Tempered Glass vs Spandrel Glass: Which Is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase its strength and safety.
• Spandrel glass is often opaque or tinted, hiding non-vision building components like vents and wires.
• Tempered glass is commonly used in doors, windows, and shower enclosures while spandrel glass is mainly used in commercial buildings.
• Tempered and spandrel glass both help property owners enhance the functionality of their building by increasing security and energy efficiency.
• At Panda Windows & Doors, we provide custom design options to meet the unique architectural needs of your residential or commercial property.

Tempered Glass: Overview

Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is a type of safety glass processed through controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength. 

When this type of glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp, jagged shards – which reduces the risk of injury and provides extra security in areas most vulnerable to human impact.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of tempered glass involves heating the glass to over 600 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooling it. This process puts the outer surfaces into compression and the inner surfaces into tension, which makes the glass stronger and more resistant to breakage.

Spandrel Glass: Overview

Spandrel glass is a type of architectural glass used to cover non-vision areas of a building like the areas between floors. It also conceals structural elements like columns, beams, and vents. 

Spandrel glass has a distinctive opaque or tinted appearance — which is ideal for hiding the less aesthetically pleasing parts of a building.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of spandrel glass involves applying an opacifier (a substance that makes the surface opaque) to the glass surface, and then baking it in a furnace to ensure its durability. The glass can also be tempered to make it resistant to thermal stress and breakage.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Tempered Glass

• High strength and safety features.
• Shatters into small, blunt, and less dangerous pieces.
• Resistant to thermal stress.
• Versatile and used for a wide variety of applications.

Cons of Tempered Glass

• More expensive than regular glass.
• Cannot be cut, drilled, or adjusted once tempered.

Pros of Spandrel Glass

• Hides visually unappealing building components.
• Creates a uniform exterior look.
• Can be enhanced with insulated materials for energy efficiency.

Cons of Spandrel Glass

• Limited to non-vision property applications.

Tempered Glass vs Spandrel Glass

Energy Efficiency

Tempered glass is often used in double-glazed windows, which traps air between the glass layers and provides excellent thermal insulation. This helps reduce heat transfer and maintain a stable indoor temperature.

Spandrel glass, on the other hand, can be combined with insulation materials to increase a property’s overall energy efficiency. 

Aesthetic Considerations

Tempered glass is transparent, so it allows more natural light to enter the building. It’s typically used for windows, doors, and other vision areas. 

Spandrel glass is opaque or tinted and can be customized with various colors and finishes to match the property’s design.

Practical Considerations

Tempered glass is popular among property owners for its strength and security features. Its ability to shatter into small, blunt pieces makes it safer for use in high-impact areas.

Spandrel glass is the ideal glass type to conceal a building’s structural elements. Its ability to create a uniform exterior appearance and improve energy efficiency makes it a particularly valuable addition to commercial buildings.

Tempered glass is best suited for applications that require safety and strength, particularly high-impact areas in a home.

Costs

Tempered glass is more expensive than regular glass due to the additional processing required to increase its strength. Spandrel glass will also cost more, particularly when combined with insulation materials. 

However, the long-term energy savings and aesthetic benefits can offset the initial investment.

Installation

Tempered glass is relatively straightforward to install, but it must be cut to size before the tempering process. Once tempered, it cannot be cut or drilled, so precise measurements are crucial.

Spandrel glass installation can be more complex, especially when combined with insulation materials. It requires careful planning and coordination for proper alignment and sealing. Professional installation is recommended to achieve the best results and avoid potential issues.

Maintenance

Tempered and spandrel glass are both relatively low-maintenance. Tempered glass is resistant to scratches and can be cleaned with standard glass cleaners. However, it’s important to avoid abrasive materials that could damage the surface.

With spandrel glass, it’s important to make sure the opacifier remains intact to keep up its opaque appearance. Regular inspections can help identify any issues early and prevent potential problems.

Ideal Uses

Best Situations for Tempered Glass

• Windows and doors in residential and commercial buildings.
• Shower enclosures and bathroom partitions.
• Glass walls and partitions in offices and public spaces.
• Automobile windows and sunroofs.
• Furniture and table tops.

Best Situations for Spandrel Glass

• Covering structural elements like beams and columns in commercial buildings.
• Hiding mechanical equipment such as vents, pipes, and wiring.
• Creating a uniform exterior appearance for high-rise buildings.
• Improving thermal insulation in building envelopes.
• Adding color and design elements to a building’s facade.

Spandrel glass covers structural elements, improves thermal insulation in building envelopes, and adds color and design elements to a building’s facade.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Custom Designs

At Panda Windows & Doors, we specialize in creating custom glass solutions that meet your unique architectural needs. 

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry. 

With over 30 years of experience, we understand the importance of quality and precision in every project.

Reach out to us to learn more about our glass products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main differences between tempered and spandrel glass?

The main differences between tempered and spandrel glass lie in their applications and properties. Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase its strength and safety, which is great for high-impact areas like windows, doors, and shower enclosures. 

Spandrel glass, on the other hand, is used to cover non-vision areas of a building and is often opaque or tinted to hide structural elements and mechanical equipment.

Can spandrel glass be used as vision glass?

No, spandrel glass is not suitable as vision glass because it is designed to be opaque or tinted. Its primary purpose is to hide unsightly building components and provide a uniform exterior appearance. Tempered glass is a better choice as vision glass due to its clarity and strength.

Is tempered glass more expensive than spandrel glass?

It depends on the complexity of your project and your building’s specific needs and requirements. 

Tempered glass is more expensive than regular glass due to the additional processing required to increase its strength. Spandrel glass can also cost more, especially when combined with insulation for improved energy efficiency.

Do I need special installation techniques for tempered glass?

Yes, tempered glass requires precise measurements and careful handling during installation. Once tempered, the glass cannot be cut or drilled, so it must be cut to size before the tempering process. Professional installation is recommended.

How does Panda Window & Doors implement modern glass options in its custom designs?

At Panda Windows & Doors, we work closely with property owners, using top-quality glass materials to bring their unique architectural vision to life. Our team will deliver a meticulously designed glass product in 8 to 12 weeks. 

Contact us today for more on our custom window and door solutions.