When you bond two panes of glass together with an interlayer it produces laminated glass, the interlayer holds the glass together even when it’s broken and is typically used when security is a priority as well as in applications like walk on glass or overhead glazing.
What is laminated security glass?
Laminated security glass consists of two or more layers of glass put together using one or more plastic interlayers using high heat and pressures. The glass can be made from a range of colours, thicknesses, designs, shapes and sizes. This is to ensure the glass suits a range of personal preferences, styles and homes. Laminated glass can be broken, however, its fragments tend to adhere to the plastic interlayer and remina intact which will reduce the risk of a serious injury.
The difference between laminated & tempered glass
Although the two are quite similar, they do have some differences which set them apart. Tempered Glass is a type of safety glass which is made with high heat or chemicals used to strengthen glass. Tempered glass is usually four times stronger than regular glass of the same thickness and size.
When it comes to laminated glass, the bonding of multiple layers of glass together under high pressure and heat. This technique makes multiple layers into one sheet of glass. The layers are kept together by PVB resin which keeps the glass from breaking apart more easily as well as providing sound insulation. Laminated glass is also extremely flexible and will flex before shattering.
#1. Laminated glass is less dangerous when broken
If laminated glass is broken, the chances of being cut or injured are greatly reduced, this is because the inner vinyl protective layer prevents the glass from shattering and scattering across the floor. The glass will usually stick to the vinyl.
#2. Intruders will be unable to use glass cutters
Laminated glass cannot be cut from the inside making it impossible for intruders to use tools such as glass cutters to gain entry into your home. This will then as a result reduce your risk of a break in.
Intruders will also be unable to break your laminated window as if they do they will be left with cracks in the glass with no way to get inside. Glass cutters at most would cut the first layer but they will be unable to get through the rest.
#3. Sound Insulation
If you live near an airport, a motorway or you live in/near the city, sound insulation is going to be a concern for you. Laminated glass will greatly reduce sound from passing in and out of your home. It also works the other way too. Say you have a daughter who loves to play the piano or a son who likes to have a few friends over every other weekend, laminated glass will act as insulation for whatever room you need it in.
#4. UV protection
UV light from the sun can fade your furniture, carpets, curtains and furniture. When you use normal glass the UV rays will come through and potentially damage your interior. You can always close the curtains but this isn’t a permanent fix. Laminated glass windows contain a special film which blocks UV light from coming in.
#5. Impact Resistant
Depending on where you live, nature can cause potential threats to your home. Nature can sometimes shatter normal windows with ease. In the UK we do get more than a few weather warnings a year which is why it is so important to keep your home safe.
Laminated glass windows provide you with the maximum amount of protection that a normal window can’t offer. Laminated glass stays in one piece due to the inner lining meaning you will never have the same concerns as you would with normal glass.
Where can i use laminated glass?
- Glass Balustrade
- Mirrored Glass
- Glass Splashback
- Obscure Glass
- Windows
- Doors
- Furniture
Sarah Wirth is a digital marketing expert from Aacme Glass. Aacme glass offers a range of glazing solutions such as laminated glass in Newport and balustrade glass in Newport.