There are many different types of glass. Different manufacturing techniques and finishing properties make different glass types suited for specific purposes. Laminated glass is one of the strongest forms of the material and widely used in windows across the world. Car windshields, home windows, tall building windows and many other applications of the laminated safety glass. This type of shatterproof glass is truly unique and always recommended where safety and strength are needed.
So, what is laminated glass and how can it be so strong? Well, lot of it has to do with how laminated glass is made. Laminated safety glass has been adopted as one of the most popular window glass types across the world. In addition to being strong, it is also very safe under different circumstances. Increasing popularity for this type of laminated glass is also due to its ready availability. It has a unique manufacturing process. But, is becoming more widely available every passing year.
There are many different applications of this shatterproof glass. Potentially, there is no limit to how many numbers of glass sheets your can sandwich together with it. Bulletproof glass also follows the same basic principle. Laminated glass is the most perfect window glass in many different usage requirements. There are cheaper and also more expensive variants. This laminated shatterproof glass strikes the right balance for different characteristics.
How Laminated Glass Is Made?
So, how is laminated glass made? When you say glass, people often thing of it as some strengthened type of glass. This is true to some extent. But there is more to the story of this laminated windows glass. Laminated glass manufacturing process is as follows:
Making Laminated Glass
- Sheets of glass are selected to be processed into laminated window glass. These sheets of glass can be ordinary glass, float glass, colored glass, tempered glass, heat absorbing glass or even heat reflective glass. Basically, any type of smooth surface glass can be processed into laminated glass type.
- When manufacturing this laminated safety glass, you can merge together 2, 3, 5, 7 or up to 9 layers of any glass type. For regular home or not so high windows, 2-layer laminated window glass is often used. Most common glass sheet thickness would be 2+3, 3+3 or 3+5. Other variants can also be made when needed.
- Next, Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) resin glue film is placed between the sheets of glass to be combined. It is important to use the right type and amount of PVB. Then by heating, pressing and letting cool, sheets are bonded together permanently. Flat or curved compound glass resulting product is termed as laminated glass. This finished sheet would have the strength many times that of the glass sheets used in it.
- Provided you choose clear glass sheets, the resulting laminated safety glass will have good transparency. The PVB layers between the glass sheets are also very clear. They will also block sun’s UV rays as well. The high adhesive properties of the PVB keeps laminated glass together even when it breaks. This is why you don’t have dangerous fragments with this type of glass.
- Depending on the type of glass used, this shatterproof glass will provide heat resistance, sound insulation, moisture resistance and/or durability. The adhesion of those PVB layers will keep fragments together even where there is a crack or hole in it. This is what makes laminated safety glass safer for people since there will be no sharp shards.
Laminated Glass Windows Are Very Durable
When it comes to strength, laminated window glass is one of the best types. These types of glass will have many times strength of regular glass. To add more strength, more sheets of glass can be added as needed. Laminated glass with its shatterproof properties is also used for vehicle windscreens. Laminated windows with strengthened glass will be able to handle many kinds of impacts.
What gives these laminated window glass sheets their strength is not the doubling of glass. Of course, that adds to the strength as well. But, at the core, the immense durability comes with those PVB layers sandwiched between sheets of glass. The resin holds everything together and when heated nicely, multiplies strength and durability. This makes laminated window glass perfect for highest of windows.
Anti-Break-In Laminated Window Glass
The laminated safety glass gets its name from its immense safety applications. Since this safety glass doesn’t shatter away into pieces, the resin holds up shards together nicely. Even when attempted to be broken, these sharp shards will stay in place. Burglars will find it almost impossible to move away all those sharp pieces of glass. This would render break-in attempts useless and nullify most of them.
So, how laminated glass is made has to do a lot with its anti-break-in properties. The sandwiched layers of resin harden by heat still yet providing advanced adhesive properties. Homes, retail stores and commercial buildings can employee laminated glass on windows safely. Also, cash counters in banks have a layer of laminated safety glass for this very reason.
Laminated Glass Is Best Shatterproof Glass for Windows
There are other types of glass available for window application. However, laminated type of glass always provides more benefits with it comes to shatterproof properties. Homes with kids and commercial buildings with desks close to windows, use this shatterproof glass for safety concerns. Beautiful studio apartment ideas also use laminated windows with great advantage.
Tempered glass also provides high strength levels. But, when it comes to durability, strength against impacts and break-in safety, there is no match with laminated glass. It is safer to use ad will never scatter sharp shards of glass even when broken. This makes this laminated safety best for home, office or tall building windows. Also, these will hold up great to wind pressure for tall buildings.
The fact that modern laminated window glass is available in colored variants as well. You can practically get frosted type of laminated windows as well. Also, other textured top side finishes might also be available including fancy shower doors to go with beautiful bathroom mirror ideas. All these reasons combine to make laminated types of glass the best for any window application.
