Glass railing systems complement both modern and traditional designs, but the thought of using glass as the infill may bring up fears of shattered glass and resulting injuries. That’s why glass railing systems use safety glass to reduce the chance of broken glass and injury.
Both laminated and tempered glass classify as safety glass but they have different characteristics that fit different scenarios. Compared to regular glass, also called annealed glass, tempered and laminated glass are safer and stronger and more suitable for commercial applications like railings, windows, and skylights.
Let’s take a look at laminated glass versus tempered glass and how VIVA Railings uses both to create railing systems with superior strength and aesthetics.
What Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is a single pane of glass that has been strengthened through a specialized process known as tempering. In this process, standard annealed glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled. This rapid cooling puts the outer surfaces into compression and the inner core into tension, resulting in glass that is up to four times stronger than untreated glass of the same thickness. Tempered glass maintains the appearance of regular glass but offers enhanced durability and safety. If broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is a composite glass product made by bonding two or more panes of glass together with a durable plastic interlayer, most commonly polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas® (SGP). The glass and interlayer are fused under heat and pressure to form a single, solid sheet. This layered composition means that if the glass is impacted and cracks, the fragments remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing them from falling out of the frame. Laminated glass is typically thicker than a single pane of tempered glass due to its multi-layered structure, and the interlayer can also provide additional benefits such as improved sound insulation and UV protection.
Key Differences Between Laminated and Tempered Glass
While both laminated and tempered glass are classified as safety glass, they differ in how they are manufactured, how they perform under stress, and how they behave if they break.
Strength and Safety
Tempered glass is four times stronger than annealed glass which makes it perfect for railings and high-use spaces. Laminated glass provides superior security because even if it’s broken, it will still remain in place as a barrier.
These features are particularly important on staircase and balcony railings, so there’s not an open space in the event the glass is broken. The combination of tempered glass panels and interlayer to form a laminated glass panel creates a railing that is both safe and secure.
Appearance
Both tempered and laminated glass can be clear to preserve lines of sight and enhance the view. They can also be tinted, colored, frosted, or etched to enhance the design. Glass railings support modern and traditional design and aesthetics, and you can customize the design through post style, mounting options, finishes, and handrail material.
Interlayer
The interlayer between the glass panes falls into one of two categories, PVB or SPG. PVB laminated glass is the most common type and uses an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral to adhere the glass panels together. This interlayer is ideal for applications that need better acoustic control and superior UV blockage.
SPG, or SentryGlas, offers additional strength and durability ideal for high-use spaces. This interlayer is 100 times more rigid and five times tougher than PVB, so it has better resistance to tearing. It also handles exposure to weather conditions and moisture well.
VIVA Railings offers the choice of PVB or SPG laminated glass in our railings systems, and we can discuss the interlayer options to help you make the best choice for your space.
Cost
Laminated glass is manufactured using more materials and a more complex process than tempered glass, so it’s typically the more costly option. Tempered glass costs less than laminated glass, but it still costs more than traditional glass because of the additional tempering process. Additional costs will apply to both types of glass if you choose options like colored or digitally printed glass.
Maintenance
Maintenance for tempered glass and laminate glass is minimal. High-quality glass railing systems should be cleaned periodically with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Keeping glass panels clean is essential to maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
Safety Standards and Certifications
When selecting glass for commercial railing systems, it is important to ensure the materials meet all required safety standards and certifications. Both laminated and tempered glass are classified as safety glass, but they must meet specific industry regulations to ensure performance, reliability, and occupant protection.
Key standards and certifications include:
- ANSI Z97.1: This standard sets the requirements for safety glazing materials used in buildings, including impact and breakage performance.
- ASTM C1172: Pertains specifically to laminated architectural flat glass, specifying construction, performance, and labeling requirements.
- CPSC 16 CFR 1201: A federal safety standard that covers architectural glazing materials, focusing on human impact safety in doors, panels, and other applications.
- Building Codes: Local and national building codes often reference these standards and may have additional requirements for glass used in railings, doors, and windows.
At VIVA Railings, our glass railing systems are engineered and fabricated to meet or exceed all relevant safety standards and certifications. This ensures not only code compliance for your project but also peace of mind regarding occupant safety and long-term durability. Our team will guide you through the certification requirements for your specific application, ensuring your project is both beautiful and fully compliant.
VIVA Railings Combines Tempered and Laminated Glass for Enhanced Safety
VIVA Railings offer glass railing systems that consist of tempered glass laminated panels with either a PVB or SPG interlayer. This means that if the glass does break, it will break into the signature tempered glass pebbles, but they won’t fall to the ground, they’ll stick to the interlayer. If any pieces do fall off, they won’t be as dangerous as shards of regular glass are. Choosing our glass railings systems means you’ll get safety and security without compromising style and aesthetics.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to discuss our tempered glass infills and laminated glass options with our skilled designers, engineers, fabricators, and installation pros.