Things to Consider While Buying Tempered Glass

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Tempered glass is stronger and far safer than the glass we see daily. 
• When it breaks, it turns into small pieces. 
• Check the stamps or use sunglasses to identify if the glass is tempered.
• Tempered glass is best for doors, railings, shower areas, and tabletops.
• Go for options that are thick and edge finish for maximum safety.

Have you heard about tempered glass? According to Wikipedia, “Tempered or toughened glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass.”

In simple language, it’s just the better version of a regular glass. These are quite a good option if you are thinking about getting a few for your home. But the question is, what needs to be considered before buying them?

To make things easier for you, I’m here with things to consider while buying tempered glass. So, let’s get started.

What Is Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is the advanced version of the everyday glass. It’s heated and rapidly cooled to become way stronger and more resistant to shattering. Typically, a regular glass is heated at 600℃ to form a tempered glass. 

This process puts the outer surface into compression and the inner surfaces into tension, giving incredible strength. What does that matter? Tempered glass doesn’t break like regular glass.

In case it hits somewhere hard enough, instead of being broken into sharp, jagged shards, it will shatter into tiny, pebble-like pieces. This makes it much safer, especially in homes with children or high-traffic commercial spaces.            

Difference Between Annealed and Tempered Glass

  If you are not familiar with glass types, here’s a simple breakdown:

Annealed Glass

This is the basic, untreated glass most people think of. It’s cheaper and easier to cut or shape, but it’s also fragile. However, when it breaks, it can be every dangerous because of its sharp edges, which can lead to serious injuries.

Tempered Glass

This is a step-up in terms of durability and safety. It’s roughly four to five times stronger than annealed glass and is built to withstand impact, heat, and pressure. Those who want tempered glass with the most safety and durability should go for it.

DO YOU KNOW?
Glass is 100% recyclable. Recycled glass (called cullet) can be used for the manufacture of glass. In fact, glass contributes to water conservation as its manufacturing entails the use of very minimal water.

How To Check If Glass is Tempered Or Not

Sometimes you are dealing with an existing glass piece, and you are not sure what it is. Let’s see how to ensure if it’s tempered or not:

1. Look for a stamp or Etching: Tempered glass usually has a small tag in one of the corners, it might say something like “tempered,” “ Safety glass,” or include a manufacturer’s logo. If it’s not there, it might be cleaned up, but not always.

2. Try the Polarized Sunglasses Test: This one’s cool. If you put on lenses for sunglasses and look at the glass in sunlight or under certain lights, tempered glass will often show translucent lines or patterns – stress marks from the tempering process.

3. Ask a Pro: If you are still unsure, it’s worth asking a glass expert or fabricator. They can easily tell you everything just by tapping it and testing the surface or examining the edges.        

Tempered Glass Applications

Glass Tops

Whether it’s your coffee table, dining table, or office desk, tempered glass adds a clean, trendy look while resisting chipping, heat, and pressure.  

Glass Doors

 From entrances to sliding doors and wardrobes, tempered glass offers freedom of movement, elegance, and safety, especially in areas with young pupils or heavy usage. 

Shower Doors

Bathrooms are humid, slippery places. Tempered glass is perfect here because it defies moisture and won’t turn into explosives if it ever breaks. 

Glass Railings

Balconies, staircases, terraces – Glass railings made from tempered glass look sleek and minimalist while offering reliable safety. They are often matched with stainless steel or wood for increased strength and design differentiation.

Benefits of Using Tempered Glass Over Other Materials

There are a lot of materials out there – wood, acrylic, plastic – but tempered glass has some serious advantages:

1. Safety comes first: Its biggest selling point is that tempered glass doesn’t shatter dangerously. If it breaks, it crumbles into small, less harmful chunks.

2. Heat Resistance: Tempered glass is known to withstand high heat temperatures and not change at all, or craft. This makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and sunny areas. 

3. Strength and Durability: It’s significantly stronger than regular glass. You do not need to worry about small knocks or bumps damaging it. 

4. Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest – Glass just looks good. It gives your space an open, modern, and clean vibe. You can choose from clear, frosted, tinted, or patterned designs depending on your style.

While it looks perfect, tempered glass does have some disadvantages that can be seen in the infographic below. 

Things to Consider Before Buying

When it comes to purchasing, as far as glass goes, keep in mind that thickness is a consideration. Most glass ranges from 6mm to 12mm. Thicker glass is stiffer and is stronger, but it is also heavier and more expensive.

If the edges will be visible (ex, tabletop), then polished or beveled edges are a better option as they do not provide sharp edges to cut yourself and have a far nicer and cleaner look.

Where To Buy Glass

Alright, ready to buy?  Here are some options that you should go for:         

Local Glass Fabricators 

These are usually your go-to if you need custom cuts, fast delivery, or installation help. You can explain your project, get expert advice, and often see samples in person.

Pro/Cons

You get personalized service, which is a great. Not only that, but there is fast turnaround time and it supports local businesses. On the downside, the cost is higher and there are limited styles or stock. 

Online Glass Stores

If you know what you need, online stores are super convenient. You can compare prices, read reviews, and even get it delivered to your door.

Pros/Cons

There’s a huge variety to choose from, along with competitive pricing and the best shopping experience. But there are certain risks as they can get cracked during transit, and there is no face-to-face help provided for the customers. 

Final Thoughts

Tempered glass isn’t just another material — it’s a blend of strength, safety, and style that fits almost any space. Choose the right type, work with trusted sources, and your investment will pay off beautifully.

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