Security should come first when it comes to your home or business place. With different kinds of danger lurking around, you need to protect yourself, your family and employees. Installing security glass is one way to ensure everyone’s safety.
What is security glass?
Security glass is fortified glass that protects a building’s entryways, such as doors and windows. Whether you use it at home, in your store or office, this glass will protect you, your employees, and your customers. That’s because security glass is strengthened to resist hand tools such as hammers, axes and pliers, and bullets and other projectiles.
In addition to its defensive properties, security glass is specifically designed to break into small, non-lethal fragments rather than sharp jagged pieces that can easily lacerate the skin or cause greater harm to humans.
What are the types of security glass?
Security glass is available in two main types: tempered glass and laminated glass. Below are their characteristics as well as their pros and cons.
1. Tempered glass
Tempered or toughened glass is thermally and chemically treated glass to increase its strength. It is designed to crumble into small harmless fragments rather than sharp, dangerous shards. Tempered glass won’t hold up under continuous physical attack, but it is less likely to harm you if it breaks. It is generally used in vehicles and areas that are prone to earthquakes.
2. Laminated glass
Laminated glass is made of two panes of toughened glass and a durable plastic interlayer sandwiched between the glass panes. The glass and interlayer (usually a polyvinyl butyral or PVB) are bonded chemically to each other during the manufacturing process. This makes laminated glass challenging to shatter.
When the glazing of laminated glass is hit, it breaks within the frame but will be held in place by the PVB. More layers of glass and PVB can also be added during manufacturing. Once it reaches 5cm or more, laminated glass becomes bulletproof and meets UL 752 standard for bullet-resisting equipment.
What are the pros and cons of using security glass?
Tempered glass and laminated glass both have their pros and cons, with both sharing the most of the advantages.
PROS
· Strength
Tempered glass is five times stronger than regular float glass of the same thickness. This means it can withstand a much stronger hit without shattering. Nevertheless, when it does shatter, it breaks into tiny pieces that are not jagged or sharp. This is the same with laminated glass, so whatever you choose, you don’t have to worry about being cut.
· Heat resistant
Tempered glass is up to five times more resistant to heat than standard glass. It can withstand temperatures up to 250oC, making it much safer in the event of a fire. That is why main reason most government buildings, high-rise apartments, offices and schools use tempered glass windows. Laminated glass, on the other hand, can withstand lower temperatures.
· Noise reduction
Both tempered and laminated glass are almost twice as soundproof as standard glass. Hence, they are preferred in soundproofing, reducing noise levels up to 60dB. This makes them ideal for use in music studios, gyms, cinemas, and other places where noise reduction is essential.
· UV protection
Tempered glass has an SPF of around 16 and can absorb 65 percent of UV rays. You can further increase the SPF of your tempered glass by choosing a bronze or gray tinted finish.
· Impact resistant
Laminated glass is more protective and impact resistant than regular glass. This makes it suitable for reinforced windows for high-rise apartment buildings and offices, glass shower enclosures, and other safety applications.
· Durable
Tempered glass is often used for glass housewares because it is less prone to breakage than regular glass. It is commonly used in dining tables, backsplash, and shower enclosures because they are safe for you to use.
· Helps save energy
Laminated glass can be installed over existing glass doors and windows. This will turn them into a double- or triple-pane, which can help maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home without needing an air conditioner. This will help you save a significant amount on energy costs.
Cons
- It cannot be cut once installed. A tempered glass sliding door cannot be altered to include a pet door once it is installed. Instead, you will need to replace the whole door panel.
- Tempered glass has to be ordered to size because there is no way to cut it again without it breaking.
- Laminated glass requires proper installation to take advantage of its benefits. For example, the sound-dampening properties of laminated glass can only be achieved if it is installed with the right amount of airspace between panes.
- Tempered and laminated glass are more expensive than regular glass. That’s because their manufacturing process is more complex, the materials are more expensive, and the installation is more difficult and time-consuming.
- Delivery time is longer.
- Laminated and tempered glass can be difficult to break in an emergency.
Let Glass King design and install your security glass.
Glass King is known in the Phoenix Metro area for our unbeatable service. We specialize in home and commercial glass repair and replacement. Whatever your project, as long as it involves glass, we’re here to help you. We are licensed and insured, so you don’t have to worry about liability risks. Call us at 480-389-5656 to know more about our services, or fill out our contact form today.
