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What Are Laminated Windows? Definition, Benefits, and More!

| January 18, 2025

Have you ever walked on a glass bridge that allows for an incredible experience with stunning views over the landscape? The Glacier Skywalk, for example, is a top attraction in Alberta, Canada, offering visitors the amazing opportunity to walk on a 450-metre round walkway made of glass that overlooks the Jasper National Park.

Well, these glass bridges are often made of laminated glass, which, in turn, usually consists of several sheets of tempered glass. Why? Because laminated glass doesn’t break easily. This is why laminated windows have become a staple in the window industry (and not only!). Therefore, if you’re planning to replace your windows and want to learn more about laminated windows, read on!

Key Takeaways

  • Laminated windows are constructed with multiple glass sheets bonded together by a strong polymer interlayer, enhancing safety and durability compared to standard glass.
  • When laminated glass breaks, the glass fragments are held together by the polymer interlayer. This makes laminated windows much safer than other windows, as well as more resistant against break-ins.
  • Key benefits of laminated windows include improved safety and security, significant noise reduction, UV protection, and energy efficiency.
  • Laminated glass is commonly installed in windows and glass doors. It is often used for skylights, floor-to-ceiling glazing, glass roofs, and other glass structures.

What Are Laminated Windows?

Laminated windows consist of a type of safety glass made from two or more layers of glass permanently bonded together and separated by polymer interlayers. Precisely these polymer interlayers make laminated windows safe, as they prevent the glass from breaking into large sharp pieces – instead, when the glass breaks, it produces a cracking pattern similar to a spider web.

This means that the glass shards remain glued together when the window is broken, which reduces the risk of injury and increases a window’s burglar-proof properties. Additionally, the interlayer in laminated glass not only holds the glass layers together but also adds flexibility and durability.

All these benefits make laminated glass windows a versatile option for both residential and commercial properties – in fact, nowadays people rarely choose to install standard windows. And why would they when they can opt instead for laminated windows, which are much better?

Ultimately, whom do we have to thank for this wonderful addition to our homes?

A Brief History of Laminated Glass

Laminated glass was invented at the beginning of the 20th century by Édouard Bénédictus, a French chemist. The word goes that after a glass flask coated with plastic cellulose nitrate had fallen in his laboratory, it shattered but didn’t break into pieces. This inspired Bénédictus to create a similar type of glass.

A few years later, after discovering that two women had been severely injured in a car accident (the injuries were mainly caused by glass fragments) Bénédictus filed a patent for a type of safety glass. Only two years later, he established a society that fabricated a type of composite material made of glass and plastic designed for car use. The manufacturing process was incredibly slow, so the glass was quite expensive. While it took a long time for the glass to become a staple in the automobile industry, it was used during World War I in the eyepieces of gas masks.

Naturally, the laminated safety glass we use today does not have the exact form and composition it had back then. Over the years, with various technological advancements and discoveries, this type of glass was further improved and eventually became a staple in the automobile and window industries.

But how exactly are laminated windows manufactured? Let’s find out!

How Are Laminated Windows Made?

The manufacturing process of laminated glass involves bonding two or more glass sheets (annealed or tempered) with a plastic interlayer, usually PVB, which is sandwiched between the glass sheets. Then, the glass passes through a vacuum bagging system that eliminates any air pockets. Next, the glass is repeatedly heated to create a strong chemical bond between the glass and the interlayer. This process makes laminated glass not only durable but also highly resistant to breakage.

If needed, two separate laminated glass sheets can be bonded together for increased strength and thickness. For example, bullet-resistant glass is made of several layers of laminated glass combined with polycarbonate, thermoset EVA, and thermoplastic materials.

Key Benefits of Laminated Windows

Laminated windows offer a plethora of benefits that make them a superior choice over traditional glass options. These benefits include enhanced safety and security, noise reduction, UV protection, energy efficiency, and increased durability. It is now clear why laminated windows are in the spotlight nowadays in the window industry!

If you want to understand whether laminated windows are a good choice for your home and the investment is worth it – keep reading, as we’ll discuss all these benefits in detail!

Enhanced Safety and Security

As mentioned above, laminated glass is praised primarily for its safety and security features. Thanks to its ability to resist impact and break-ins (because the glass pieces stay together when broken), it’s often used in buildings that require increased security – both in residential and commercial properties.

Therefore, installing laminated windows and doors is of utmost importance, especially in homes with children and pets, because they significantly reduce the risk of injuries.

While laminated windows are more expensive than normal glass windows, the investment is totally worth it if we consider the fact that they can help keep us safe!

Noise Reduction and Sound Insulation

Among the benefits of laminated glass are its soundproofing properties. The interlayer in laminated glass makes it an effective barrier against outdoor noise transmission. This is particularly beneficial if you live in an urban area where noise pollution is a major concern.

Laminated glass windows work by disrupting sound waves, thereby limiting the amount of noise that is transmitted through. This sound control ability not only enhances the comfort of indoor environments but also contributes to a quieter and more peaceful living or working space.

