Replacing your home’s windows and doors can provide you with several benefits including enhancing your home’s overall energy performance and strengthening your home’s envelope.
However, not every window is designed the same or made with the same materials, including the type of glass used.
There are several types of glass, such as annealed glass and tempered glass, which are manufactured differently making them more suitable for their respective applications.
Understanding Annealed Glass
Annealed glass, also known as standard glass, is manufactured differently from tempered glass in that it is slowly cooled which helps strengthen the glass making it more durable and less likely to break; however if it does, it will break into large glass shards and splinter into jagged pieces.
Due to its less rigorous manufacturing process, annealed glass tends to be less expensive than tempered glass and more versatile and flexible.
Applications of Annealed Glass
Because it is not impenetrable, it is typically used for items that don’t require optimal strength or where safety is a concern, such as table tops or cabinet doors.
Understanding Tempered Glass
Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, expands the strength of annealed glass in the manufacturing process by compressing the outer surfaces and creating tension in the inner surfaces. This makes the glass shatter into several tiny pieces upon impact.
However, through its additional heating processes, tempered glass is designed to be up to 4-5 times stronger and tends to be more expensive than annealed glass.
Applications of Tempered Glass
Because tempered glass is more durable that annealed glass, it is used in a variety of applications where durability is needed and safety may be a concern, such as:
- Balcony doors
- Shower doors
- Displays or exhibition areas
- Computer towers
Find the Right Glass Package to Update Your Windows & Doors
Through various manufacturing processes, glass (such as impact glass) can be strengthened to be used for a variety of applications, including windows and doors.
Use our dealer locator tool to find an Eastern Architectural Systems window and door dealer near you to help you select the best installations for your home. Or, click the button below to download our shopping guide to learn which type of glass makes the most sense for your needs.
