5 Compelling Reasons Why Tempered Glass Windows Are the Safest Choice for Your Home
When it comes to home safety, one aspect that often doesn’t get enough attention is window glass. We know doors and locks are important, but the glass in our windows is also crucial for safety. Tempered glass is the best choice for homeowners because it is strong, durable, and safe.
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1. Safety
Standard glass, also known as annealed glass, presents several risks when used in residential windows. Upon impact, it breaks into large, jagged shards, posing a significant danger to occupants and bystanders. In addition, regular glass is not strong enough to withstand strong winds or heavy storms. This makes it more likely to break and cause injury.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, is designed with safety in mind. When it breaks, it doesn’t create dangerous shards, but harmless cubes instead, which lowers the risk of serious injury. Tempered glass gets its safety qualities from the heat treatment process used to make it.
It’s no wonder that many large storefront windows, and increasingly more residential windows, are made of tempered glass. Its unique ability to reduce the risk of injury upon breakage makes it an ideal choice for any home.
2. Strength
Tempered glass offers a superior level of durability compared to standard glass. The material is heated to make it stronger and able to withstand breaking, bending, and wind. This strength extends to the edges of the glass, where thermal stresses are often highest.
Tempered glass windows are super strong, so homeowners don’t worry during bad weather. These windows can endure storms, strong winds, and flying debris, so you don’t have to worry about window damage or expensive repairs.
n our unpredictable world, tempered glass windows give a big advantage with extra strength.
3. Stability
Thermal stability means a material can keep its properties even when the temperature changes. Tempered glass is very stable when it gets hot, so it can handle bigger temperature changes without breaking.
The thermal stability of tempered glass windows contributes to the overall energy efficiency of your home. These windows help control indoor temperatures, reducing strain on heating and cooling systems and lowering utility bills.
Additionally, they can help minimize the risk of condensation build-up, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage over time.
4. Security
Given their remarkable strength and durability, tempered glass windows offer an additional layer of security for your home. Their resistance to forced entry makes it difficult for burglars to break in, providing homeowners with an extra sense of safety.
Tempered glass is much stronger than regular glass, so it’s hard for intruders to break. While no glass is completely burglar-proof, the effort and noise required to break tempered glass can serve as a significant deterrent to would-be burglars. Tempered glass windows, along with alarms and security cameras, can greatly improve home security.
5. Solutions
Tempered glass windows have a broad range of applications throughout the home. They are especially beneficial in areas prone to accidental impact or high thermal stress, such as doors, skylights, bathrooms, and kitchens.
They can also be used in patio doors or large floor-to-ceiling windows where the risk of impact breakage is higher.
Given its superior strength and safety features, tempered glass is often the preferred choice for these high-risk areas. Its ability to withstand high thermal stresses makes it suitable for use near heat sources like ovens or fireplaces.
Its break-safe properties mean it’s ideal for use in areas like bathrooms, where slip-and-fall accidents could potentially lead to impact with the glass.
What is a tempered glass window?
A tempered glass window is a type of safety glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and thermal stability.
When broken, it shatters into small, cube-like pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
Is tempered glass good for windows?
Yes, tempered glass is an excellent material for windows due to its superior strength, safety features, and thermal stability. It’s especially beneficial in areas prone to accidental impact or high thermal stress. As Houston Window Experts explains:
Houston Window Experts
- All doors need to have tempered glass, as do windows within 24 inches of doors (with some exceptions for height). This is for safety in case you fall into the window.
- Windows on staircases need to be tempered if within 60 inches of the bottom stair tread, to protect from falls. Exceptions if over 60 inches high.
- Windows in wet areas like showers and tubs need tempered glass within 60 inches, to prevent cuts if you fall into them.
- Large windows close to the floor (under 18 inches) over 9 sq ft need to be tempered so kids don’t get hurt. You can divide into smaller panes to avoid this rule.
- It’s best to follow code and install tempered glass properly, for safety and home value. Skipping it creates liability risks. An expert can advise what needs tempering.
What is the disadvantage of tempered glass windows?
While tempered glass offers many advantages, one potential drawback is its cost. Tempered glass is generally more expensive than standard glass due to the specialized manufacturing process required to enhance its strength and safety features. However, many homeowners find that the added safety, security, and energy efficiency benefits make the investment worthwhile.
Are tempered glass windows expensive?
Compared to standard glass, tempered glass windows can be more expensive due to the complex manufacturing process involved.
However, when considering their long-term durability, safety features, and the potential savings on energy bills, they can be a cost-effective choice for many homeowners.
