When designing and constructing a new home, safety should always be the top priority. Choosing suitable materials for your windows and doors is crucial to this aim. Among the various options available, tempered glass stands out as a superior choice for ensuring both safety and durability.
In this blog post, Local Glass Repairs LLC experienced professionals will explain why tempered glass should be your go-to option for windows and doors.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is commonly used in homes, but you might not know exactly how it’s made or its benefits. Tempered glass undergoes a specialized heat treatment process where it’s put into a furnace at extreme temperatures before being rapidly cooled by either cold air or water.
As the inner core of the glass cools and contracts, it creates compressive stresses on the surface while tensile stresses form in the interior. This internal stress distribution gives the tempered glass its strength and durability.
Below, we will detail some of the benefits that make tempered glass a popular option.
Superior Strength and Durability
One of the key reasons why tempered glass is favored for windows and doors is its exceptional strength and durability. The tempering process makes the glass, on average, up to five times stronger than ordinary glass of the same thickness. The increased strength allows tempered glass to withstand more significant impact and pressure, making it highly resistant to breakage.
For windows and doors, which are constantly exposed to various home and environmental factors and potential hazards, durability is essential. Tempered glass provides added security and the comfort of knowing that your glass can withstand the rigors of daily use and remain intact even in the face of powerful, unexpected impacts.
Enhanced Safety Features
When it comes to safety, tempered glass offers several advantages over traditional glass options. One of the key features and unique selling points of tempered glass is its ability to shatter into small, blunt pieces when broken rather than sharp shards. The purpose behind engineering it this way is to significantly reduce the chance of injury occurring in the event of breakage.
Accidents can occur due to many factors, including extreme weather conditions, in which you might be dealing with other consequences, and human error, which is especially common when there are children around. The gravity of these situations makes it all the more important to have glass that will not create any additional risks in the rare case of breakage.
Tempered glass is more resistant to thermal pressure, making it less vulnerable to cracking or breaking due to temperature fluctuations. This ensures that your windows and doors remain structurally sound and functional, even in extremely hot or cold conditions.
Code Compliance and Regulations
Another essential aspect to consider when selecting materials for windows and doors is compliance with building codes and regulations. Many jurisdictions have specific requirements regarding the use of safety glass in certain applications, particularly in areas where there is a higher risk of breakage or injury.
Tempered glass is often mandated by building codes for windows and doors in various settings, including any that are less than 60 inches off the ground. By choosing tempered glass for your windows and doors, you can ensure that your installation meets regulatory standards and maintains a safe environment for occupants. If you’re building a new home, your contractor should have these details for you.
Versatility in Design
Beyond its safety and durability benefits, tempered glass offers versatility in design, making it suitable for a wide range of architectural styles and aesthetic preferences. It can be customized with various tints, coatings, and finishes to achieve the preferred appearance and functionality for your windows and doors.
Whether you prefer a timeless, modern design or a more traditional aesthetic, tempered glass can be tailored to complement your overall design scheme. Its clarity and transparency also allow for maximum natural light penetration, creating a bright and inviting interior space.
Here are a few of the more common options:
- Clear tempered glass
- Frosted tempered glass
- Tinted tempered glass
- Patterned tempered glass
- Textured tempered glass
- Colored tempered glass
- Mirrored tempered glass
- Laminated tempered glass with decorative interlayers
Energy Efficiency
Upgrading to tempered glass windows and doors can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. Tempered glass has better insulation properties compared to traditional glass, helping to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home. Properly installed tempered glass means your HVAC system won't have to work as hard to maintain room temperature, leading to reduced performance output and reduced utility bills over time.
When you're looking for ways to save money while also in the market to upgrade your windows, installing tempered glass is an excellent solution.
Noise Reduction
Tempered glass provides excellent sound insulation. Its thickness and composition help to dampen outside noise, creating a quieter indoor environment. Noise reduction is particularly beneficial if you live in a dense, urban area, as it can help minimize disturbances and improve overall comfort within your home.
UV Protection
Tempered glass offers superior protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV radiation can lead to fading colors and material damage to furniture, flooring, and other interior furnishings over time.
Tempered glass windows and doors are designed to block a considerable portion of UV rays, helping to maintain the appearance and longevity of your home's interior decor. Installing this durable glass material upholds the aesthetic appeal of your living space. It also reduces the need for frequent replacement or refurbishment of UV-sensitive items, saving you time and money in the long run.
Upgrade Your Home With Tempered Glass
If you’re looking for new glass to replace your residential windows and doors, tempered glass is an excellent choice with many benefits. Local Glass Repairs LLC is a seasoned glass installation specialist, and our team can take care of the project for you with efficient service at competitive rates. To learn more about our tempered glass installation services, give us a call at (206) 778-5763.