When a window is replaced at your business, you will be given the choice of either tempered or laminated glass. Tempered glass is usually chosen for areas in which the public or employees are present. Laminated glass is often used for interior designs and secure locations.
The advantages of both glass types can help you choose the one to pick when replacing windows at your business.
Advantages of Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is known as safety glass because when it breaks, it shatters into small chunks instead of shards of sharp glass. There are several advantages to installing tempered glass in business windows.
Resists Breakage
Tempered glass is four to five times harder than regular glass due to the way it is made. It is heated to a temperature of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and then quickly cooled. The process, which is known as quenching, hardens the glass.
Prevents Injuries
If a window breaks where the public or employees are present, tempered glass is less likely to injure someone because of how it breaks. The pieces it breaks into are not sharp, so even if it hits someone, they may not be hurt or sustain deep cuts.
Easy to Remove
Tempered window glass is easy to remove when it breaks. The chunks of glass can be swept away and, if there is still some left in the window frame, it can be lifted out in chunks. Otherwise, you can gently break it out, then sweep it up and throw it away.
Advantages of Laminated Glass
Laminated glass has two layers of glass with an interlayer of vinyl between them. Instead of shattering, the glass will crack and break, but the interlayer keeps it in place because it stays in the window frame. Here are some of the advantages of using laminated glass.
Provides Security
Laminated glass can be used in areas where extra security is needed because it is difficult to break through it. Even though the glass can be broken, the interlayer keeps everything together and in the window frame, which prevents thieves from breaking through windows.
Soundproofing Abilities
If your business uses glass to partition offices, then laminated glass may be the best choice for the partitions. Not only does it come in various thicknesses, but it has soundproofing qualities that allow for more privacy and noise reduction in offices and conference rooms.
Variety of Uses
Laminated glass can be used in many business office designs due to its versatility. It can be made flat or curved, and it is often used for glass staircases and roofs. Most glass companies, like Glass Express glaziers, can quickly replace the laminated glass if it has been broken.
Both tempered and laminated glass are good choices for businesses that are open to the public. If a window or glass partition breaks, they can keep people from getting hurt.
Choosing between the two glass types depends on how much security your employees and merchandise need and whether you have glass partitions in your offices and require more privacy.