3 Common Glass Types

Understanding your options is important to us, and this post aims to clear up any confusion with the three major types of glass. All three can be used in residential and commercial settings, and all suited for very specific needs. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask us.

Annealed Glass

Annealed glass (also known as float glass) can be edged, polished, drilled and custom-cut for a variety of products. However when broken, the glass will break apart into large sharp pieces, posing a safety risk.

For this reason, annealed glass is ideal for tabletops or decorative cabinet inserts.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is also known as toughened glass, and cannot be cut down. It is typically four to five times stronger than annealed glass, making it resistant to blunt impact.

In order to break tempered glass, you have to target the weak points; the edges. However when broken, the glass breaks into small square pieces that are less likely to inflict serious damage.

This type of glass is mandated in many states for entry doors, sidelites, and  frameless shower enclosures.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is also a type of safety glass, but when broken the glass stays intact with a plastic interlayer bonded between two plies of glass. A common use for laminated glass is in skylight glazing, auto windshields and areas where hurricane resistant construction is required.

Additionally, laminated glass has soundproofing capabilities. The thickness of both the glass and the interlayer can significantly increase the sound dampening impact of your window.