When working with glass, be it in a commercial or domestic environment, choosing the right type for your project is crucial for safety, longevity, and aesthetics. With so many different types of glass and product variations available, though, it can be difficult to know which is best for your application. Toughened, laminated, and float glass are the three main types, and in this article, the EGW experts explain the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each one to help you make an informed decision.
When working with glass, be it in a commercial or domestic environment, choosing the right type for your project is crucial for safety, longevity, and aesthetics.
With so many different types of glass and product variations available, though, it can be difficult to know which is best for your application.
Toughened, laminated, and float glass are the three main types, and in this article, the EGW experts explain the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each one to help you make an informed decision.
Float glass
Float glass, also referred to as annealed glass, is made by pouring molten glass into a shallow bath of molten metal (usually tin), where it spreads out and cools into a flat, smooth sheet.
The molten glass is then removed from the bath at a controlled speed, and cooled and processed further to create the finished glass product.
Benefits of float glass
Float glass offers several benefits, including:
- High clarity and transparency – Providing clear, unobstructed views, float glass allows plenty of natural light to flow through your property, which is crucial for applications like windows and skylights, for example.
- Easy to cut and modify – Float glass can be easily shaped, cut, and processed into different forms.
- Cost-effective – Float glass is relatively inexpensive to produce, especially in large quantities, making it one of the most affordable options for various projects.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean – The smooth surface of float glass makes it super simple to clean and maintain.
Potential drawbacks
Despite its long list of benefits, float glass also comes with a few disadvantages, including:
- Fragility – Standard float glass is relatively brittle and can shatter easily upon impact, posing safety hazards.
- Susceptibility to scratches – Float glass, with its super smooth surface, is prone to scratches, even from minor contact with abrasive materials.
- Limited thermal insulation – If you’re looking for a glass option that can boost thermal insulation within your property, float glass may not be the best choice, and you may be better off opting for double-glazed alternatives.
Uses of float glass
Float glass can be used in many different ways.
It’s most commonly used in windows and doors for homes and commercial buildings, as well as in automotive glass and mirrors.
Its uses don’t end here, though, as it can also be used for furniture, shelving, and other decorative items.
Toughened glass
Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass or safety glass, is a heat-treated glass that’s made by heating a sheet of standard float glass to a high temperature before rapidly cooling it with blasts of cold air or water jets.
This process creates a highly compressed outer surface layer, making this type of glass much stronger than other alternatives – up to five times as strong, in some circumstances!
Benefits of toughened glass
Toughened glass offers several advantages over regular annealed glass, including:
- Superior strength and safety – As previously mentioned, toughened glass is up to five times stronger than standard everyday float glass, thanks to the meticulous heating and cooling process. Being stronger, toughened glass is also much less likely to break on impact, but in the rare occasion it does, it will shatter into small blunt pieces, rather than large sharp shards, making it a much safer option, too!
- Enhanced durability – Toughened glass can withstand much heavier loads than float glass and other alternatives, and also has a much longer lifespan, making it one of the most durable options on the market.
- Increased thermal resistance – Toughened glass can withstand rapid temperature changes, making it suitable for applications exposed to extreme heat or cold, or areas where fire hazards are a concern.
Potential drawbacks
Whilst incredibly strong, safe, and durable, toughened glass isn’t without its disadvantages.
Just some of them include:
- Spontaneous breakage – Toughened glass can be susceptible to spontaneous breakage due to nickel sulphide inclusions, which can expand under pressure and cause the glass to shatter.
- Limited design flexibility – Once glass has been through the toughening process, it cannot be reshaped or recut without shattering, which means measurements and designs must be finalised before this process commences.
- Costly replacement – If toughened glass gets damaged in any way, be it a chip, crack, or scratch, the entire panel must be replaced, as repairs aren’t possible due to the reasons outlined above.
Uses of toughened glass
Toughened glass serves many different purposes.
From windows and doors to shower screens, kitchen splashbacks, and balustrade panels, it’s the ideal choice for a range of commercial and domestic projects.
Laminated glass
Typically, laminated glass consists of two or more sheets of standard float glass or toughened glass that are bonded together by a plastic interlayer.
This interlayer is typically made from Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) and helps hold the glass fragments together in the event of a breakage, preventing the glass from shattering into dangerous shards.
Benefits of laminated glass
Laminated glass can benefit your project in many ways, including:
- Enhanced impact resistance – Laminated glass is another much stronger alternative to standard glass, which can withstand greater impact forces.
- Increased security – Being much more difficult to break and holding together in the event of a breakage, laminated glass acts as an excellent break-in deterrent for homes and businesses.
- Energy efficiency – The layered structure of laminated glass offers excellent thermal insulation, contributing to better energy efficiency.
Potential drawbacks
Yes, laminated glass offers unmatched strength and security (among other benefits), but it also has some potential drawbacks, such as:
- Higher cost – Laminated glass is one of the most expensive types of safety glass, so it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.
- Tricky installation – The weight and complexity of laminated glass make it one of the most difficult to install.
- Limited modification – Similar to toughened glass, laminated glass can’t be recut or reshaped after installation, meaning precise planning and measurements are vital.
Uses of laminated glass
Laminated glass is commonly used for car windshields, high-rise windows, and skylights, as well as glass balustrades, display shelving, and more!
Need help choosing the perfect glass products?
The right glass for your project depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.
For help selecting the perfect type of glass, be it for a balustrade makeover or new window installation, the team at EGW would be more than happy to help.
Contact their experts today, or browse their selection of toughened glass products online!
