What Is Safety Glass?

Safety glass is a broad term for any type of glass that is specially designed to reduce the risk of injury when broken. It is not a single type of glass, but an entire category. 

For a glass to be a ‘safety glass’, 

• It should be stronger than regular glass.
• If it breaks, it should break in a safe way that causes zero to minimal injury.
• It should be able to handle sudden temperature changes better than normal glass. 

Types Of Safety Glass

There are three main types of safety glass used in homes. 

• Laminated safety glass

Laminated safety glass is made by sandwiching a plastic interlayer (usually PVB or EVA) between two or more sheets of glass, then bonding them together with heat and pressure. This layer acts like glue. If broken, the glass pieces stick to the plastic layer instead of falling off. 

• Wired safety glass

Wired safety glass has a thin metal wire mesh embedded in the glass. When it breaks, it holds the pieces together, preventing them from falling apart. 

• Tempered glass

Tempered glass for windows is heated at a high temperature to make it much stronger than regular glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small blunt pieces instead of sharp shards. These pieces are far less likely to cause deep cuts and fall off immediately, leaving the frame empty. 

What Is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass. 

It is made by heating normal glass to above 600°C to 650°C and then cooling it rapidly. This process makes the outer surfaces compress and the inner core tense, making it 4 to 5 times stronger than normal glass of the same thickness. 

Safety Glass Vs Tempered Glass : What’s The Difference?

Laminated safety glass for skylight windows

While tempered glass is one of safety glass, the difference comes when you compare it to laminated safety glass (the other most common type for Indian homes). 

Strength

Tempered glass is stronger when it comes to resisting direct impact. It can take a cricket ball hit or a strong push without breaking. 

Laminated safety glass is slightly less impact-resistant but stronger than normal glass. Its main strength lies in what happens after it breaks. It stays intact, keeping the opening sealed until you replace it. 

Safety

Both tempered glass and laminated safety glass for homes are safer when compared to normal glass.

Tempered glass reduces injury risk because of its small, blunt shards. 

Laminated glass offers the highest safety because it prevents any glass from falling off, which is crucial in high-traffic or child-friendly areas.

Uses

Tempered glass is commonly used in balcony railings, staircase panels, shower enclosures, doors, partitions, high-rise windows, table tops, kitchen splash backs, wardrobe doors, and display shelves or counters.

Laminated safety glass is used in skylights, large picture windows, glass floors, overhead glazing or canopies, French windows, full-height sliding doors, soundproof windows, high-security entrance doors, aquariums, and car windshields. 

Also read: What is laminated security glass and how does it make a difference?

For your home’s windows and doors, pair the right glass type with GreenFortune’s uPVC frames for better results. Our uPVC windows and doors are durable, weather-resistant, energy-efficient, thermally insulating, stylish and easy to maintain. They are perfect for both tempered and laminated safety glass. 

Cost

Tempered glass is more budget-friendly and easier to install. 

Laminated safety glass costs more because of the extra layers and bonding process. But it also lasts longer and offers UV protection. 

Maintenance

Tempered glass is easier to maintain, but must be replaced entirely if it breaks. 

Laminated safety glass is heavier and may require more care during cleaning, but it stays functional even after damage, giving you the time to replace it safely. 

Difference Between Safety Glass And Tempered Glass At A Glance!

Tempered glass for balcony railings

Choosing The Best Between Safety Glass Vs Tempered Glass For Indian Homes

When deciding between safety glass vs tempered glass for your home, here are the things you should consider location, safety, budget and weather conditions. 

• Location and use

For balcony railings, staircase panels, and shower enclosures, tempered glass works well because of its strength and clean look. 

For skylights, overhead glass, or large windows near play areas, laminated safety glass is better because it prevents falling shards.

• Safety needs

If you have children, elders, or pets at home, laminated safety glass is the best choice. 

• Budget

If you are on a budget, the tempered glass is an affordable choice. 

• Weather conditions

For areas exposed to extreme sunlight and heat, laminated glass can also block UV rays, keeping interiors cooler and reducing fading of furniture.

Final Takeaway

In the safety glass vs tempered glass discussion, the best depends on your needs. 

Tempered glass is ideal for places that face everyday knocks and bumps. Laminated safety glass is perfect for places where broken glass could cause serious harm. So, use laminated glass where you need maximum safety and tempered glass where you need durability. 

Also read: 8 common myths about heat-proof glass you should know!