Choosing the right type of safety glass is essential for architects, builders, and property owners looking to balance security, performance, and design.
With growing concerns around forced entry, severe weather, and noise pollution, laminated glass and tempered glass have become two of the most widely used safety glazing solutions in modern construction. Although both are classified as safety glass, they differ significantly in how they’re manufactured, how they behave when broken, and where they perform best.
Understanding these differences helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your glass installation meets both functional and regulatory requirements. This guide breaks down the key distinctions between laminated glass and tempered glass, from strength and safety to cost and ideal applications.
What Makes Glass “Safety Glass”?
Safety glass refers to glass products manufactured to reduce the risk of injury when broken. Unlike standard annealed glass, safety glass is engineered either to stay intact when shattered or to break into less dangerous fragments.
Laminated glass and tempered glass are the two most common types of safety glass used in residential, commercial, and automotive applications, each designed to address different safety needs.
All You Need to Know About Laminated Glass
Now let’s learn all about this glass so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your project.
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass made by bonding two or more layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, most commonly polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This interlayer keeps the glass layers bonded together even when the glass cracks or breaks.
Unlike standard glass, laminated glass does not shatter into loose fragments. Instead, the broken pieces remain adhered to the interlayer, maintaining a barrier that enhances safety, security, and post-break performance.
Main Benefits of Laminated Glass
Laminated glass offers a combination of safety, security, and performance benefits that make it a preferred choice for both commercial and residential applications.
- Enhanced Security: The interlayer holds the glass together when broken, making it significantly harder to penetrate and ideal for preventing forced entry.
- Sound Reduction: Laminated glass helps dampen noise by absorbing sound vibrations, making it suitable for buildings in high-traffic or noisy environments.
- UV Protection: The plastic interlayer can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping protect interiors from fading and sun damage.
- Design Flexibility: Decorative films, colors, and graphics can be integrated into the interlayer, allowing greater creative freedom in architectural and interior design.
Common Uses of Laminated Glass
Because of its safety and performance characteristics, laminated glass is commonly used in applications where security, overhead safety, or sound control is critical.
- Storefronts and commercial doors where security is a priority.
- Skylights and overhead glazing to prevent falling glass hazards.
- High-rise building windows.
- Automotive windshields.
- Glass railings and balustrades.
All You Need to Know About Tempered Glass
Now let’s learn all about this glass so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your project.
What Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, starts as standard annealed glass that undergoes a controlled heat-treatment process. The glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled, a process known as tempering.
This thermal treatment increases the glass’s strength by creating compression on the surface and tension in the core. As a result, tempered glass is significantly stronger than standard glass and better suited to withstand impacts and temperature changes.
When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Main Benefits of Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is valued for its strength, durability, and safety characteristics, particularly in interior and high-traffic applications.
- High Impact Resistance: Tempered glass is approximately four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass of the same thickness.
- Safer Breakage Pattern: When broken, it shatters into small, blunt fragments that reduce the risk of cuts and injuries.
- Thermal Resistance: Tempered glass can withstand temperature fluctuations better than standard glass, making it suitable for heat-exposed environments.
- Code Compliance: Tempered glass is commonly required by building codes in locations where safety glazing is mandatory.
Common Uses of Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is widely used in applications where impact resistance, thermal performance, and occupant safety are essential, but where post-break containment is not required.
- Shower doors and bathroom enclosures.
- Side and rear windows in vehicles.
- Glass doors and partitions in interiors.
- Tabletops and shelves.
- Windows in high-rise buildings where safety glass is required by code.
Laminated Glass vs Tempered Glass: The Core Difference (Containment vs Shatter)
While both laminated glass and tempered glass are classified as safety glass, they are engineered to solve different safety challenges. The most important distinction between them lies in how the glass behaves after impact.
- Laminated glass is designed for containment. Even when cracked or broken, the interlayer holds the glass fragments together, maintaining a barrier that continues to provide protection.
