Tempered Glass vs Laminated Glass: Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Tempered glass is a type of glass that is heated and then rapidly cooled to increase its strength and durability.
• Laminated glass is made of two or more layers of glass with a plastic film in between, giving it enhanced security and soundproofing capabilities.
• Tempered glass is commonly used in home windows, doors, and shower enclosures because of its strength and safety features.
• Laminated glass is commonly used in commercial buildings, car windshields, and any areas that need high security because it holds together when shattered.
• At Panda Windows & Doors, we provide a wide range of high-quality glass products to help property owners improve the functionality, aesthetics, and overall value of their residential or commercial space.

What is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is a type of safety glass that is four to five times stronger than standard glass and highly resistant to heavy impact and thermal stress. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of tempered glass begins with cutting the glass to the desired size. Once cut, the glass is heated to a temperature of approximately 620 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooled using high-pressure air jets. This rapid cooling process, known as quenching, creates a balanced internal stress that significantly increases the glass’s strength.

What is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is a type of glass with two or more layers and a plastic interlayer, usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), sandwiched between them. This construction ensures that if the glass breaks, the shards adhere to the plastic interlayer, preventing them from scattering and causing injury.

Manufacturing Process

The process of creating laminated glass begins with the preparation of the glass sheets and the plastic interlayer. The glass sheets are cleaned and combined with the plastic interlayer then subjected to heat and pressure in an autoclave, bonding the layers together – and the result is a single piece of glass that is strong and secure.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Tempered Glass

• Strength: It is much stronger than regular glass and resistant to heavy impact and thermal stress.
• Safety: When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury.
• Versatility: It can be used in a wide range of applications, from household windows to car windows.
• Heat Resistance: It can withstand high temperatures, which is ideal for use in ovens and other heat-exposed environments.

Cons of Tempered Glass

• Cost: It is generally more expensive than regular glass due to its complex manufacturing process.
• Edge Vulnerability: The edges of tempered glass are its weakest point. If the edge is damaged, the entire pane can shatter.
• Limited Customization: Once tempered, it cannot be cut or drilled, limiting customization options.

Tempered glass has security, safety, and heat resistance features that make homes more comfortable to live in.

Pros of Laminated Glass

• Safety: When broken, its shards stick to the plastic interlayer, reducing the risk of injury.
• Security: The plastic interlayer makes it harder to penetrate, providing added security against forced entry.
• Soundproofing: The interlayer makes it more soundproof, which is ideal for noisy environments.
• UV Protection: It can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting interiors from fading.

Cons of Laminated Glass

• Cost: It is more expensive than both regular and tempered glass due to its complex construction.
• Weight: It is heavier than other types of glass, which makes installation more challenging.
• Potential for Delamination: Over time, the layers can separate, particularly if exposed to moisture.

Tempered Glass vs Laminated Glass

Energy Efficiency

Laminated glass has effective insulating properties due to its multiple layers and plastic interlayer. By maintaining a stable indoor temperature, it helps reduce energy costs. Tempered glass, while strong, does not offer the same level of insulation as laminated glass.

Costs

Tempered glass is generally less expensive than laminated glass. The manufacturing process for laminated glass is more complex and involves more materials, which drives up the cost. 

However, with its security and soundproofing properties, laminated glass offers property owners long-term value. 

Installation and Maintenance

While tempered and laminated glass both require professional installation, tempered glass is lighter and easier to handle.

Both types of glass are relatively low maintenance. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient to keep them looking in prime condition.

Aesthetics

Tempered and laminated glass both give property owners clear, unobstructed views. However, laminated glass can be customized with various interlayers to achieve different levels of opacity or color. Tempered glass, once treated, cannot be altered, limiting its customization options.

Longevity

Tempered and laminated glass are both durable but they wear differently over time. Tempered glass is highly resistant to scratches and heavy impact. Laminated glass can suffer from delamination over time, particularly in high-moisture environments. Proper installation and maintenance can help mitigate this issue.

Ideal Uses

Residential Applications

In residential settings, you’ll typically find tempered glass in high-traffic areas like shower doors, sliding doors, and windows due to its strength and safety features. Besides that, it generally enhances the functionality and aesthetics of a space with its durability and a sleek, modern look.

Laminated glass is commonly used in areas where safety and soundproofing are priorities. For example, it is often used in skylights and large windows to provide extra security, and home studios or offices where noise reduction is necessary.

Commercial Applications

For commercial buildings, tempered glass is typically used in office partitions, glass doors, and display cases due to its strength and safety features. It’s also a common choice for storefronts and other areas where impact resistance is necessary.

Laminated glass is often found in high-security areas such as banks, jewelry stores, and government buildings. Its ability to hold together when shattered makes it one of the most reliable glass types for these applications. Additionally, laminated glass is used in exterior facades and skylights, where its soundproofing and UV protection are particularly valuable.

Laminated glass is soundproof and protects interiors from harmful UV rays.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Custom Designs

At Panda Windows & Doors, we provide a range of high-quality windows and doors for your home or commercial space. If you need tempered glass for its strength and safety or laminated glass for its added security and soundproofing, we have you covered.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we have become a trusted name in the building and design community. Our commitment to quality and innovation means that you can rely on us to deliver products that look beautiful and perform exceptionally well.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Difference Between Tempered and Laminated Glass?

The main difference between tempered and laminated glass lies in their construction and safety features. 

Tempered glass is a single piece of glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces.

Laminated glass, on the other hand, consists of two or more layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. This construction holds the glass together when broken, preventing shards from scattering.

Which Glass Type is Better for Security?

Laminated glass is generally better for security purposes because of its layered construction. The plastic interlayer makes it much harder to penetrate, providing extra protection against forced entry. This is why laminated glass is a popular choice for high-security areas such as banks, jewelry stores, and government buildings.

How Much More Expensive is Laminated Glass Compared to Tempered Glass?

Laminated glass is typically more expensive than tempered glass due to its complex manufacturing process and additional materials. 

On average, you can expect to pay about 50% to 100% more for laminated glass compared to tempered glass. However, the added benefits such as security, soundproofing, and UV protection can make it a worthwhile investment for certain applications.

Can I Install Both Glass Types in My Home?

Yes, you can install both tempered and laminated glass in your home, depending on your specific needs. For example, you might choose tempered glass for your shower doors and sliding doors due to its strength and safety features. 

At the same time, you could opt for laminated glass in areas where additional security and soundproofing are required, such as skylights or large windows.

How are tempered or laminated glass used in custom designs?

At Panda Windows & Doors, our main goal is to help find the ideal window or door solution for your property. We implement top-quality tempered glass for its strength and safety and laminated glass for its added security and soundproofing. 

We also provide access to a wide range of customization options to bring your exact architectural vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our wide selection of window and door designs.