Laminated Safety Glass Keeps Homes and Buildings Safe
There are many instances where window glass breaking has caused several injuries and problems. For tall buildings, larger pieces of glass breaking and falling can cause fatal consequences. This is where laminated safety glass offers best window safety. This type of glass is able to keep your homes and buildings safe. In addition to break-in safety, laminated glass also offers structural safety as well.
Since this type of shatterproof glass is able to support great amount of weight, it can act very strongly under different circumstances. Hurricanes have plenty to throw at buildings and their windows. Accidental impacts can be kept at bay with strong window glass. Also, in case of earthquakes, these types of laminated windows offer great safety and assurance as well.
Colored Laminated Glass Offers Multiple Applications
Color profiles for window glass have made a huge impact on their selection. More recent adaptations of the laminated window glass now provide colored variants as well. Basically, manufacturers now have the ability to join together any kind of colored glass with that resin PVB. Internally colored laminated glass is available and you could always add top layer tints to it too. For homes and commercial buildings looking for colored windows, can now use laminated types of glass perfectly. These add to the aesthetic appeal of buildings as well.
Usual favorites are slight black tints laminated window glass. You also have the option to go blue, green or with a reddish hue on your window glass. Along with safety, strength and durability, this shatterproof glass also now provides aesthetic properties. There are practically no compromises in its strength and durability with colored glass selection. You will get same strong window glass with colored profiles to suit any building exterior perfectly. For your office table ideas, setting up a table in front of laminated windows is very safe.
Laminated Window Glass Also Blocks UV Rays from the Sun
Another advantage you don’t get with many other types of glass is UV rays blocking. Laminated glass for windows does this perfectly. The layers of resin inside the glass sandwiches, tend to block UV rays quite efficiently. Parts of the world that get excessive sunlight like the Middle East and parts of United States, use laminated window glass for this. UV blocking property makes this shatterproof glass perfect for tall buildings. Also, this UV blocking is great for sun-rooms in modern homes as well.
If you are using a tall bed frame in a high building, you will find it safe to enjoy sunlight. In winter season, sipping that coffee while being in the sun near your large window frame will be safe for the skin. UV rays can be pretty harmful in more ways than one. Laminated windows make it possible with the unique type of glass to enjoy the sun. Swimming pools also use laminated glass because of its extra strength, durability and UV blocking properties.
Perfect for Home Windows with Great Glazed Characteristics
Colder parts of the world like Canada, the UK, Russia and many parts of the USA are always looking for best window insulation. Glazed windows have been a great application for this. Laminated windows with glazed glass panels work perfectly for temperature insulation. In fact, warmer parts of the world use these laminated glass sheets for insulation as well. Again, how laminated glass is made has to do a lot with its temperature insulation properties.
Laminated Window Glass Offers Best Temperature Insulation
So, how does laminated glass offer temperature insulation? The layers of resin inside the glass sheets are the answer. This resin is thick, dense and very insulative in nature. When laminated glass for windows is applied, it will take much of the heat from the sun. It will also take much of the cold during winter seasons as well. These types of glass are perfect for temperature insulation. Add efficient glazing on top and you have perfectly insulated windows able to keep inside temperature maintained.
Laminated Windows Are Great for Sound Insulation
Another feature laminated window glass offers better than other types of glass is sound insulation. Again, the resin layers between sheets of glass are the reason. These dense layers of adhesive materials are able to absorb sound into them without letting much through. Laminated safety glass also provides good sound insulation when you have glazing. Install comfortable types of beds in your bedroom and you can sleep through noisiest of days.
Laminated Window Glass Is Perfect for Tall Residential or Commercial Buildings
Laminated glass for windows is strong, durable and able to take great amounts of pressure. For tall skyscrapers reaching hundreds of floors high, this type of glass is perfect for windows. External aesthetics with colored glass availability and also ability to deal with wind pressure, make it perfect. Higher you get with buildings; more wind pressure windows will have to deal with. Also, tall office buildings, residential structures and commercial setups usually use large wide windows.
The only type of glass able to take that much wind pressure is laminated window glass. Also, taller buildings will need more than dual layer laminated glass too. It is best to investigate how much strength and durability your tall building will need for its window glass. This shatterproof glass will provide perfect window applications. Also, laminated safety glass will make all glass windows perfectly break-in secure as well. Keeping in mind whatever that can fly towards windows during hurricanes, you need all the protection from window glass. This type of strengthened glass might be just what you need.
