What is Toughened Glass?
Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that is designed to do two main things.
Firstly, it is meant to handle impact, force, and sudden temperature changes much better than standard glass.
Secondly, it is made to break by shattering into thousands of small pieces. By breaking into small pieces rather than large, sharp shards, it reduces the threat of serious injury.
Great for extra protection for sliding sash windows, French windows, patio doors.
If you are looking to buy new windows or glass doors, here is exactly why you should consider toughened glass.
How is Toughened Glass Made?
Toughened glass begins its life as regular float glass. The difference is what happens next.
Annealed glass (which is a fancy word for normal glass) is heated to high temperatures of over 620˚C within a hot furnace. Then it is moved to a cooling zone for rapid cooling.
The difference between the extreme heat and cold causes the outer surfaces of the glass to harden, which puts tension on the core (the inside areas of the glass).
As a result, the panes of glass is significantly stronger than standard float glass, and far more resistant against impact.
The glass needs to be cut to size before the heating and cooling process. Once toughened, any cutting or trimming would disturb the internal stress pattern, causing the glass to shatter instantly.
Common Toughened Glass Products
Toughened glass can be found in common locations around (and inside) your home. These can include:
- Doors with glass panels and glass partitions
- Windows and double glazing products
- Lower level windows
- Shower screens
- Glass Juliet balconies
- Glass in staircases and landings
- Car windows and windshields
For high-risk areas in houses, toughened glass (or alternatively, another safety glass called laminated glass) is a legal requirement under UK Building Regulations.
Benefits of Toughened Safety Glass
Glass Breaking Safer
The first major benefit of toughened float glass is that it breaks into smaller, blunter fragments instead of dangerous, sharp shards.
Of course, there is always a risk of injury with glass. But that danger is significantly reduced with safety glass panes.
Stronger Than Regular Glass for Added Security
Strength of the glass is much higher than ordinary glass of the same thickness.
This makes it better for busy and riskier areas like doors, lower windows, or for bathrooms where the risk of slipping is higher.
An added benefit is it can be more difficult for intruders to enter through the window. Safeguarding your home and belongings.
Resistant to Temperature Changes
Glass in homes deal with a lot of heat and temperature changes. Radiators. Solar UV. Changing seasons. These all put pressure on glass.
But toughened glass can better withstand these temperature shifts.
So whether you have sash windows or casement windows, your windows will be strong throughout the seasons.
Safer for Busy Places
Toughened Glass for Double Glazing
Toughened glass, not to be confused with laminated glass, can be used within double glazing.
Double glazing features two panes of glass which are separated by a sealed space that has gas or air to improve insulation and thermo-efficiency.
Toughened glass can be used for the inner pane, the outer pane, or even both glass panes, depending on what your window or door is used for and where it is located.
Here at The Advanced Group, we have a huge range of toughened glass options to give your home and loved ones that extra bit of protection. Whenever is the best time for you to replace windows, we’ll be here to help.
Contact The Advanced Group Today
New windows and doors are an investment. Make sure you are getting the most from your money with quality products, designed for style, safety, and strength.
The Advanced Group is here to help you with our safety glass options.
From toughened glass to laminated glass, our team is happy to guide you through your options for a secure property.
Come and visit our showroom to see the full extent of our range, or alternatively call our team today to learn more on 0800 050 2502. We are always more than happy to guide homeowners into a decision that works for them.
