Laminated glass and tempered glass are among the most commonly used glass types in numerous industries – and for good reasons. They are both incredibly strong and significantly minimize the risk of injuries in case the glass breaks.
Therefore, we will compare laminated glass vs tempered glass, outlining their manufacturing processes, applications, safety features, and other advantages and disadvantages. If you’re trying to choose a glass type for your windows or glass doors, for example, the answers to your questions will certainly become clearer by the end of our detailed comparison!
Key Takeaways
- Laminated glass consists of one or more layers of glass separated by one or more plastic interlayers, which keep the glass fragments bonded together if the glass breaks.
- Tempered glass consists of one glass layer that undergoes a heating treatment followed by a rapid cooling process that makes it incredibly strong. Tempered glass shatters into tiny pieces that minimize injury risks.
- Laminated glass offers additional benefits such as sound insulation, UV protection, and customizability, whereas tempered glass is better for high-impact applications and provides better heat resistance.
- The cost of laminated glass is generally higher due to its complex manufacturing process, while tempered glass is more affordable, at the same time offering significant strength and safety benefits.
Understanding Laminated Glass and Tempered Glass
Safety glass stands as a pillar of contemporary design and engineering, with laminated glass and tempered glass (also known as toughened glass) being two of the most widely used types. While both offer superior durability and safety compared to ordinary glass, they are manufactured differently and are best suited for different applications. Knowing these differences can help you choose the appropriate type of glass for your project.
Laminated glass consists of two (or more) sheets of glass bonded together. They are separated by a plastic interlayer – usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This structure not only enhances the glass’s strength but also ensures it remains intact when laminated glass breaks, providing unparalleled safety. Furthermore, laminated glass offers additional benefits in terms of sound insulation and UV protection.
Tempered glass, in contrast, consists of only one glass sheet and is produced through a specialized heat treatment process, followed by rapid cooling, which significantly boosts its strength and alters its breakage pattern. Tempered glass breaks into small, blunt pieces, instead of large, sharp glass fragments, which can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Key Differences: Tempered Glass vs Laminated Glass
While both laminated and tempered glass are designed to enhance safety, they do so in fundamentally different ways. Recognizing these key differences can help you choose the right type of glass for specific needs, so let’s get down to business!
1. Manufacturing Process
Laminated glass, often described as a “glass sandwich,” is made by bonding multiple layers of glass with plastic interlayers like PVB or EVA. The process includes placing the glass into a vacuum bagging system that eliminates air bubbles. Then, the glass is heated repeatedly – a process that glues the glass and plastic layers together. The resulting product is a type of safety glass that remains intact even when broken, significantly reducing the risk of injury from sharp shards of glass. The plastic interlayer is what keeps those glass fragments together.
On the other hand, tempered glass undergoes a unique manufacturing process that significantly enhances its strength. This process involves heating one annealed glass sheet to approximately 1,148°F (620°C) and then rapidly cooling it. The surface cools rapidly, while the center cools more slowly – this process creates internal tension and surface compression, which enhances the strength of the glass.
2. Strength and Breakage Patterns
Laminated glass is designed to hold together upon impact, forming a web-like interlocking pattern when broken. On the other hand, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces when broken, reducing injury risk but requiring complete replacement.
Tempered glass is considered four times stronger than regular glass and even than laminated glass, which means it can resist impact better. But the fact that laminated glass stays glued together when broken is a major advantage, especially for windows.
That being said, it would be impossible to state which glass type is better in terms of strength and breakage patterns – it all depends on where the glass is installed, whether it’s a high-risk area, whether minimizing injury risk is important, and so on. Plus, laminated glass can be manufactured from two tempered glass sheets and a plastic interlayer, which makes it stronger than standard tempered glass but significantly more expensive.
Here’s an example that may help you decide – laminated glass may be better for, let’s say, windows that are prone to break-ins, while tempered glass may be more suitable for windows that are at risk of impact and in spaces where minimizing injury risk from broken glass is of utmost importance.
3. Soundproofing and UV Resistance
In terms of soundproofing and UV resistance, laminated glass undoubtedly takes the lead.
Laminated glass excels at soundproofing thanks to its multi-layered structure and plastic interlayer that disrupts sound waves, thus being perfect for spaces where noise reduction is a priority.
Additionally, laminated glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV radiation, which is absorbed by the plastic interlayer. This protects interior furnishings from fading and damage and, therefore, helps you avoid expenses in the future.
