Tempered Window Glass Is Tough and Safe

Posted: Oct 22, 2012
Author: Windows & Doors By Design

Tempered window glass is different than other window glass because it is shatter resistant. It is therefore ideal for many types of applications. Tempered glass is made by various processes – some involve temperature changes and some involve chemicals. Each process causes chemical changes in the glass to make it less brittle. When force is applied, it crumbles – rather than splinters.

• Safety: This is the key advantage of tempered window glass. It significantly reduces the risk of injuries caused by jagged shards of glass. The molecules are bonded in such a way that it breaks into small, circular pebbles. Even if force is applied at one end, it shatters evenly and crumbles into small pieces. Therefore, large shards won’t break off and fly through the air if the glass breaks.

• Easier to Clean Up: Because tempered window glass crumbles into tiny pieces, there are fewer splinters and sharp shards, which are difficult to clean up with a broom. You can sweep up tempered glass the same way you sweep up small rocks with a broom. The pieces can then be placed in a dumpster without the risk of the glass gashing the trash bag open and harming a waste management worker. Any pebbles left behind can be vacuumed.

• Strength: It is much tougher than regular window glass because, during manufacturing, a stronger bond is created between the molecules.

• Heat Resistance: Because heat is applied during the manufacturing process, the glass molecules are more resistant to high temperatures. Tempered window glass won’t weaken or melt, even if a flame is directly applied to it.