- Tempered glass is designed for safe breakage. It offers high initial strength, but when it fails, it shatters completely into small, blunt pieces, eliminating sharp edges but losing structural integrity.
Understanding this difference is key when selecting the right glass for security, safety, and performance requirements.
Feature | Laminated Glass | Tempered Glass |
Construction | Multiple layers bonded with plastic interlayer (PVB) | Single sheet heat-treated for strength |
Breakage | Holds together when shattered | Shatters into small, blunt pieces |
Security | Harder to penetrate, better for forced-entry prevention | Less secure, easier to break through |
Sound Reduction | Excellent noise dampening | Minimal sound insulation |
UV Protection | Blocks most UV rays | Limited UV protection |
Cost | Generally more expensive | Less expensive than laminated glass |
✅ Choosing the right glass type depends on your specific project needs. If you need maximum security and soundproofing, laminated glass is the better option; if you want cost-effective safety glass with high impact resistance, tempered glass is often the preferred choice.
Can Laminated and Tempered Glass Be Combined?
Yes. In some applications, glass can be both tempered and laminated, combining the strength of tempered glass with the containment and safety benefits of laminated glass.
This type of glass assembly is often used in high-performance architectural glazing, where impact resistance, post-break safety, and durability are all required. The exact configuration depends on factors such as glass thickness, interlayer type, framing system, and project-specific requirements.
Tempered laminated glass is commonly specified for commercial buildings, overhead glazing, and areas where enhanced safety and code compliance are critical.
Safety Standards and Code Considerations
When selecting safety glass, it’s essential to consider applicable building codes and industry standards. Both laminated and tempered glass must meet specific safety requirements depending on the application and location.
Common safety glazing references include:
- ANSI Z97.1 – Safety glazing materials used in buildings
- CPSC 16 CFR 1201 – Consumer product safety standard for architectural glazing
- ASTM C1172 – Standard specification for laminated architectural flat glass
Always verify local building codes and project specifications to ensure the selected glass type meets all safety and compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is safer: laminated or tempered glass?
Both laminated and tempered glass are classified as safety glass, but “safer” depends on the type of risk involved.
Laminated glass provides better protection against forced entry and post-break hazards because it holds together when shattered. Tempered glass, while very strong, is designed to break into small, blunt pieces that reduce injury risk, making it ideal for interior and high-traffic areas.
Can laminated and tempered glass be used together?
Yes. Many projects use both types of glass depending on the application. For example, laminated glass may be specified for exterior windows to enhance security and sound control, while tempered glass is often used for interior doors, partitions, or shower enclosures where impact resistance is the priority.
In some cases, tempered laminated glass is used to combine both strength and post-break containment in a single assembly.
Which glass type is better for soundproofing?
Laminated glass is better for sound reduction because the plastic interlayer helps absorb sound vibrations. This makes it especially effective for buildings near busy streets, airports, or other high-noise environments.
Is laminated glass more expensive than tempered glass?
Generally, yes. Laminated glass tends to be more expensive due to its layered construction and the additional materials involved. Tempered glass is typically more cost-effective, though pricing can vary based on thickness, size, and project specifications.
Where should I use tempered glass?
Tempered glass is commonly used in applications where safety glass is required, but enhanced security is not the primary concern. Typical uses include shower doors, interior glass partitions, tabletops, shelves, and side or rear vehicle windows.
Does laminated glass block UV rays?
Yes. Laminated glass can block up to 99% of harmful UV radiation, helping protect interiors, furnishings, and finishes from fading and sun damage.
At PRL, we understand that choosing the right type of glass is essential for the safety, functionality, and aesthetics of your project. That’s why we offer a wide range of laminated glass solutions designed to meet the highest standards of security, sound insulation, and UV protection. Our laminated glass is ideal for commercial buildings, residential spaces, and architectural designs that demand performance without compromising style.
Explore our complete line of laminated glass products and discover how PRL can help you bring your vision to life with innovative glazing solutions tailored to your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our offerings and find the perfect glass for your next project.
