Glass is an integral element in modern home design and construction. Large transparent surfaces allow more natural daylight to flow in, opening up views to enjoy. However, not all glass is made equal regarding resilience and safety performance. This is where toughened safety glass, known astempered glass, stands out from standard window panels.
In the section below, we’ll discuss the advantages and how to install tempered glass.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered or toughened glass is a kind of safety glass processed to be stronger and more shatter-resistant than regular annealed glass. It is made by heating float glass to over 600°C before rapidly cooling it to induce compressive stresses across the surfaces balanced by interior tension. This tempering process sees glass become over five [VG1] times more potent against impacts.
Instead of breaking into dangerous sharp shards, tempered glass fractures into small granular chunks. This helps minimize cutting and injury risks. Due to its durability and safety, building codes often mandate using tempered glass for windows in hazard-prone locations.
Key Benefits of Tempered Glass Windows
There are various benefits of tempered glass windows. Some of these advantages of tempered glass include:
1. Exceptionally Strong and Impact-Resistant
With up to five times the strength of standard glass, tempered windows resist damage from blunt forces much better. Sudden blows from winds, falling tree branches, hailstones, or even a child’s stray ball are less likely to cause fractures.
2. Safer Breakage Pattern With No Loose Shards
When tempered glass eventually does crack under extreme loads, it shatters in a particular cubic pattern. Fragments remain stuck together rather than breaking loose in dangerous flying shards that can cause lacerations.
3. Meets Safety Standards for Glass Near Flooring/Wet Areas
Building codes often require tempered glass for large windows close to floor level or wet zones like bathrooms. If broken, it reduces risks of injury near children’s reach or slippery surfaces.
4. Suitable For Large Unframed Glass Structures
Extra strength permits creating frameless glass dividers, walls, balcony barriers, and pool fences using large toughened glass expanses. Offers modern minimalist aesthetics without compromising safety.
Professional Installation Tips
a. Verify Required Glass Type
Before committing to a glass product for your project’s windows or glazing, it’s crucial to verify that it aligns with your specifications—whether it’s annealed, heat-strengthened, tempered, etc. Building requirements vary, so the right match guarantees optimal performance and safety. Take a moment to validate your choice, and you’ll be on the right track to meet the unique needs of your window or glazing application.
b. Carefully Inspect Condition
Examine all tempered glass panels before installation. Look for edge damage, surface scratches, delamination, or visible defects. Avoid using any compromised sheets.
c. Smooth Clean Cutting
Smooth, polished cut edges reduce stress accumulation zones. Manual scribing and breaking techniques should be used for something other than tempered glass. Clean mechanical cuts are a must.
d. Use Non-Serrated Glazing Blocks
Upgrade your framing experience by swapping those old hard rubber blocks with modern, non-serrated, ultra-soft alternatives. These gentle supports safeguard your glass surfaces, preventing potential damage when you set them into frames. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure your framed items stay pristine and protected.
e. Never Grind Or Drill Post-Tempering
Any modification like grinding, drilling holes, edge shaping performed after tempering destroys the protective surface compression layer, causing instability and breakage.
f. Handle With Care
Use clean gloves when handling tempered glass. Pointed impacts on surfaces or edges cause trigger instability. Store panels vertically in padded racks to prevent leaning point loads.
Conclusion
Properly installed tempered glass windows provide reliable, resilient performance for years for desirable strength, safety, and longevity. Avoid cutting corners during transportation, handling installation, or using aged deteriorating sets prone to heavy damage. With reasonable care taken, tempered products stand up reliably even in the most demanding residential or commercial settings with heavy foot traffic, extreme weather, and potential vandalism issues. Their fracture pattern also helps minimize injury risks during rare breakage events. Choose AIS Glass for expertly crafted tempered glass windows.