In the glass industry there is no confined selection for you to opt for. Three styles, performance and even the durability levels vary which make them specifically suitable for particular industries.
From construction to the home and office building, tempered glass is readily and widely in use. So before you opt for the renovation, let’s find information on what is tempered glass and where we can use it.
What is Tempered Glass?
Among glasses, tempered glass is a type that is obtained by the controlled thermal and/ or chemical treatments.
This is to maximise its strengths in comparison with the normal glass. Tempered glass is achieved through a process of highest point of extreme heat and then rapid cooling which result s in a hardest glass.
Tempered glass is heat-treated which is why it lets out an ultra-strong approach when you talk about durability. Moreover, when tempered glass breaks, it disintegrates and hence there is less harm than that of a regular glass that has spikes upon breaking.
Colors in Tempered Glass
- Clear
- Grey
- Green
- Bronze
How is tempered glass manufactured?
Tempered glass is manufactured from annealed glass through a thermal tempering process. In this process of manufacturing tempered glass, the glass is put on the roller table and then it talks through a furnace that heats it well above its transition temperature of 564 °C (1,047 °F) to around 620 °C (1,148 °F).
What is Tempered Glass Used for?
Tempered glass is mainly used for car windows, shower doors, glass-made tables for home and offices and as windows for homes. It also makes its usefulness noticeable for other installations where safety is a matter such as in schools. Note that tempered glass is “relatively” the best approach for breaking and can endure most force. However, it’s not unbreakable or shatterproof.
Why Tempered Glass Used in Houses and Buildings?
As mentioned above, when regular glass breaks or shatters, it makes the tiniest spies that are harmful when they come in contact with humans or animals. Moreover, under extreme weather or bombing blast, the regular glass pieces can fly and injure anyone.
Unlike that, tempered glass does not make the spikes rather it becomes small pieces of cubes. The cubes are far less harmful and do not cause fatal injury especially to the nearby people. Tempered glass is mainly is use in;
- Doors
- Windows
- Wet Areas
- Near Stairs
Properties of tempered glass
- It’s durable and strong against breaking
- Strong and tough against breaking
- Offers clarity and transparency
- Offers versatility and use for a number of application
- Can resist head and high temperatures
Advantages of Tempered Glass over Other Glasses
Tempered glass offers multiple benefits especially if you compare it with regular glass. For example;
Durable against Impact and chemical exposure
Tempered glass has the most ideal durability and strength levels which can endure strong bans, pressure impact and noise impact. Also it’s ideal against abrasion and chemical exposure.
No Harm
It does not break into spall or spikes inside the cubs formation makes it best when you want safety. The cubes aren’t sharp and the dull edges greatly minimize injuries and the chances of fatal injuries.
Versatile
Tempered glass is not only used for windows and doors but many other applications. Its application is versatile for example passenger vehicle windows (apart from windshield), shower doors, aquariums, architectural glass doors and tables, refrigerator trays, mobile phone screen protectors, bulletproof glass components, diving masks, and plates.
Best Clarity
Like float glass, tempered glass has ideal clarity and optical visibility levels. The transparency lets the view clear and free from distortion.
Withstand highest temperature
Another benefit of tempered glass is it can withstand the highest heat. The resistivity for heat makes it best for a number of uses and windows for furnaces.
Disadvantages of Tempered Glass
Breaks Easily
Like anything, tempered glass has its vulnerable side. It means tempered glass lets the access easy as when it breaks, it breaks completely which is a concern when you want added security
Not Budget-friendly
Tempered glass is not budget-friendly and can be expensive to install. Each piece or section of the tempered glass has to be manufactured in a custom way because it cant be adjusted once the tempering process is done.
Also the repairs are costly because a single crack causes the whole glass to break. Therefore you have to replace the whole glass.
Difference between laminated glass and tempered glass
The difference between laminated glass and tempered glass is durability. Tempered glass will break into smaller pieces whereas laminated glass will crack but will not scatter in smaller cubes or shards. Laminated glass will remain together upon breaking because the plastic layer keeps the bound joined.