Tempered Glass vs Regular Glass: Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass due to its special heat treatment process.
• Regular glass is versatile, easier to cut and shape, and more suited for intricate designs.
• Tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces while regular glass breaks into sharp, dangerous shards.
• Tempered glass is best for high-stress environments like vehicle windows, skylights, and glass floors – but less affordable than regular glass.
• At Panda Windows & Doors, we implement a wide range of glass, including tempered glass, to create the custom windows and doors our clients need.

What is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that undergoes a special heating process to significantly increase its strength and durability. It’s designed to shatter into small, blunt, less dangerous pieces when broken, reducing the risk of injury.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of tempered glass starts with a piece of regular glass. This glass is first cut to the desired size and shape. Then, it’s heated to over 600 degrees Celsius in a tempering furnace. Once the glass reaches the required temperature, it’s rapidly cooled using high-pressure air jets – which makes the glass much stronger.

What is Regular Glass?

Regular glass, also known as annealed glass, is the standard glass type used in many day-to-day applications. Although it doesn’t have the same strength or safety features as tempered glass, it is more versatile with a simpler manufacturing process.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for regular glass involves melting raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone at high temperatures. The molten glass is then formed into sheets and slowly cooled in a controlled environment. This slow cooling process helps relieve internal stresses, making the glass easier to work with.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Tempered Glass

The enhanced strength of tempered glass makes it a reliable material for high-stress environments. If your property is in a windy area or any location that carries the risk of physical impact, tempered glass will provide the necessary protection. With its heat-resistant features, it’s also suitable for areas exposed to extreme temperatures, such as kitchen backsplashes or outdoor furniture.

Tempered glass is one of the safest glass options for areas with high-foot traffic or children. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. Many building codes require the use of tempered glass in certain applications, such as bathroom doors and stairway railings.

Cons of Tempered Glass

The additional processing required to temper glass makes it more expensive than regular glass. This can be a significant drawback if you’re working on a tight budget.

Once tempered, glass cannot be cut or reshaped. Any modifications need to be made before the tempering process, limiting property owners who may want to make adjustments after installation. 

The tempering process can also introduce slight surface distortions, which, although usually imperceptible, might be noticeable in certain lighting conditions.

Pros of Regular Glass

Regular glass can be easily cut, shaped, and customized to fit specific requirements — which is ideal for applications that require intricate designs or custom shapes. Additionally, its clarity and smooth surface make it aesthetically pleasing for various uses.

Since it undergoes a simpler manufacturing process, regular glass is also generally less expensive.

Cons of Regular Glass

Regular glass is very fragile. It’s more prone to breaking under stress or impact and when it does break, it shatters into sharp, dangerous shards that can cause serious injuries. Regular glass is also more likely to crack or break in areas exposed to extreme temperatures.

Tempered Glass vs Regular Glass

Energy Efficiency

Tempered glass tends to be more energy-efficient than regular glass. Its strength and durability allow it to withstand temperature fluctuations and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. As a result, heating and cooling systems do not have to work as hard, lowering energy use and costs.

Regular glass provides less insulation, which can lead to drafts and increased energy consumption. 

Regardless of glass type, energy efficiency can be improved with double or triple glazing.

With its strength and durability, tempered glass can withstand temperature changes and heavy impact.

Costs

Tempered glass is generally more expensive due to the additional processing it undergoes. This will significantly impact the overall budget of a project, especially if a large amount of glass is required.

If the application doesn’t require the extra strength and safety features of tempered glass, regular glass is the more cost-effective choice.

Installation and Maintenance

Tempered glass is more challenging to install because it cannot be cut or modified after the tempering process. Precise measurements are therefore essential before the glass is tempered, and any errors in sizing can result in costly delays and replacements.

By contrast, regular glass can be cut and shaped on-site, which simplifies installation and minimizes the risk of super expensive errors. That being said, regular glass is more prone to scratches and damage, which can increase maintenance requirements over time.

