Laminate Vs. Tempered Glass: Which Is Better?

Forced access is among the major concerns for most commercial building owners. This has led to the demand for safety glass that keeps commercial buildings and homes safe. 

Large windows and doors are valuable for buildings, yet criminals often target such essential parts for a construction project. Laminate and tempered glass, therefore, come in place as safety measures to curb such eventualities.

For aesthetics, both tempered and laminated glass offers an attractive element with high-level security and maintains rich design features. But which is better? 

This article compares laminate vs. tempered glass, explaining the pros and cons and other features to help you make an informed decision.

Laminate Vs. Tempered Glass: How to Choose

What is Laminate Glass?

Laminate glass is a solid and hard-to-break substitute for ordinary glass. The glass comes out of two pieces of ordinary glass fit in a layer of clear plastic film. The set then passes through a process to eject air pockets, and then it’s heated to seal together.

Once heated the lamination film in between the glass creates a solid uniform layer even when smashed. Laminated Glass can be made with 2 or more layers

You can create the glass using distinct mixtures of glass or coatings to offer diverse qualities such as low emissions or amplified insulations.

Best Uses for Laminated Glass

You can use laminated glass in the following areas.

      • Aquariums or animal enclosures
      • As an exhibition cabinet for treasures like jewelry stores
      • As windows for businesses or homes with a higher risk of break-ins
      • For use in structures prone to high-risk natural disasters like hurricanes 
      • Glass floors
      • Glass roofs
      • Glass stairs
      • Skylights
      • Recording studios
      • Banks
      • Petrol stations

Laminated Glass Pros

UV Control

Most pictures, carpets, curtains, and furnishings fade and deteriorate due to chemical reactions from short-wavelength UV radiations. Laminated glass comes with UV-absorbing features in the interlayer to screen out all these damaging rays.

Sound Reduction

Noise mostly gains access to buildings and homes through windows. Unlike ordinary glass, laminated glass comes with an excellent noise barrier with a superior sound reduction index. The glass interlayer material has viscoelastic properties to diminish the intruding external sound.

Solar Energy Control

Natural light plays a significant role in architectural designs. However, excess heat from the sun makes the inside of the building hot. Laminated glass lessens the sunlight heat hence dropping your air conditioning expenses.

Increased Security

It’s hard to break the laminated glass. Thus, your house or office is more secure. The glass interlayers safeguard your structure’s strength, making it hard to widen the gaps upon breaking.

Additionally, laminated glass with a modified design can endure bullets using thick or compound layers of glass and interlayers. In prisons, laminated glass can substitute old-style bars to form a more benevolent setting for convicts.

Impact Resistance

Laminated glass offers a sturdy layer of protection against storms like tornadoes and hurricanes. The glass won’t fly through your house if the windows shatter, making them a safe option.

best use for laminated glass

Laminated Glass Cons

Cost

Laminated glass is more expensive than ordinary glass. The manufacturing process is long and needs various layers of materials as opposed to regular glass. You can opt to replace two or three windows at a time, depending on your income. 

Fewer Manufacturers

Only a handful of companies, such as AMG Mirror & Glass, manufacture laminated glass compared to ordinary glass. So, it might take you long before finding an ideal manufacturing company.

Even after getting one, it can take you weeks, if not months, of waiting before the company makes them for you.

What is Tempered Glass?

Tempered glass is also known as toughened glass. It is a strong and hard-to-break glass used for safety purposes.

The glass derives its safety features from a cooling and heating process known as tempering. The hasty heating and cooling procedure makes the outer part of the glass to harden faster than its center.

The tempering process also makes tempered glass strong to break due to its curving abilities without shattering. Also, the glass can resist strong winds and endure extreme stress.

Best Uses for Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is best suited for applications that require thermal resistance, safety, and strength. Such may include phone screen savers or passenger vehicles windows.

Tempered glass is also used in: 

      • Kitchen appliances
      • Automotive parts
      • Construction uses
      • Sports arena
      • Office partitioning
      • Railing
      • Retail store fixtures
      • Tabletops and countertops
      • Solar panel
      • Display cases
tempered glass

Tempered Glass Pros

You can use tempered glass in a variety of applications in both home or office. Here are various advantages that make tempered glass an ideal choice for commercial and domestic use.

Strength

Tempered glass is strong enough to withstand strong wind impacts, scratches, or blows. Also, if it ever breaks, the glass shards are small rounded cubes. They reduce the possibility of getting injured and make cleaning easier.

Versatility

You can use tempered glass almost anywhere you need glass. Whether you need a screen protector for your smartphone to glass office partitioning or a glass stovetop base, the glass is a great option.

Pattern Options

You can find tempered glass in various patterns that suit your unique style, design, and taste. From clear-coloured to frosted options, you are sure to get an artistic and robust glass option you desire.

Quality and Clarity

Tempered glass is of high quality and provides a clear look in a variety of settings. When you opt for tempered glass for your doors, windows, or display cases, you can be certain of the extreme clarity and quality.

Heat Resistant

Tempered glass can withstand the heat of up to 470, thanks to its unique production process. For this reason, the glass is fit for restrooms where contact with hot water is possible and in kitchen appliances.

Tempered Glass Cons

Easy to Break

Though strong as opposed to regular glass, tempered glass shatters easily once damaged. It also has the likelihood of self-explosion in case of significant temperature changes.

No Processing After Tempering

You cannot process or cut the glass after tempering. The toughening creates balanced stress, which results in shattering if re-worked.

That means if you get the measurements wrong, you cannot cut the glass to the required size or press to shape.

Laminated Glass Vs Tempered Glass FAQs

Is Tempered Glass Better Than Laminated Glass?

Tempered glass is cheaper and can be used in different places. Although laminated glass is sturdier and offers better security compared to tempered glass, it is more expensive. Your choice depends on your needs and budget.

Is Laminated Glass See-Through?

Yes. The exceptional laminated glass visual quality allows you to see through, making it ideal for shop windows and exhibitions.

Can You Break Tempered Glass with a Hammer?

Yes, you can break tempered glass with a hammer. However, you’ll have to hit a lot harder than other regular glass for it to break.

Is Laminated Glass Burglar-Proof?

When laminated glass breaks, the broken glass sticks to the plastic layer rather than falling to the floor. This gives burglars a hard time accessing your building.

Which Is More Expensive – Laminated Glass or Tempered Glass?

Laminated glass is more expensive compared to tempered glass. Its manufacturing process is more complex and requires more materials than tempered glass.

Keep Your Business Safe with AMG Mirror & Glass

Both laminated and tempered glass are suitable when it comes to glass care and protection. However, it is essential to work with professional glass and mirror experts. 

At AMG Mirror and Glass, no installations or glass repairs are too hard for us. We will advise you on the best glass choice for your project, manufacture custom mirrors and glass, and install them for you.

Thinking of going for a glassy look for your office or home? Get a quote from the best Toronto glass install company and get custom-cut designs.

To find out more about our glass products and installation process, contact us today.