In today’s construction landscape, safety, durability, and performance are no longer optional, they are expected. That’s where laminated glass comes in.
Unlike regular glass, which shatters into sharp fragments, laminated glass remains in place, significantly reducing the risk of injury or damage.
Because of these features, laminated glass is no longer limited to specialty applications. It’s now a standard material in modern architecture, from high-rise facades and skylights to storefronts, security glazing, and even interior partitions.
In this article, we’ll explore what laminated glass is, how it’s made, where it’s used, and why it’s become an essential element in both residential and commercial construction.
What is Laminated Glass and How Is Made
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass made by bonding two or more layers of glass with a resilient interlayer, most commonly polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This interlayer plays an important role in holding the glass layers together when broken, making laminated glass a reliable choice for safety, structural integrity, and sound insulation.
Would you like to know how laminated glass is made? In most cases (although it depends greatly on the technology)
- Glass Preparation: The process begins with two sheets of annealed or heat-treated glass. These can vary in thickness depending on the intended application, from standard windowpanes to heavy-duty architectural panels.
- Interlayer Placement: A plastic interlayer (typically PVB or EVA) is carefully placed between the glass sheets. This interlayer may also include additional elements like colored films, acoustic layers, or UV filters.
- Assembly and Pre-Lamination: The glass and interlaye
- r are assembled into a “sandwich” and passed through rollers in a heated environment to remove air pockets and initiate bonding. This stage is known as pre-lamination.
- Autoclave Process: The assembled unit is then placed into an autoclave, a high-pressure, high-temperature chamber, where it undergoes final bonding. The heat and pressure ensure a permanent, optically clear, and uniform adhesion between the layers.
- Cooling and Quality Inspection: After the autoclave process, the laminated glass is cooled and inspected for clarity, strength, and defects. It may also be cut or shaped depending on the project’s specifications.
Common Applications of Laminated Glass
Thanks to its unique structure and superior performance, laminated glass is used across a wide range of commercial, residential, and industrial applications. Its versatility makes it a top choice for architects, contractors, and developers seeking both safety and design flexibility.
Most Common Uses Include:
✅ Storefronts and Curtain Walls: Offers increased security and impact resistance for high-traffic commercial spaces, while maintaining transparency and aesthetic appeal.
✅ Windows and Doors: Ideal for residential and commercial buildings in areas prone to storms, earthquakes, or break-ins.
✅ Skylights and Overhead Glazing: Increases safety in overhead applications, where falling glass could pose a serious risk.
✅ Interior Partitions and Glass Walls: Combines acoustic insulation and visual separation with a modern, sleek design.
✅ Glass Railings and Balustrades: Provides structural strength and fall protection without compromising visibility or style.
✅ Soundproof Rooms and Studios: The acoustic properties of laminated glass make it suitable for conference rooms, studios, and buildings located in noisy environments.
✅ Transportation and Automotive Use: Widely used in vehicle windshields, public transport, and even marine applications for enhanced passenger safety.
✅ Banks, Embassies, and Secure Facilities: When combined with specialized interlayers, laminated glass can be used in bullet-resistant or blast-resistant glazing systems.
✅ Specialty Applications: Including aquariums, museums, display cases, and animal enclosures, where safety, clarity, and strength are critical.
What are the most common types of laminated glass?
Whether you’re specifying glass for a high-rise facade, interior partition, or impact-rated storefront, choosing the right laminated glass type is key to meeting both code and design requirements.
At PRL Glass & Aluminum, we manufacture a wide range of specialized laminated glass types to suit virtually any architectural need:
- Impact-Resistant Laminated Glass: Engineered to withstand strong impacts and meet hurricane or seismic code requirements.
- Privacy Laminated Glass: Combines safety with translucent interlayers or frosted finishes to ensure visual privacy.
- Bullet-Resistant Laminated Glass: Manufactured with multiple interlayers for high-security environments requiring ballistic protection.
- Sound Control Laminated Glass: Designed to reduce acoustic transmission — ideal for airports, hotels, studios, and urban buildings.
- Decorative Laminated Glass: Includes colored, patterned, and digitally printed options to match your design vision.
- Rainbow Color Laminated Glass: A vibrant option that adds bold color and personality to architectural spaces.
- SentryGlas® Structural Laminated Glass (Clear Only): PRL offers SentryGlas® interlayers, which are up to 5 times stronger than standard PVB. These advanced interlayers offer enhanced structural performance, superior edge stability, and increased resistance to weather and moisture , ideal for exposed-edge or high-load installations.
PRL Glass & Aluminum is your trusted partner for custom laminated glass solutions, all manufactured in-house and delivered with fast lead times.
Contact our team today to request a quote or speak with a glazing expert about your project requirements.
