandrel Glass

Energy Efficiency

Laminated glass has a multi-layered structure that has excellent insulation properties. This helps to keep your property warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Spandrel glass, particularly insulated spandrel glass, minimizes heat transfer and is an excellent choice for energy-efficient building design.

Installation Costs

The installation costs for laminated glass and spandrel glass vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific type of glass used.

Laminated glass is heavier than standard glass, which can make installation more challenging. The additional weight requires stronger support structures and more labor.

Spandrel glass, particularly insulated spandrel glass, also involves high installation costs due to its multi-layered structure. The additional layers and coatings require careful handling and precise installation to ensure optimal performance.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The cleaning requirements for laminated glass and spandrel glass are similar to those of standard glass. However, their unique structures may require additional care and attention.

Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the glass surface.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass.
Regularly inspect the glass for any signs of damage or wear.

General-Glass-Cleaning-for-Patio-Doors

Laminated and spandrel glass are easy to clean and with regular inspections, can last for years.

Durability and Longevity

Laminated and spandrel glass are durable and will perform reliably if they’re installed and maintained properly. This glass is resistant to impact and the interlayer holds the glass together even when it shatters, reducing the risk of injury and damage.

Spandrel glass, particularly tempered spandrel glass, is also strong and resistant to impact. Its multi-layered structure and insulating material contribute to its durability and longevity.

Both laminated and spandrel glass offer excellent durability and long-term performance.

Ideal Uses

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is ideal for safety and security applications, as its multi-layered structure resists shattering. It’s commonly used in car windshields, skylights, and storefronts and has excellent sound insulation and UV protection.

Spandrel Glass

Spandrel glass is used in buildings to conceal structural elements, such as columns and floor slabs, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing facade. It enhances energy efficiency and is an excellent choice for modern curtain wall systems in commercial and residential buildings.

Making the Right Choice With Panda Windows & Doors

At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer custom glass solutions that match your project needs. Choose laminated glass for better safety or spandrel glass for a sleek, modern look.

Our team will understand your requirements and recommend products that best fit your design, vision, and budget. We are committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does laminated glass last?

Laminated glass is designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper installation and maintenance, it can last for decades. The plastic interlayer helps protect the glass from damage and wear, ensuring its longevity and performance.

Regular cleaning and inspections can help to maintain the appearance and functionality of laminated glass. By addressing any issues promptly, you can extend the lifespan of your laminated glass.

Can spandrel glass be used for windows?

Spandrel glass is not suitable for areas where visibility is desirable—such as windows. It is opaque and typically used to conceal structural elements and create a clean, uniform appearance.

If you need glass for windows, laminated glass or other types of vision glass are better choices.

What is the average lead time for Panda Windows & Doors products?

The lead time for Panda Windows & Doors products varies depending on the complexity and customization of your order. On average, you can expect a lead time of 8 to 12 weeks for most products.

Which glass type offers better sound insulation?

Both laminated glass and spandrel glass offer excellent sound insulation, but laminated glass is generally more effective in reducing noise. The plastic interlayer in laminated glass dampens sound vibrations.

Spandrel glass also provides sound insulation, particularly insulated spandrel glass with its multi-layered structure. However, its primary function is to conceal structural elements and provide thermal insulation.