Laminated and tinted glass are popular choices in modern construction for good reason — they offer safety, style, and solar control that plain float glass can’t match. But these benefits only hold up when the materials are handled and installed correctly.
For glazing contractors across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, even small errors in handling or installation can lead to warping, delamination, color shifts, or safety failures. These mistakes cost time, money, and reputation.
Let’s look at five of the most common pitfalls — and how to avoid them every time.
1. Storing Glass Incorrectly Before Installation
This is one of the easiest mistakes to prevent but one of the most common. Laminated and tinted glass are more sensitive to heat, moisture, and pressure than standard clear glass. Poor storage can permanently damage the interlayer or affect the tint consistency.
What goes wrong:
- Glass is stored flat instead of upright.
- Panels are stacked without spacers, leading to scratches or delamination.
- Direct sunlight overheats laminated panels, weakening the adhesive.
- Moisture exposure causes cloudiness or discoloration in tinted coatings.
How to avoid it:
Store laminated and tinted glass vertically on A-frames or racks with padding between sheets. Keep them in a dry, shaded, temperature-controlled area until ready for installation.
Sky Building Materials helps contractors set up proper storage workflows and offers delivery scheduling so glass arrives just in time for install, minimizing risk of damage.
2. Ignoring Edge Protection During Handling
Edges are the most vulnerable part of laminated and tinted glass — especially during transportation and installation. Chips, nicks, or contamination along the edge can cause long-term structural and visual issues.
What goes wrong:
- Glass edges bump against metal racks or walls.
- Sealant or dirt contaminates the laminated layer.
- Sharp tools are used near the edge during installation.
How to avoid it:
Always use edge protection strips or corner guards during transport and handling. Lift using suction cups, not the edges. For laminated glass, keep sealant and silicone at least 1/4 inch away from the edge unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Sky Building Materials supplies edge-protected laminated panels and properly crated shipments to prevent damage from the start.
3. Choosing the Wrong Interlayer or Tint for the Application
Not all laminated or tinted glass is the same. Choosing the wrong interlayer or tint can affect safety, energy efficiency, and appearance.
Common interlayer mistakes:
- Using PVB (polyvinyl butyral) for outdoor or humid environments when EVA or SGP would perform better.
- Selecting decorative tints that aren’t UV-stable, causing fading over time.
- Ignoring thickness or performance ratings for safety applications.
How to avoid it:
Match the interlayer material to the environment and performance goals:
- PVB: General safety and sound control.
- EVA: Better moisture resistance, ideal for exterior glazing.
- SGP: Superior strength, clarity, and structural performance.
When in doubt, consult your glass supplier. Sky Building Materials offers technical guidance and spec support, helping contractors select the right laminated or tinted configuration for any project — from retail storefronts to high-rise curtain walls.
4. Applying the Wrong Sealants or Adhesives
This one causes more callbacks than any other mistake. The chemical composition of laminated and tinted glass interlayers can react poorly with certain sealants, causing haze, bubbles, or edge delamination.
What goes wrong:
- Using acidic cure silicones with laminated glass.
- Failing to check sealant compatibility with tinted coatings.
- Over-applying adhesive, which traps moisture or gas between layers.
How to avoid it:
Always use neutral cure silicone sealants certified for laminated or coated glass applications. Apply cleanly and sparingly to allow proper curing. If working with multiple systems, confirm with your supplier that all adhesives are compatible.
Sky Building Materials only carries tested and approved sealants for laminated, tinted, and insulated glass systems — eliminating the guesswork for glazing contractors.
5. Overlooking Heat and Sun Exposure During Installation
Hot climates like Texas and Louisiana present unique challenges. Laminated glass interlayers and tinted coatings can be damaged by excessive heat exposure during or immediately after installation — especially when left uncovered before sealing.
What goes wrong:
- Glass heats unevenly before the frame is sealed, causing edge distortion.
- Dark tints absorb too much solar energy, leading to stress cracks.
- Improper venting allows trapped heat to delaminate the interlayer.
How to avoid it:
Avoid direct sun exposure during installation whenever possible. If working outdoors, install and seal panels quickly to prevent overheating. For dark-tinted glass, ensure proper spacing and ventilation to manage heat buildup.
Sky Building Materials provides tint performance data and installation best practices for hot-weather projects — helping contractors balance energy control with material durability.
Bonus Tip: Handle With Clean Tools and Gloves
Even a small fingerprint on laminated or tinted glass can leave a permanent mark after sun exposure. Always use clean, lint-free gloves when handling panels, and keep tools free of dust or oil.
This simple habit not only improves the final look but also reduces warranty disputes over post-install blemishes.
Understanding How Laminated and Tinted Glass Work
It helps to remember the science behind these materials.
- Laminated Glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded with a transparent interlayer (PVB, EVA, or SGP). When broken, it holds together — making it ideal for safety glazing and sound insulation.
- Tinted Glass reduces glare and solar gain by absorbing visible and infrared light. It can be used alone or combined with coatings for energy performance.
When used correctly, both materials deliver long-term benefits in comfort, aesthetics, and safety — key selling points for contractors in hot-weather regions.
Quality Control: Small Checks That Prevent Big Problems
Even with good installation practices, quality control makes all the difference. Before final sealing:
- Check color consistency in tinted panels.
- Inspect laminated edges for bubbles or separation.
- Confirm all surfaces are clean before glazing.
Sky Building Materials pre-inspects every order for clarity, tint uniformity, and edge quality — ensuring what arrives on your jobsite meets the highest standard.
Common Field Fixes to Avoid
Sometimes contractors try to fix small issues in the field that should never be touched after fabrication:
- Don’t apply aftermarket tint films to laminated glass. It can trap heat and void warranties.
- Never grind or cut laminated edges on-site. The heat can damage the interlayer.
- Avoid using glass cleaner before full sealant cure. It can weaken adhesion.
If a problem does occur, contact your supplier before attempting field modifications. Sky Building Materials provides replacement guidance and repair consultations to help you avoid bigger problems later.
When to Combine Laminated and Tinted Glass
Many modern builds combine both — laminated glass for safety and tinted coatings for solar control. This combo is ideal for:
- Storefronts exposed to afternoon sun.
- Office buildings with large curtain walls.
- Retail facades where UV protection and aesthetics matter.
Sky Building Materials sources laminated tinted glass options that balance light transmission, safety, and heat reduction — giving contractors flexibility to meet client specs without juggling multiple suppliers.
Conclusion: Quality Materials Make All the Difference
Working with laminated or tinted glass requires care, precision, and a solid understanding of how these materials behave. The best glazing contractors know that preventing mistakes starts long before installation — with the right products, handling practices, and supplier support.
Sky Building Materials provides high-quality laminated, tinted, Low-E, and insulated glass for contractors across the southern U.S., along with expert advice on selection, installation, and storage.
Visit Sky Building Materials in Dallas at 10835 Shady Trail, Dallas, Texas 75220 (972) 807-9616 or in Houston at 4600 S Pinemont Drive, Houston, TX 77041 (346) 200-5046.
For quotes, technical help, or material recommendations, visit the Sky Building Materials Contact Page or reach us through the Sky Building Materials Facebook Page.