When searching for a sturdy glass option to enhance your home, you’ll come across two options:Toughened vs laminated glass.
At first glance, the two are imperceptible, but when you dig deeper, you’ll learn that the two have individual properties that make each of them more suitable for certain applications than others.
But what exactly are these differences and how can you make the best decision for your home?
Join the experts at Express Toughening as they share their top tips and tricks in this article.
What is toughened glass?
Toughened glass, also commonly referred to as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that can be up to five times stronger than standard, everyday glass.
This type of glass endures an extensive heating and rapid cooling process to get its superior strength, making it particularly useful for applications where high resistance to physical stress is a priority, like low-level windows, for example.
What is laminated glass?
Laminated glass features two or more glass sheets and a resilient interlayer that manufacturers typically produce using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB).
This unique construction makes it the ideal option for home and business owners looking for a safer alternative to traditional glass to use for display cases and shelves, for instance.
What are the differences?
Aside from the construction, there are many other ways you can tell these two types of glass apart. These include:
- Breakage behaviour – Whereas toughened glass shatters into small, blunt pieces, laminated glass maintains its structure even when shattered, with the fragments staying attached to the interlayer.
- Strength and resistance – Renowned for its robustness, toughened glass holds up well against high impacts, making it one of the safest options for anywhere around the home. Although not as resistant to initial impacts, the true strength of laminated glass lies in its post-breakage behaviour. In the event of a breakage, the interlayer remains firmly in place and provides an effective barrier against break-ins and harsh weather conditions.
- Heat resistance and energy efficiency – Toughened glass can withstand much higher temperatures than laminated glass and can resist rapid temperature changes without cracking, too. Laminated glass, however, provides better thermal insulation due to its interlayer, helping improve the energy efficiency of your home.
- Cost – Due to its complex composition, laminated glass tends to be pricier than toughened glass.
So, which is best for my project?
The best option for your project comes largely down to your personal preference.
However, there are a few things you can consider to make weighing up your options a little easier:
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise safety, toughened glass is your best bet.
Application
Different constructions and properties make toughened and laminated glass better suited to certain applications.
For example, you may be better off choosing toughened glass for high-heat applications, like kitchen splashbacks or fire surrounds.
Maintenance and longevity
If you’re looking for something a little easier to maintain, toughened glass is a great option.
However, if damaged, you’ll need to purchase a replacement as soon as possible.
Being more resistant to long-term wear, laminated glass is the smarter choice if you don’t want to deal with replacements in the event of damage, as it remains functional even when cracked.
Shop toughened and laminated glass products online
Toughened vs laminated glass both are excellent options for various applications around the home and there are plenty of options to browse online – allowing you to find one that is perfect for your space.
To find out more or for help choosing the best glass products for your home, get in touch with the friendly specialists over at Express Toughening today!