Laminated Glass Holds Up to Heat Much Better
Do you live in a warm climate? If you do, you’ll know how easy it is for summer sunlight to melt many types of glass. Old ways of manufacturing glass fell short on its heat resistance. This is why modern laminated window glass now is purpose-made to hold up against heat much better. The ability of laminated glass for windows to resist heat has made it possible for all-glass exteriors. So, what is laminated glass exactly? It is a type of glass able to keep its shape in the warmest places on earth.
Laminated windows with this safety glass allow for modern types of glass buildings. Take a stroll down Manhattan, Dubai, London, Chicago, Tokyo or any other big city of the world. You will see all-glass exterior buildings. Warm places of the world like the Middle East can now use this heat resistant window glass to great effect. Previously, glass windows were only possible in buildings where temperatures didn’t sore high. Laminated window glass is trendier for heat resistance.
How to Cut Laminated Glass?
Laminated safety glass is shatterproof. It is very strong and durable as well. It is not easy to break, crack or shatter right! So, how to cut laminated glass? Well, this is a process best done by professionals in optimized environments. However, laminated types of glass can be cut at home with the right tools, skills and process. Often you find yourself with a larger piece of the glass to go on your window or wherever. It is not always best practice to run it to local glass manufacturers in order to size it right.
You will need a carbide glass cutter with some alcohol spray. Also, unlike other single sheet glass types, you will need to score on both sides. If you have more than 2-layer laminated window glass, cutting it at home will not be recommended.
Cutting Laminated Glass at Home:
- Score the glass on the top side with that cutter. Make sure to score in a straight line. Use appropriate lining tool if you are not an expert.
- Spray that alcohol mix with that spray bottle to rinse off all the material from scoring. Wipe with a soft cloth in order to not scratch the surface of your laminated glass.
- Turn the glass over and score on the other side. Make sure to mark lines for consistency and perfect cutting. How to cut laminated glass will largely demand accuracy.
- Once you have scored lines on each side, apply some force gradually increasing until the excess piece sides off. Use safety gloves to keep your hands safe.
- That inner layer of resin might still try to hold the glass together. Best way to deal with it is to set it on fire. Yes! That’s right. But, be careful to fire up on the edges without letting the fire reach on the glass surface at all. Spray with water to stop the fire immediately when glass gets separated.
If you plan on DIYing your home or building window process, this will be useful. Cut laminated safety glass this way and dispose off the excess carefully. This technique should be able to trim excess glass from your panel or piece. The best thing about this technique is that you can do it all at home. There will be no need to bring your piece of glass to a professional at all. Laminated window glass can now be fitted inside your windowpanes and fixtures quickly.
This Shatterproof Glass Is Less Injury Prone Even When Broken
One of the best things with these types of glass for windows is that they are completely shatterproof. What makes this shatterproof glass great for all its applications including on windows is being less injury prone. Less injury prone for homeowners that is. For burglars, sharp shards of glass will stay intact becoming very much of a risk. This is why laminated glass is good enough to turn toughest of burglars away from any home or building.
Shatterproof glass is less prone to injury because it will not sprinkle sharp glass pieces everywhere. Even when badly damaged, cracked and broken, its pieces will be held together with that layer of resin. This is also why this type of glass is perfect for vehicle windshields as well. Laminated glass windows provide best safety levels for home and commercial building owners. Burglars find it hard to get in laminated windows and homeowners can rest easy knowing injuries are less likely around it.
However, you will find that these types of laminated window glass sheets will be more expensive and heavier. Your window fixtures need to be strong enough to support their weight. Even the slightly damaged window frame can have the glass sheets dropping out of them. Replacing them will be a cost in its own and you will risk it dropping down from high buildings as well. Shatterproof laminated glass is always less injury prone and perfect for all types of window installation requirements.
Laminated Glass Vs Tempered Glass for Windows?
Both laminated and tempered glass for windows have been quite popular. Depending on your building’s requirements, one will be better than the other of course. In most cases however, laminated glass for windows is the clear winner.
Laminated Window Glass Pros:
- Much greater strength and durability levels compared to any other type of glass
- Available in various colors, tints and finishes for all building requirements
- Much better to hold up against heat, cold and wind pressure in all applications
- Great UV light blocking capability offering use in any part of the world
- Shatterproof glass with no sharp shards of glass to worry about even broken
- Great resistance to impacts of all kinds even for sharp objects on windows
- Very good laminated safety glass for buildings safeguarding windows against burglary
- Great sound-proofing and temperature insulation properties in all installations
Laminated Glass Cons
- Heavier than most other types of glass with more than one sheet and resin binding
- More expensive than tempered glass and other forms of glass in all parts of the world
- Availability might be limited depending on where you look and need the glass
Tempered Glass Pros
- High strength levels and durability but not on par with tempered glass for windows
- Much lighter in weight and perfect for use on most kinds of windows
- Cheaper than laminated glass and available more readily as well
- Easier to cut and easier to replace on windows for your home or commercial windows
- Great for home and domestic windows that are not too high
- Some limited UV light blocking and temperature insulation on windows
Tempered Glass Cons
- Not as strong as laminated glass thus not able to handle high wind pressure
- Can break into smaller sharp pieces and become injury risks for everyone
- Easier to break into through windows and not very secure type of glass
- Can crack and drop on bird impacts for high tall buildings windows
These are both great options for different kinds of windows. But, when you need the strongest most secure types of glass, laminated safety glass almost always comes on top. It is better than any other glass type and can withstand any kind of usage for the longest amount of time. You can get it in custom cut sizes, designs and shapes for every window requirement. Make sure to get glass with enough layers depending on how you will be using it. It will last the test of time better than any other glass.