UV Protection and Energy Efficiency

Laminated glass plays a crucial role in protecting indoor furnishings from damaging UV rays. It blocks harmful UV rays because the plastic layer between the glass sheets absorbs up to 99% of UV radiation.

Furthermore, laminated glass contributes to energy efficiency. Low-emissivity laminated windows, for example, can maintain indoor temperatures steady, so you’ll have to rely less on heating and cooling systems. This translates into lower energy bills. As such, laminated windows are a smart choice if you want to reduce your environmental footprint.

Increased Durability and Longevity

Given their incredible strength, laminated windows are much more durable than standard windows. They won’t crack or break easily in case of accidental impact, for example. Plus, they’re much more resistant in case of natural disasters – laminated glass is even used for glass roofs and glass floors! So, if it doesn’t break when someone literally walks on it, it definitely won’t break that easily if, let’s say, an intruder wants to break into your house.

Additionally, laminated glass requires minimal maintenance – cleaning it regularly with a mild glass cleaner is usually sufficient. This ease of upkeep, combined with its long lifespan, makes laminated windows a cost-effective and sustainable choice for any property.

What Is Laminated Glass Used For?

Laminated glass is particularly beneficial in applications where safety and durability are crucial. Here are some of its applications:

  • Residential buildings, particularly for large windows and glass doors, as well in houses located in regions where hurricanes and other natural disasters are a risk. Laminated glass is also used for window walls and floor-to-ceiling glazing.
  • Commercial buildings
  • Car windows
  • Aquariums
  • Glass floors
  • Shower doors
  • Skylights
  • Glass roofs
  • Glass stairs
  • Balustrades
  • High-security buildings

In some cases, safety glass is required by law. For instance, you may have to use a type of safety glass if the glazing area exceeds 9 sq. ft. Therefore, it’s recommended to check local building codes to ensure that your windows meet the requirements.

Laminated Windows vs. Tempered Glass

Tempered and laminated glass are two types of safety glass. However, while laminated glass consists of two or more glass sheets and one or more polymer interlayers, tempered glass consists of one glass sheet that undergoes thermal or chemical treatments that increase its strength. Additionally, while laminated glass stays glued together when broken, tempered glass doesn’t – but it also breaks into smaller granular chunks that prevent injuries.

It is worth noting that tempered glass is generally considered stronger than laminated glass (unless the laminated glass is made of two layers of regular tempered glass instead of annealed glass). This is because it resists impact better. What makes laminated glass superior is its ability to hold the glass pieces together when broken.

Therefore, laminated glass is an excellent choice for high-risk residential and commercial buildings. On the other hand, tempered glass can be installed in houses located in regions with extreme weather conditions because it’s more impact-resistant. Even if the glass breaks, the risk of its fragments causing injuries is minimal. However, once tempered glass breaks, it offers no protection whatsoever, unlike laminated glass, which remains in place.

All in all, there are advantages and disadvantages for each, so you should decide what aspects are a priority for you.

Want to Learn More about Types of Glass? Contact Magic!

Because we want to provide our clients with the best windows possible – windows that are fully personalized based on your needs -, we’ve brought glass production in-house. This means that Magic takes care of everything, from A to Z, during the manufacturing process.

Therefore, if you’re planning to replace your windows or glass doors and are not sure which glass type is better for your home, you can book a free consultation with Magic today! One of our specialists will guide you through the entire process and provide you with everything you need to know about laminated glass and other glass types installed in Canadian homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a laminated window?

A laminated window is a type of safety window made of multiple layers of glass sheets that are bonded together with a durable interlayer, typically composed of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This means that, when broken, glass fragments tend to stay glued together instead of shattering on the floor. This makes laminated windows incredibly safe, soundproof, and durable.

What is the disadvantage of laminated glass?

One of the disadvantages of laminated glass is that it’s more expensive than other glass types. It is also not as strong as tempered glass, for example, unless it is made of two layers of tempered glass instead of annealed glass. Another disadvantage is that laminated glass can, over time, suffer from delamination unless maintained properly. Delamination is a process during which the glass layers begin to separate, and it can affect window clarity and appearance.

Can existing windows be laminated?

You can install laminated glass in existing windows if the frame is in good shape. This would be a retrofit project, which means you’ll only replace the glass, not the entire window unit.

What is the lifespan of laminated glass?

Laminated glass can last between 25 and 50 years, depending on glass location, environmental factors, maintenance routine, and other aspects.

How does laminated glass enhance safety?

Laminated glass significantly enhances safety by staying intact when shattered, which minimizes the risk of injuries from sharp fragments. This feature makes it an ideal choice for situations where safety is a top priority.

Are double-pane windows laminated?

Double-pane windows can indeed be manufactured with laminated glass. However, you can also opt for double-pane windows made of different glass types, such as tempered glass.

Can laminated windows reduce noise?

Yes, laminated windows are highly effective at reducing noise pollution due to their superior sound insulation properties.

Are laminated windows energy efficient?

Laminated windows are energy efficient as they block harmful UV rays and reduce solar heat gain, enhancing overall energy performance. They can also be equipped with Low-E coatings and energy-efficient window treatments for improved energy performance.

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