Tempered Glass vs Double-Glazed Glass: Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Tempered glass is up to four times stronger than standard glass and shatters into small, less dangerous pieces.
• Double-glazed glass consists of two glass panes with an insulating layer in between, enhancing energy efficiency and soundproofing.
• Tempered glass is the ideal choice for areas where safety and impact resistance are important, such as shower doors and glass railings.
• Double-glazed glass is best suited for energy-efficient homes and areas that need noise reduction, like urban environments.
• At Panda Windows & Doors, we use a wide range of high-quality glass, including tempered and double-glazed glass, depending on our client’s architectural needs.

What is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass, also known as safety glass, is a type of glass that has been treated through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling. The result is a durable glass that if broken, shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards – and that’s much stronger in the first place.

Manufacturing Process

The process of creating tempered glass begins with cutting and shaping the glass to its desired dimensions. Once the glass is shaped, it is heated to temperatures exceeding 600 degrees Celsius. After reaching the appropriate temperature, the glass is rapidly cooled using high-pressure air jets. This sudden cooling process, known as quenching, significantly increases its strength.

What is Double-Glazed Glass?

Double-glazed glass consists of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air or gas, creating a barrier that enhances its insulating properties. This glass is particularly popular in regions with extreme weather conditions because it helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduces the need for heating or cooling systems. Additionally, the insulating layer significantly reduces noise, making it a reliable asset for properties based in noisy urban areas.

Manufacturing Process

Double-glazed glass is constructed using two panes of glass, separated by a spacer bar and sealed to create an airtight unit. The spacer bar is often filled with a desiccant to absorb any moisture trapped within the unit, preventing condensation between the panes.

The materials used for the glass panes can vary, but they are typically made from standard or low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a special coating that reflects heat, further improving the insulating properties of the double-glazed unit.

Pros and Cons of Each Glass Type

Advantages of Tempered Glass

• Durability and Strength: It is up to four times stronger than standard glass and highly resistant to impact and thermal stress — which is the ideal solution for high-traffic areas and applications where safety is a primary concern.
• Safety Benefits: When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. This reduces the risk of injury and makes it a safe option for homes and commercial spaces.
• Thermal Stability: It’s highly resistant to thermal stress and can withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking, which is beneficial for areas exposed to varying temperatures such as kitchen appliances, fireplaces, and even outdoor applications.

Disadvantages of Tempered Glass

• Cost Comparison: It can be more expensive than standard glass. The manufacturing process, which involves heating and rapid cooling, adds to the overall cost.
• Potential Optical Distortions: Its heating and cooling process can sometimes cause slight warping or bending, which may result in visual imperfections. These distortions are usually minor and may not be noticeable in everyday use, but they can also be a concern for applications requiring high optical clarity.

Tempered glass has enhanced strength, durability, and thermal stability to withstand rapid temperature changes.

Advantages of Double-Glazed Glass

• Energy Efficiency: It’s highly regarded for its energy efficiency. The insulating layer between the two panes reduces heat transfer, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature.
• Soundproofing Qualities: Its dual-pane construction and insulating layer effectively reduce noise transmission — an excellent choice for homes in noisy environments.
• UV Protection: Many units come with a special coating that blocks a significant portion of UV radiation, protecting your furniture, flooring, and other interior elements from fading and damage. 

Disadvantages of Double-Glazed Glass

• Higher Initial Cost: The materials and construction involved in creating its units are more expensive than those for single-pane glass. However, the long-term energy savings and increased comfort often justify the higher upfront expense.
• Repair and Maintenance Challenges: Repairs and maintenance can be more challenging compared to single-pane glass. If the seal between the panes fails, moisture can enter the unit, leading to condensation and reduced insulating properties.

Tempered Glass vs Double-Glazed Glass

Energy Efficiency

Double-glazed glass has a clear advantage in terms of energy efficiency. 

The insulating layer between the panes significantly reduces heat transfer and reduces the need for heating and cooling systems — which can lead to significant energy savings. In addition to saving money on energy bills, double-glazed glass contributes to more environmentally friendly property usage by reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions.

