Standard Glass V Safety Glass... What is the difference?

Windows, doors, and conservatories all require glass – however they often require different types of glass dependant on the location of the glass to ensure its fit for purpose and of course safe!

But what is the difference between each type of glass? Below we look at some of two different types of glass that we often use, what makes them what they are and where we might use them.

Standard Glass, often referred to in industry as Float Glass is created by cooling molten glass in a controlled environment to create huge glass sheets.

Once set, standard glass can be cut to the required size or specific shapes with relative ease. This usability makes standard glass cost effective and a relatively quick to produce in comparison to other types of glass such as toughened.

The properties of standard glass when it breaks or shatters are that it breaks into shards, these can often be large shards which are sharp and can be potentially dangerous if you were to fall through the glass.

Standard glass is frequently used in windows where the risk of the glass breaking and causing considerable damage is lower. This includes double and triple glazed units above the UK regulation height of 800mm from ground level or from an opening.

There are lots of regulations around when you can use standard glass, but don’t worry, your Window Doctor technician will talk you through all of this during your enquiry visit.

Safety Glass, also referred to as toughened glass or even-tempered glass is known for its ability to withstand higher impact to its glass surface than other glass types, but, when it does reach breaking point, it shatters into thousands of tiny glass chunks meaning much less chance of serious injury or harm.

Safety glass is manufactured using a thermal tempering process where standard glass is re heated a second time, resulting in the glass becoming five times stronger and structurally more durable than standard glass. It’s also much more scratch resistant!

Toughened Glass cannot be cut after it has been manufactured, it must be cut to size before the toughening process. Due to the additional steps in the processes, Toughened Glass is more expensive than Standard Glass and can take slightly longer to manufacture.

When answering this, the easiest way is to think safety! Ask yourself, is the window or door in an area that could result in someone falling through or into the glass? If so, safety glass is what we would use.

Bathroom windows, patio doors, low height windows, conservatory roof glass, Velux Window glass – all of these are areas where safety glass is required. As with Standard glass, there are lots or regulations to determine exactly when to use safety glass, however our technicians and customer service team can help with all of that!

Bonus content... Want to see what happens to toughened glass when it shatters? Click this link!

This guide was designed to be short and sweet, and with one purpose – to provide you with the knowledge so you’re up to scratch (pardon the pun!) on glass types and where to use them!

If you have any further questions or wish to speak to a member of the team about any window or door repair then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 01455 850282 or shoot us an email!

We look forward to helping you soon, and remember - Why Replace... We Repair...