In contrast, tempered glass does not offer the same level of soundproofing or UV resistance. Its primary advantage lies in its strength and safety features, making it less effective for applications where noise reduction and UV protection are essential. Therefore, when considering soundproofing and UV resistance, laminated glass is the superior choice.
4. Cost Comparison
While laminated glass is generally more expensive due to its materials and complex manufacturing process, it offers additional benefits that justify the investment. The cost of laminated glass is influenced by factors such as the type of glass and the type of plastic interlayer, as well as the thickness of the glass.
Tempered glass is less expensive than laminated glass, making it a more affordable option for various applications. Despite its lower cost, tempered glass still offers significant benefits in terms of strength and safety, making it a popular choice for many projects.
5. Applications
Laminated glass is often used for:
- Windows and glass doors in residential and commercial windows
- Shower doors
- Glass roofs
- Glass bridges
- Glass stairs
- Skylights
- Car windows
- Window walls
Conversely, tempered glass is often used for:
- Frameless glass doors
- Frameless shower doors
- Windows
- Glass table tops
- Fridge shelves
- Cooking and baking appliances
- Oven doors
As you’ve probably noticed, laminated glass is often used in cases where safety is of the essence – in other words, it is installed in locations where the risk of injury can be significantly reduced only if the glass does not break entirely, instead remaining bonded together by the interlayer.
For example, if a tempered glass roof were to break, the resulting fragments (even if they are tiny) might pose a safety hazard due to the size of the glass roof and the height of the fall. However, in applications like fridge shelves or shower doors, tempered glass is often preferred above laminated glass because its tiny fragments, while potentially causing superficial scratches, are less likely to penetrate the skin deeply or cause serious harm.
Nonetheless, don’t forget that while these safety features minimize risks, any broken glass is, after all, glass and can cause injury. Therefore, regardless of what glass type you choose, be extra careful if it breaks.
6. Customization Options
When discussing customization options, we must mention two aspects: the possibility of cutting the glass after the manufacturing process and the possibility of customizing the plastic layer within the laminated glass.
First, tempered glass cannot be cut after it’s manufactured. The size and shape of the glass must be determined before it undergoes the tempering process. If anyone attempts to cut tempered glass after this, it will shatter into tiny pieces because of its internal pressure. Laminated glass, on the other hand, can be cut after the glass and the plastic are bonded together, but the process is quite difficult and can also cause the glass to break.
Secondly, laminated glass is more customizable than tempered glass because of its plastic interlayer, which can be personalized with various colors, patterns, and opacity levels. Tempered glass, in contrast, has fewer customization options, but it can be tinted (only during the manufacturing process though). Additionally, various patterns can be etched on the surface of tempered glass but, yet again, only before it’s manufactured.
7. Heat Resistance
When it comes to heat resistance, tempered glass undoubtedly takes the lead. It can withstand temperatures of up to 250°C (482°F) without breaking. Laminated glass, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures of approximately 150°C (302°F) without deforming, but the interlayer is less heat-resistant and may begin to soften or degrade.
Additionally, laminated glass is more susceptible to thermal stress fractures than tempered glass. In other words, if installed in windows, tempered glass may resist better under extreme temperature fluctuations. Despite this, laminated glass is widely installed in windows.
8. Possibility of Repairing Broken Glass and Durability
Another notable difference between laminated and tempered glass is that laminated glass can sometimes be repaired, while tempered glass, if broken, requires full replacement. Therefore, replacing tempered glass may be quite expensive, especially when used for double- or triple-glazed windows or doors.
While both laminated and tempered glass can last for 25+ years, laminated glass is prone to delamination or discoloration of the interlayer over time, particularly in extreme heat or high humidity. Tempered glass, on the other hand, is generally more resistant to weather fluctuations, but it can also suddenly break for various reasons, including if the one of or more edges are damaged.
9. Installation Considerations
Professional installation is vital, especially for laminated glass, which is heavier and more complex to install due to its multi-layered structure that requires precise installation. Trained professionals have the necessary tools and expertise to handle the installation process, ensuring that the glass is secured in place and meets safety standards.
The installation of tempered glass is usually quicker and easier due to its lighter weight. However, professional installation is still recommended to ensure safety and compliance with building regulations.
Whether you’re doing a window replacement or installing new glass panels, having professionals handle the installation can prevent potential issues down the line.