Tempered glass, while strong and safe, does not offer the same level of thermal insulation as double-glazed glass.

Double-glazed glass provides high-quality insulation that reduces heat transfer and saves a significant amount of energy.

Costs

Tempered glass can be more expensive than standard glass due to its manufacturing process, but it provides enhanced safety and durability. 

Double-glazed glass, on the other hand, has a higher initial cost due to its dual-pane construction and insulating properties.

Installation and Maintenance

Thanks to its strength and durability, tempered glass is relatively easy to install and maintain. It is less likely to break during installation and has safety features that are beneficial for a variety of applications.

Double-glazed glass is a bit more complex, requiring careful installation to ensure the seals between the panes remain intact. Regular maintenance is also necessary to prevent condensation and keep the insulating properties of the glass effective.

Durability and Lifespan

Tempered glass is highly resistant to impact and thermal stress while double-glazed glass offers property owners excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing. 

When properly maintained, both types of glass can provide years of reliable service, making them valuable investments for any home or office.

Design Flexibility

Tempered glass is a versatile option for modern and contemporary designs, available in various styles and finishes. Its strength and safety features also make it suitable for use in large, frameless applications, creating a sleek and minimalist look.

Double-glazed glass, while primarily chosen for its energy efficiency and soundproofing qualities, can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property with a dual-pane construction that adds depth and dimension to windows and doors.

Ideas Use For Each Glass Type

Best Situations for Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is ideal for areas where safety is paramount. Its strength, durability, and safe breakage pattern protect properties against heavy impact. Common safety-critical areas for tempered glass include:

• Shower doors
• Glass railings
• Patio doors
• Large windows

Tempered glass is also a reliable solution for environments where the glass is likely to be subjected to significant force. Examples of high-impact applications include:

• Sports facilities
• Public buildings
• Commercial spaces
• Furniture and tabletops

Best Applications for Double-Glazed Glass

Double-glazed glass is best suited for energy-efficient homes with insulating properties that maintain stable indoor temperatures, lower energy use, and make the property more environmentally friendly. 

It also increases comfort by reducing drafts and cold spots near windows and doors.

In addition to energy efficiency, double-glazed glass has high-quality soundproofing features that help create a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment — which is ideal for properties in urban areas, near busy roads, or close to airports.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Custom Designs

At Panda Windows & Doors, we use a wide range of high-quality glass from tempered to double-glazed glass to meet your unique architectural needs. 

Our extensive range of custom solutions ensures that you get the perfect fit for your residential or commercial property.

Since 1991, we have been one of the industry’s leaders, specializing in custom glass window and door solutions that meet high standards of quality, performance, and design, and providing access to over 80 high-quality systems, from folding doors and lift & slides, to French doors, horizontal wall systems, and retractable screens.

Reach out to us to learn more about our custom windows and doors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does tempered glass improve home safety?

By being four times stronger than standard glass, tempered glass is a reliable security measure for windows and doors. It also shatters into small, blunt pieces if broken, reducing the risk of injury.

Can double-glazed glass really reduce energy bills?

Yes, double-glazed glass can significantly lower energy bills by improving thermal insulation. The insulating layer between the panes reduces heat transfer, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature and reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.

Is it possible to combine tempered and double-glazed glass?

Yes, it is possible to combine tempered and double-glazed glass to achieve the benefits of both. This combination provides enhanced safety, energy efficiency, and soundproofing — which is an ideal choice for versatile applications.

How to maintain tempered and double-glazed glass?

Tempered and double-glazed glass both need to be regularly cleaned. However, double-glazed glass requires more regular inspections and maintenance to prevent condensation and keep its insulating properties effective.

What is the waiting time for glass products from Panda Windows & Doors?

At Panda Windows & Doors, the waiting time for custom glass window or door products range between 8 and 12 weeks depending on the complexity of the project. 

Generally, our products come with a comprehensive warranty to ensure your peace of mind and satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about our wide selection of custom windows and doors.