When & Why You Should Use Tempered Glass | Reliable Glazing

When and Why You Should Use Tempered Glass

June 21, 2019

Are you looking to replace the glass in your home? You’re going to have many different options with regard to the kind of glass you use, including standard, laminated and tempered. What exactly is tempered glass, though, and in what situations does it make sense to invest in tempered glass replacement in Denver, CO?

Here’s a brief overview of tempered glass and what you should know about it.

Why tempered glass is so beneficial

Tempered glass is a type of glass that has been treated with heat or chemicals to make it harder and more durable. It’s frequently used in commercial settings, but can be used in residential buildings as well. People generally choose tempered glass for any or all of the following reasons:

  • Safety: Tempered glass is safer if it breaks than other types of glass, because it will break into small, rounded pieces rather than pieces that have sharp and jagged edges.
  • Strength: If you’re in need of strong glass, you can do no better than tempered glass in most situations. It’s four to five times stronger than standard glass, which means it’s ideal for areas that might be more prone to glass breakage, such as sliding doors, or windows next to backyards where kids may be playing with balls.
  • Cleaning: Tempered glass is easy to clean up if it breaks, because those small fragments aren’t jagged and can easily be swept up or vacuumed without fear of causing any damage. You can also clean it just as you would any other type of glass.

Where to use tempered glass

So where exactly can you use tempered glass? Here are just a few examples of some of the ways in which it’s most commonly used:

  • Windows: If you have any windows that are especially tall or wide, tempered glass is ideal, because larger windows can benefit greatly from some additional strength. This is also true for windows that extend lower than 18 inches off the floor, because it’s more likely that they’ll be bumped or knocked into.
  • Doors: The International Residential Code requires all glass panels in bifold, sliding or swinging doors to have some type of safety glass installed, and tempered glass works to satisfy those requirements. This is true even if those glass panels are very small. In addition, any glass that’s located within 24 inches of a doorway or 60 inches of an overhanging walkway should also have safety glass installed.
  • Stairs: If you have stair rails that are made out of glass, it should always be a safety glass like tempered glass.
  • Appliances: Many home appliances use tempered glass because it has outstanding heat resistance, meaning it won’t be damaged in a microwave or oven.
  • Wet areas: Any glass located near wet areas is going to be more susceptible to breakage because of a higher likelihood of slips and falls. Therefore, glass in those areas should be some form of safety glass, like tempered glass.

For more information about tempered glass, or to schedule tempered glass replacement in Denver, CO, contact Reliable Glazing today.

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