Maintenance-wise, tempered glass is generally easier to clean and maintain due to its strength and durability.

Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

Aesthetically, both tempered and regular glass provide clear, smooth surfaces that enhance the look of any architectural space. In tempered glass, slight surface distortions can occur due to the tempering process — which is only noticeable under certain lighting conditions. This minor issue is something to consider for applications where visual clarity is critical.

In terms of practical use, regular glass is more suitable for decorative, intricate, or budget-conscious projects while tempered glass is more suitable for high-stress, high-traffic, or safety-critical applications.

Ideal Uses

Best Situations for Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is the go-to choice for applications that require enhanced strength and safety. Some ideal uses for tempered glass are:

• Shower Doors: The bathroom is a high-risk area for slips and falls. Tempered glass in shower doors ensures that if the glass breaks, it will shatter into small, blunt pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
• Balcony Railings: For outdoor installations like balcony railings, tempered glass provides the necessary strength to withstand high winds and impacts.
• Glass Floors and Stairs: In modern architectural designs, glass floors and stairs are becoming increasingly popular. Tempered glass is strong enough to support weight and handle stress without breaking.
• Vehicle Windows: Tempered glass is commonly used in the side and rear windows of vehicles to provide safety in case of accidents.
• Skylights: Skylights are exposed to the elements, requiring glass that can withstand severe weather conditions. Tempered glass is ideal for this purpose.

Best Situations for Regular Glass

Regular glass, while not as strong as tempered glass, has its own set of advantages, particularly in applications where customization and cost take more priority. Here are some ideal situations for using regular glass:

• Picture Frames: Regular glass is perfect for picture frames where the glass is protected and not exposed to high stress.
• Decorative Panels: For intricate designs and custom shapes, regular glass is easier to work with and more cost-effective.
• Glass Shelves: Regular glass can be cut and shaped to fit specific dimensions, making it ideal for glass shelves in display cases or cabinets.
• Windows in Low-Risk Areas: Regular glass is suitable for windows in areas where the risk of breakage is low, such as upper-story windows in a residential home.
• Mirrors: Regular glass is often used in mirrors due to its clarity and smooth surface.

Regular glass is versatile and easy to cut, making it ideal for intricate designs and custom shapes.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Custom Designs

For over 30 years, at Panda Windows & Doors we have implemented a wide variety of top-quality glass materials, including tempered and regular glass, to design, manufacture, and deliver products with high standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Here’s why you should choose us:

• Wide Range of Products: We provide over 80 high-quality systems, including Folding Doors, Lift & Slides, Horizontal Wall Systems, and more.
• Customization Options: We offer customers design flexibility and a large selection of customization options to meet the unique needs of their project.
• Global Presence: Our systems have been installed in scenic destinations around the world, demonstrating our ability to deliver exceptional results anywhere.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the safety features of tempered glass?

Tempered glass is designed to be much stronger than regular glass. It undergoes a special heat treatment process that makes it four to five times stronger. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury, making it a safer option for high-risk areas.

Can regular glass be tempered later?

No, regular glass cannot be tempered after it has been cut and installed. The tempering process must be done on the glass before it is cut to its final size and shape. Once the glass is tempered, it cannot be altered without losing its strength and safety features.

Is regular glass energy efficient?

Regular glass is sensitive to temperature changes and provides limited insulation, which can lead to drafts and increased energy use. However, with double or triple glazing, its energy efficiency can be improved.

How do you maintain tempered or regular glass?

Tempered glass is generally easier to clean and maintain due to its strength and durability. Regular glass, on the other hand, is more prone to scratches and damage, requiring more inspections and maintenance fixes over time.

How does Panda Window & Doors implement tempered or regular glass in its custom designs?

At Panda Windows & Doors, our goal is to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a property. In our custom window and door designs, we implement tempered glass for enhanced strength and safety and regular glass for versatility and cost-effectiveness. 

Contact us today for more on our glass solutions.