Making residential or commercial windows is a challenging task. The manufacturer needs to ensure that the glass does not scratch and break easily, protects people from harmful UV rays, and requires less maintenance.
Choosing the right window glass is the solution to your house’s and family’s safety. Hence, you should opt for quality workmanship. Ordinary glass breaks easily upon the lightest impact, whereas glass with extra strength can withstand the impact of debris thrown at it during the hurricane.
This difference raises the question: Which glass is the weakest and which is the safest?
Let’s find out:
The Weakest Glass – Float Glass
Float glass, also known as annealed glass, is the most common type of glass. It’s made with a unique technology that produces attractive and flat panes of glass. Its manufacturing process involves cooling the glass with minimal stress.
Floating glass is highly translucent, is available in a wide range of colors and can be customized, has good chemical inertness, and can be made in different opacities.
In modern architecture, float glass is used for various applications. Some of the newest applications include technology and electronics, such as telephone screens, computers, and television. Future advances in float glass might make it more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Pros
- Strong against heat and wind changes
- Superior visibility
- Budget-friendly
- Offers full light transmission
- Available in different tones
Cons
- Has limited sizes because of its strength
- Breaks easily into irregular, large shapes
The Safest Glass – Tempered Glass
Tempered glass, known as toughened glass, is the safest glass. It shatters into small, blunt pieces when broken. Its manufacturing process increases strength and prevents thermal fractures. Tempered glass is available in low-e, reflective, tinted, and clear glass types. It is stronger compared to annealed glass and offers high performance.
Pros
- Safe, strong, and resistant to heat
- Suitable for large openings
- It breaks into tiny pieces, minimizing the risk of anyone getting injured sitting next to it
- Available in opaque tones
- Thermally and physically stronger compared to regular glass
- Keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing your energy bill
Cons
- Once installed, tempered glass cannot be re-cut. For example, if you install a sliding door made of tempered glass and later decide that you want to include a doggy door in it, you will have to replace the whole panel
- Tempered glass is costly and should be installed by a professional. The edges of this glass are considered weak points. So, if set appropriately in the frame, the glass will shatter on hard impact
In conclusion, tempered glass is better in every way. It is stronger, heat-resistant, and does not develop thermal fractures. Since chemical treatments are used to toughen the glass, you can rely on it to keep you safe from break-ins and natural disasters.
You can get high-quality tempered glass and other strong glass types from Sky Glass Aluminum. As one of the premium glass and mirror companies in Texas, they offer energy-efficient products. For more information, call 972-807-9616.