Safety Glass Diamond Creek
Stylish, secure, and strong.
Is Your Glass Safe as Houses?
As with anything else in life, safety is one of people’s main priorities when it comes to glass. After all, glass can shatter and break, potentially causing damage to people, pets, buildings, and anybody and anything in its path.
While it’s important to take good care of glass windows and any other glass surfaces, accidents can and do happen. Whether you have soccer-playing kids or live in a windy area, ensuring your glass is safe in the event of an emergency is key. But is this even possible?
The Different Types of Safety Glass
Safety glass is designed to be less likely to break if something hits and breaks it. Its secondary purpose is to be as safe as possible if it does break, aiming to reduce injury to those around it. Safety glass comes in two types:
1. Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together. In between these layers is an interlayer, typically made from plastic or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The interlayer acts like glue, holding the two outer layers together even if the glass is broken. It was originally designed for use in car windshields, but today is also used in shower doors, partition walls, shelving, and other areas.
In addition to its use as safety glass, laminated glass is well-known for its soundproofing and UV-resistant properties. It can block up to 97% of UV rays, and has the ability to reduce audio levels, making it a great choice for people who live near major roads or in other high-noise areas.
2. Tempered Glass
Also known as toughened glass, tempered glass is a type of glass that’s been specifically treated to increase its strength and reduce its chances of breaking. This is done through a process called ‘air quenching’, where the glass is heated and cooled quickly to seal the glass and keep its core tense. As a result, it’s typically stronger than other glass with the same thickness.
One of the main benefits of tempered glass is its enhanced safety if it shatters or breaks. If it breaks, tempered glass is intended to break into small, round pieces, reducing the risk of injury through jagged pieces.
Common Applications of Safety Glass
Safety glass is often used for:
- Shower screens
- Car windshields
- Splashbacks
- Tabletops
- Balustrades
- Windows
- Pool fencing
- Glass doors
- Partition walls
- Shelving
- Mirrors
- Greenhouses
- Glass floors
And many other applications.
Ready to experience the peace of mind that safety glass can bring?
The Benefits of Safety Glass
Safety glass comes with many benefits, including:
1. Security
Both laminated glass and tempered glass are designed to be safer and more secure than regular glass. However, they do this in different ways. While broken laminated glass binds together instead of having pieces fall individually to the ground, tempered glass is designed to break into round pieces that reduce the risk of injury.
Soundproofing is another aspect of safety. Laminated glass’ soundproofing properties help to reduce noise from inside your home travelling outside, reducing the chances of potential burglars overhearing your conversations.
2. Easy Maintenance
When it comes to keeping your new glass in good condition, laminated and tempered glass are relatively easy to maintain. Both types of safety glass can be cleaned with mild soap and water or glass cleaner. It’s also easy to wipe clean and tends not to leave streaks or residue on the clean glass.
3. Weather Resistance
Safety glass, and laminated glass in particular, is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. This helps it to stand strong in wild winds and heavy downpours, and laminated glass’ UV resistance also helps to protect it from the sun’s rays. If safety glass does get minorly damaged, laminated glass may be able to be repaired.
Your Safety Glass Questions Answered
Are there any downsides to safety glass?
As with anything, there are pros and cons to safety glass. While there are numerous benefits, possible downsides include its installation requirements, higher upfront cost, and, in the case of laminated glass, limited flexibility in terms of design.
Can you have laminated glass in double glazed windows?
Yes, you can. If you’re interested in laminated and double glazed windows, see more about e-glass here.
Can safety glass be custom made?
Yes, safety glass can be custom made to suit your requirements. Whether it’s a uniquely shaped window or a pane of glass in a door, safety glass can be cut and modified to fit your space.
Why Eltham Glass?
Experienced Glaziers
With over 35 years of experience, our team excels in glass installation and repairs.
High Standards
We use the highest quality materials and equipment, ensuring your project is both safe and aesthetically pleasing.
Customised Services
If you need a uniquely shaped window replaced, we’re the team to turn to.
The Ultimate Safety Upgrade
If you have active kids or live in a busy area, safety glass could make all the difference to your peace of mind. Whether you choose laminated glass or tempered glass, safety glass in your windows, splashbacks, and tabletops will have you sighing in relief.
Elevate Your Environment With Safety Glass
Whether you need new safety glass installed or you’re upgrading to laminated or tempered glass, we’ve got you covered. At Eltham Glass, our materials, equipment, and artistry are second to none. With years of experience and a dedication to our craft, you can’t go past Eltham Glass— contact us today for a free quote.