Which Glass Type Should You Choose?
To provide you with a bigger picture on how laminated glass compares to tempered glass, we’ve outlined their advantages and disadvantages.
Here are the advantages of laminated glass:
- Strength and durability
- Glass fragments stay bonded together if the glass breaks
- UV protection
- Sound insulation
- Can be cut upon production
- The plastic interlayer can be customized
- Can be repaired if broken
Here are the disadvantages of laminated glass:
- More expensive
- Less heat-resistant
- More difficult to install
- Prone to delamination
- Susceptibility to thermal stress
- Not as strong as tempered glass in case of impact
Here are the advantages of tempered glass:
- Impact-resistance
- Durability
- Heat-resistance
- Less susceptible to thermal stress
- Glass breaks into small, blunt fragments
- More budget-friendly
- Easier to install
Here are the disadvantages of tempered glass:
- No UV protection
- No soundproofing properties
- Fewer customization options
- Cannot be cut after being manufactured
- Requires full replacement if broken
- Not suitable for high-risk areas where it is of utmost importance to minimize risk of injuries
- Prone to sudden breakage
Tips on Choosing Between Tempered and Laminated Glass
If you still can’t decide which type of glass is better for your home, here are some tips that can help you choose:
- Choose laminated glass for enhanced safety, as it holds together when broken, preventing shards from scattering around. Opt for tempered safety glass in areas where strength and impact resistance are critical, as it breaks into small, blunt pieces upon shattering.
- Choose laminated glass if noise insulation is a priority, as its interlayer helps reduce sound transmission.
- Opt for laminated glass to block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting furniture and interiors from fading. Use tempered glass with UV-blocking coatings if UV resistance is needed.
- Choose laminated glass if you want decorative, colored, or patterned options, as its interlayer can be customized. Use tempered glass for simpler designs or if custom shapes and sizes are finalized before tempering.
- Choose laminated glass for windows and glass doors that are at risk of break-ins. Use tempered glass in areas requiring resistance to high impacts but not prolonged stress.
- For fire-rated windows, consider specialized versions of either laminated or tempered glass, depending on specific fire safety requirements.
- Choose tempered glass for a cost-effective, strong, and widely available option. Use laminated glass if you are willing to invest in additional features like soundproofing, UV protection, or energy efficiency.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check local building codes, as there may be specific requirements as to what type of glass you should use in windows and glass doors.
Book a Consultation with Magic to Learn More About Our Window and Glass Types
Magic is one of the few window companies that take care of everything in the process of manufacturing and installing windows. We’ve brought glass production in-house so we can fully personalize our windows and doors according to our clients’ preferences and needs.
Therefore, our team members are experts in various types of glass, so they can advise you on which is better for your home, at the same time considering your region’s climate and your budget.
When combined with other revolutionary Magic technologies, such as the Hybrid Fusion Frame and the Parallex Hardware, the glass in your windows and doors can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, lasting 40 years and maybe even more!
Curious to learn more? Book a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between laminated and tempered glass?
The main difference between laminated and tempered glass is that laminated glass consists of layers bonded with a plastic interlayer that keeps broken glass fragments together and reduces noise pollution, while tempered glass is a single heat-treated glass sheet that shatters safely into small, blunt pieces.
Does laminated glass crack easily?
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that does not break easily. However, it may break more easily than tempered glass. The primary advantage of laminated glass is that it does not shatter when broken.
Which type of glass is better for soundproofing?
Laminated glass is superior for soundproofing, as its multi-layered structure and plastic interlayer can effectively reduce noise levels. Thus, it is the recommended choice for enhanced acoustic insulation.
Can laminated glass be repaired if it is damaged?
Laminated glass can be repaired if it is damaged, unlike tempered glass, which requires complete replacement.
Can burglars break laminated glass?
Burglars will find it extremely difficult to break laminated glass because even if they manage to break the glass, they won’t be able to use the windows to enter your house. Since the broken glass pieces are held together by the plastic interlayer, burglars would have to hit the glass repeatedly and even then, they would only be able to make a tiny hole.
Why is tempered glass often used in areas prone to high impact?
Tempered glass is often used in high-impact areas because its heat treatment process enhances its impact resistance, ensuring safety and durability in environments exposed to significant force or stress.
What are the cost differences between laminated and tempered glass?
Laminated glass is more expensive than tempered glass. Therefore, budget considerations should guide your choice based on the needs of your project.