Laminated glass and tempered glass both fall in the category of safety glasses. These glasses are carefully modified to enhance their features and be safer than traditional glass. Both of these glasses are used for cars, so you might be wondering which one is better.
Here is a complete guide on the description and the features of both types of glasses.
Tempered Glass
Description
Tempered glass, often known as “toughened glass,” is made in a tempering furnace by rapidly heating and cooling a pre-cut standard piece of glass. Tempering is the process of rapidly heating and cooling glass to make it 5 to 10 times stronger than it was before it was tempered.
Chemical and thermal treatments can be used to give the tempered glass a more balanced internal stress capability, allowing it to bear impact without shattering.
Features
- Tempered glass is strong, and can withstand strong impact.
- When it breaks, it breaks into tiny pieces, avoiding major injury risks that regular glass carries.
- It’s not flexible at all and doesn’t bend. It simply breaks if excessive force is applied to it.
- It’s less costly to make compared to laminated glass.
- Preferred for side glasses, door glasses, and rear windscreen of the car.
Laminated Glass
Description
Laminated glass is more structurally sound than tempered glass. It’s made up of three layers, the innermost of which is constructed of a plastic known as polyvinyl butyral or PVB. This material is installed between the glass layers.
The PVB on the interior serves a dual purpose: it adds strength to the windshield while also preventing the glass from shattering on impact. Because of the extra layer of plastic, laminated glass bends and flexes before shattering.
UV, or ultraviolet radiation, protection is usually provided by gently tinting the PVB. Laminated glass blocks roughly 99 percent of UV light transmission. Furthermore, the PVB provides excellent sound insulation.
Features
- Can be stronger than tempered glass.
- Is flexible, so even if it does break, it won’t shatter.
- Is costly to make.
- Preferred for front windscreen of cars.
Keeping these features in mind, you can choose what type of glass is best for you. If you’re specifically looking to replace a cracked windshield, Yellowstone Auto Glass provides windshield repair and windshield replacement services in Virginia. We are experienced and provide reliable and affordable windshield replacements.
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