Tempered glass is shatter-resistant, while laminated glass provides added security with bonded layers.
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The Differences Between Tempered & Laminated Glass
Selecting the right type of glass for your railing system is essential. Although tempered and laminated glass is common in the industry, many people have trouble distinguishing between the two.
For residential projects, tempered glass is typically the preferred option. In commercial settings, laminated glass is always required due to building codes. However, laminated glass can also be a good choice for residential applications, especially in high-traffic or high-risk areas. If you’re interested in other types of glass, Bellointeriors can guide you through all available options.
According to the latest International Building Codes, laminated glass is mandatory for commercial projects, while tempered glass is generally sufficient for residential ones. However, areas prone to hurricanes, such as Florida, often require laminated glass for exterior installations. Always consult local building codes to confirm what’s required in your area.
Tempered Glass
You’re likely familiar with tempered glass if you own a vehicle. It is commonly used inside windows due to its strength and ability to withstand impacts. Tempered glass is highly resistant to cracking and breaking, even when exposed to flying rocks or debris.
When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, pebble-like pieces, reducing the risk of injury. This is an essential safety feature, especially for glass railings. In the rare instance that tempered glass does break, the tiny pieces are much safer than large, sharp shards that could pose a significant risk.
In glass railing applications, tempered glass is essential. For instance, if a significant panel breaks and falls from a balcony or deck, it’s much safer for anyone below to be showered with tiny shards rather than dangerous, larger pieces. While tempered glass is a safe and reliable choice, we often recommend using framed glass systems with handrails for added stability.
This approach minimizes potential fall risks and enhances the overall safety of your glass railing.
The Tempering Process
To become tempered, glass panels are heated to high temperatures—typically around 1,100°F—and then rapidly cooled using a specialized tempering oven with forced air ducts. This process strengthens the glass, making it significantly more durable. However, once tempered, the glass cannot be cut or resized, as doing so would cause the entire panel to shatter.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is one of the strongest and safest options in the architectural railing market. You may already be familiar with laminated glass, as it is commonly used in most vehicle windshields.
Laminated glass consists of two tempered glass panels bonded together with a durable interlayer. This interlayer ensures the panel remains intact even if the glass shatters. It’s similar to how a windshield cracks in a spiderweb pattern without collapsing or losing its structure.
Two primary types of interlayers are used in architectural glass railings: Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Sentryglas Plus (SGP). We typically recommend EVA for non-coastal applications and SGP for coastal settings, where greater durability is required due to harsh environmental conditions.
If you opt for a frameless glass system, we strongly recommend laminated glass.
This added precaution ensures that, in the unlikely event of glass cracking, no one will fall through the panel, providing an extra layer of safety.
Nearly all new commercial projects now utilize laminated glass to mitigate these risks. As glass railings become increasingly popular in residential applications, we anticipate that code officials may begin requiring laminated glass for similar safety reasons. However, tempered glass remains a viable option in many situations.