Should You Get Laminated Glass Windows for Your Home or Building?
Do your windows for home, flat or high-rise commercial building need laminated glass? Should you get laminated or tempered glass windows? These are choices that will play a vital role in your building’s security, safety and maintenance costs. The only things that might limit laminated safety glass are its higher prices and availability. Other than that, in our opinion, laminated window glass is the best money can buy for all window types. This shatterproof glass has safety features that are unmatched by any other types of glass. It also offers great temperature and sound insulation properties for all buildings.
Laminated safety glass offers great features for domestic buildings and commercial buildings of all types. It is the best type of glass for tall buildings with its ability to withstand great wind pressure. Laminated glass windows are able to keep their shape even on the tallest buildings. For domestic windows in homes, this type of shatterproof glass also provides great benefits. Comparing laminated glass with other types of glass, you always get more benefits with it. Overall, laminated windows are just a better fit for every building, low or tall, domestic or commercial.
We highly recommend using laminated safety glass for all kinds of windows. It will keep your interiors well insulated with great soundproofing when glazed properly. Laminated glass for all kinds of windows is now becoming available in all sizes, designs, colors and shapes. Install this type of glass on your windows and keep homes and commercial buildings safe from window break-ins as well. Learn how to cut laminated glass from our guide above and make it perfect for your required window sizes. It will never let you down in convenience and safety.
FAQs
Q: Is Laminated Glass Good for Bedroom Windows?
Ans: Yes. If your bedroom windows open on the outside, laminated window glass will be great. It will offer safety, security, temperature and sound insulation better than any other types of glass. Glazed laminated windows are best for warm and cold places of the world.
Q: Does Laminated Safety Glass Break into Smaller Sharp Shards Upon Impact?
Ans: No. The best feature of laminated glass windows is that they never break into smaller pieces. There are layers of resin between glass sheets that always keep the whole thing bonded together. Even when the glass breaks or cracks, there will be no smaller pieces to worry about.
Q: Does Laminated Glass Windows Add More Safety Against Break-Ins?
Ans: Yes. Since there is a layer of resin between any two layers of glass, the whole thing isn’t easy to break. Burglars will not be able to crack a whole into this type of glass. There will be sharp edges held together with that layer of resin making break-in attempts almost impossible.
Q: Is Laminated Window Glass Available in Different Colors?
Ans: Yes. Modern laminated glass manufacturing techniques have made it possible for internally colored types of glass finish. Also, you can always apply a nice tint on top. Laminated windows with colored glass look good and keep sunlight blocked for places with high daylight exposure.
Q: Is Laminated Glass for Windows Heavier Than Tempered Glass?
Ans: Yes. Since there are at-least 2 layers of glass sandwiched together with resin, laminate glass will always be heavier. This type of glass is heavier, stronger and more durable than tempered glass. In fact, in one piece of laminated safety glass, you can have two or more pieces of tempered glass. Double the overall weight.
Q: Can I Use Laminated Glass in My Bathroom Shower Enclosure?
Ans: Yes. Laminated window glass is the best application. But, due to how laminated glass is made, it is perfect for glass shower doors and enclosures as well. This type of glass will not break into smaller pieces giving homeowners assurance for use at all times.
Q: Is Laminated Window Glass Easy to Cut If I Need?
Ans: You can cut laminated glass with the right tools and skills. However, it is not the easiest to cut laminated glass. In fact, cutting these types of glass is actually some of the toughest out of all glass types. You will need to score both sides. Any glass with more than 2 layers will be almost impossible to cut at home with ordinary tools.
Q: Can I Use Laminated Safety Glass for Swimming Pool?
Ans: Yes. It is one of the safest most secure type of glass. Laminated glass is best to take pressure and withstand any kind of usage. Swimming pools actually use these glass types when clear sides are needed. It will last a long time provided you buy strengthened multiple-layer glass for your pools. It will also give your swimming pools a clear affect for best aesthetics.
