Replacing the windows in your house provides you with various benefits, including enhancing the overall energy performance. However, this depends on the type of glass material you choose. For example, if you live in an area that experiences wind storms, you need to install strong glass that protects you and your family from the outside elements. If the crime rate in your neighborhood is high, the strong glass will not shatter on impact, keeping your valuable belongings safe.
The question that now remains is which glass is the strongest and weakest. Let’s find out:
Annealed Glass
Also known as float glass, annealed glass is made with specialized equipment. The internal stress it goes through makes the glass susceptible to cuts and breaks. Since annealed glass is quite fragile, it is mostly used for aesthetic purposes. Those glass figurines that you see in home décor shops are made with annealed glass.
Pros
- Can be reused and adapted for several projects
- Easy to drill, cut, and polish
- Offers more versatility, transparency, and flexibility
- Is a cheaper option, which is why it is used to make glass decorations
- Since it is not made by the tempering process, the glass does not have distortions caused by warping, waving, and bowing
Cons
- If the glass is not laminated, it does not measure up to the safety standards
- If the edges of the glass are too curved or sharpened, they might shatter easily
- Cannot be used for house windows because the glass is not sturdy
- It should not be installed in areas that see heavy foot traffic
Tempered Glass
Also known as toughened or safety glass, tempered glass is made through chemical treatments or regulated heat. This makes the glass more durable compared to regular glass.
The outer surface of the glass is tempered and stretched to give it strength. So, it hardly breaks or splinters into shards. When the glass does shatter, it falls into blunt pieces, making it less dangerous.
Pros
- It can be used to make any type of glass product, such as windows, doors, shower doors, etc.
- It is the safest glass thanks to its durability and strength
- It offers clear visibility, which is why it is mostly installed in areas where people want to display the interior décor
- It can withstand hot temperatures and high pressures
- It does not break into sharp pieces
- The glass maintains its shape even at 460 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It is long-lasting
Cons
- It usually contains impurities, which is why tempered glass should be installed by a professional. If the glass does not fit into the frame properly, it will break on the slightest impact
- Is more expensive than annealed glass
In conclusion, tempered glass is a much better option for your home and office as it offers safety and security. Now that you know which glass type is the strongest, you need to look for a reliable company to buy it from.
We suggest visiting the Sky Building Materials website for quality glass supplies. As a premium glass and mirror company, they offer durable homeware doors, window frames, glass, mirrors, etc. For more information, call 972-807-9616.