Learn the Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows
It may seem like glass is, well, just glass. When it comes to the windows in your home, this isn't true. You have several options in the type of glass used for your windows, some that better protect your Florida home than others. Let's dig in deeper and learn more right now!
Table of Contents
- The Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows
- Tempered Glass
- Laminated Glass
- Impact Windows
- Impact Windows Installation
The Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows
Standard glass, also known as “plate glass,” will break into large shards if impacted. While it is the cheapest option, it also has some major drawbacks. It is not impact resistant, meaning potential thieves and flying debris will have an easy time breaking it. Plus, it's like shining a magnifying glass from the sun directly into your house! You have a few better options. These are tempered glass, laminated glass, and impact windows.
Which is the right option for you? Often, it's helpful to look at each choice more in-depth in order to understand the differences and benefits of the option.
Also known as "safety glass" due to the way it breaks, tempered glass also is approximately four to five times stronger than standard glass. It reduces the risk of injury because it breaks into smaller pieces instead of larger sharp, jagged shards. It is ideal for residential doors and commercial applications that receive a lot of daily wear and tear.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass uses a special silicone glazing process that prevents it from breaking away from the frame. It is composed of two pieces of glass “sandwiched” together with a clear interlayer, making three total planes of glass. Once sealed, this creates a sturdier glass.
This glass protects against harsh UV rays, which can fade your drapes, carpet, and furniture. As well, laminated glass is harder to break and offers additional protection for your home.
Impact Windows
Impact resistant windows combine laminated glasses with tempered glass, creating an ever safer impact windows able to withstand blunt force. They have heavy-duty frames, designed to keep this glass in place better than a traditional window frame structure. While impact windows aren't required in Florida homes, it's definitely better to have them and you'll be thankful you do when the next hurricane hits!
Impact Windows Installation
By selecting the right types of glass for your home's new windows, you can lower your energy bills, enjoy a comfortable, cool indoor temperature, protect your furniture from fading in the sun, feel confident about break-ins, hear less outside noise, and have peace-of-mind during a major storm or hurricane.
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impact windows and impact doors installed by the experts at
Unlimited Windows & Doors! We’d be happy to help you get a quote, and install a beautiful set of impact windows at your home.
