Toughened Glass Vs Laminated Glass

When it comes to implementing glass into your office, home or retail shop, you usually have two options: toughened glass or laminated glass. On the surface, these two types of glass may seem like the same product. However, the truth is that they have very distinctive properties and their own benefits. While both types of safety glass offer superior protection against flying objects, break-ins or even strong winds, the subtle differences between the two mean that one is usually better suited to certain applications than the other.

Choosing the wrong type of glass for your space can be costly in the long run so it is important to get it right the first time. In this guide, we will break down the key differences and the benefits. That way, you can confidently make the right choice for your home or office. 

What is Laminated Glass?

As the name suggests, laminated glass is composed of a special interlayer that is sandwiched between two panes of glass. This unique construction makes laminated glass incredibly robust and reliable. Instead of shards of glass raining down, upon impact, the two shattered panes are held in place by the interlayer. This reduces the risk of injury, as well as unnecessary mess. 

Not to mention, intruders and thieves can make quick work of regular glass and find holes to crawl through. But the great thing about laminated glass is that the panes do not burst on impact, providing greater protection against break-ins.

What is Toughened Glass?

Commonly known as tempered glass, toughened glass is another type of safety glass that has been touted for its robust properties. It gets its strength from the tempering process during which the glass is subjected to intense heating. This is then followed by rapid cooling, lending the pane a highly durable outer layer that can withstand shock and heat. As a result, it is far less likely to break than ordinary glass. For more information, read our guide on how toughened glass is made.

In some cases, several layers of toughened glass are put together with intumescent interlayers to resist thermal shock in the event of a fire. To learn more about this type of glass, read our guide on fire-resistant glass.

If the glass ever breaks, it will break into small blunt pieces as opposed to dangerous jagged shards. This significantly lowers the chance of injury for anyone who is nearby.

The Benefits

Now that we have established the key properties of both types of safety glass and how they are made, it is important to understand the key benefits of each type. Here are the advantages of laminated and toughened glass to help you weigh your options and choose the best glass for your property.

To learn more about why you should install glass in your home or office, read our article on the advantages of glass.

Common Uses

An essential part of deciding whether you should opt for laminated or toughened glass is deciding where and how you want to use this material. 

Generally, laminated glass is ideal for glass partitions, glass shop fronts, as well as external and internal doors. Toughened glass, on the other hand, is usually used for glass balustrades, shower screens and internal dividing walls.

How To Find Out Which One You Have

If you have already implemented glass into your space, you may be wondering which type you have. To the untrained eye, it is not always easy to tell the difference between types of glass without breaking them. But before you take a sledgehammer to your glass, there is a more convenient method. The easiest way to find out whether you own laminated or toughened glass is by looking at the kitemark symbol. The BSI Kitemark symbol is one of the most renowned trust marks and most glass products should carry a kitemark. Generally, the following codes will be printed in the corners of the glass:

• Laminated glass – BS EN 14449
• Toughened glass – BS EN 12150

Which One Is Better?

It is difficult to give a clear-cut answer. At the end of the day, it will boil down to what you are looking to get from your glass. For example, toughened glass is a firm favourite for those looking for stronger glass. After all, greater force is required to shatter it. Not to mention, toughened glass is usually the more affordable option out of the two. But understandably, the additional benefits of sound reduction and increased safety may make others lean more towards installing laminated glass.

 If you are struggling to decide which one is more suitable for your building, there is no need to worry. The good news is that there is another type of safety glass called toughened laminated glass. This combines the unique construction of laminated glass with the strength and durability of toughened. So, it is no surprise that this option is becoming more and more popular with both property owners and homeowners. The kitemark symbol for toughened laminated glass is BS EN 12150.

Get Expert Advice From Glass Specialists

If you are still unsure about whether you should choose toughened glass or laminated glass, our specialists can help you find the most suitable option for your project. You can call our Northern team on 01925 755145. Alternatively, you can contact our Midlands specialists on 0121 663 1240. If you already know which glass product you are looking for, simply complete our online enquiry form and get a quote in days.

FAQ

Toughened glass vs normal glass – which is better?

Toughened glass has up to five times the strength of ordinary glass, which means it is less likely to break. With this in mind, it is easy to see why it is the preferred choice for glass partitions and a number of other glass products.

Is there actually a difference between toughened glass and tempered glass?

No. They are the same thing.

Which one is stronger?

Toughened glass is up to five times stronger than laminated glass.

Which glass is best for the home?

Toughened glass is usually the safest choice for the home as it is stronger than laminated glass.