Laminated and Tempered Safety Glass

Safety glass refers to any glass that when broken does not pose a safety hazard.  It wasn't until 1972 that building codes were revised to mandate safety glazing in doors and other high traffic areas.  Until then numerous injuries including loss of limbs and even death were attributed to broken glass that allowed large sharp shards of glass. Current building codes require safety glazing in all doors, sidelites, walking surfaces, bathroom tub and shower enclosures, patio furniture and other applications to ensure the safety of any person that may come into contact with glass in these potentially dangerous traffic areas.  The two most common types of safety glass are Laminated and Tempered glass.

Laminated glass like that in your car windshield is manufactured by laminating 2 pieces of glass together with a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) inner-layer.  When broken, the glass cracks but stays together so there is no danger of lacerations. Laminated glass also provides a level of security when used in storefronts or other secure locations as it remains in place even when badly broken due to the strong PVB inner-layer. To watch a short video of how laminated glass is made Click Here.

Tempered glass is manufactured by heating glass to approximately 1200º Fahrenheit followed by rapid cooling of the outer surfaces.  This rapid cooling causes a tension between the outer and inner surfaces.  This tension increases the strength of the glass approximately sixfold.  When the glass is broken, this tension causes it to shatter into small blunt granules rather than large sharp shards.

Best Glass is experienced with all applications of Laminated and Tempered safety glass.  Serving the Greater Phoenix area since 1991, Best Glass has been providing safe and secure installations for homeowners, business owners and contractors alike.

Have a unique glass need that may call for Laminated or Tempered safety glass?  We've got the right product to meet that need.  Call us today for a Free, no obligation quote at 602-437-2378 or  Contact us by E-mail.