In this article, we’ll explain what laminated glass is, compare it directly with tempered glass, and guide you on which option suits your project best.
Choosing the right type of glass is crucial for achieving the right balance of safety, functionality, and design in modern architecture. When it comes to safety glass solutions, two main types dominate the conversation: laminated glass and tempered glass.
While both options improve security and strength compared to regular float glass, they differ significantly in their construction, performance, and ideal applications. In this article, we’ll explain what laminated glass is, compare it directly with tempered glass, and guide you on which option suits your project best.
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass created by sandwiching a flexible interlayer—usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or specialized structural gels—between two or more sheets of glass. This interlayer holds the glass pieces together even if broken, preventing dangerous shards from scattering.
Besides providing exceptional impact resistance, glass laminated structures also offer soundproofing, UV protection, and options like decorative patterns or fire resistance.
In fact, laminated glass can even be specially engineered to withstand fire hazards, offering additional protection in emergencies. Explore how here:
🔗 Fire-Rated Laminated Glass
What Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass—also known as toughened glass—is produced by heating regular glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process increases its strength approximately four to five times compared to standard float glass.
When broken, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury. It is often used in areas where safety codes demand high impact resistance without the need for post-breakage containment.
Key Differences Between Laminated Glass and Tempered Glass
1. Manufacturing Process
- Laminated Glass: Made by bonding glass sheets together with a plastic interlayer under heat and pressure.
- Tempered Glass: Heat-treated and rapidly cooled to increase strength but remains a single piece without interlayers.
2. Breakage Behavior
- Laminated Glass: Cracks but remains intact, with shards held together by the interlayer. It maintains a barrier even when damaged.
- Tempered Glass: Shatters into small, rounded pieces that fall away from the frame upon impact, eliminating sharp shards but leaving a gap.
3. Safety Performance
- Laminated Glass: Provides higher post-breakage safety by staying in place; excellent for overhead, facade, and security applications.
- Tempered Glass: Offers strong impact resistance but no containment once shattered; suitable for non-load-bearing areas where falling glass is not critical.
4. UV Protection
- Laminated Glass: Blocks up to 99% of UV rays, protecting interiors from fading and degradation.
- Tempered Glass: Offers minimal UV protection unless treated with additional coatings.
5. Sound Insulation
- Laminated Glass: The interlayer dampens sound waves, making laminated glass superior for soundproofing.
- Tempered Glass: Offers moderate noise reduction but not as effective as laminated glass.
6. Fire Resistance
- Laminated Glass: Specialized laminated glass can be fire-rated, resisting flames, smoke, and heat transfer.
- Tempered Glass: Cannot achieve fire rating standards unless incorporated into fire-resistant assemblies.
7. Cost Comparison
- Laminated Glass Price: Generally higher due to the additional interlayer, specialized manufacturing, and added functionalities like soundproofing or fire resistance.
- Tempered Glass Price: More affordable; typically 20%–40% cheaper than laminated glass for basic applications.
However, when considering total life-cycle costs, laminated glass often delivers better value due to its multiple benefits.
Application Comparison: Where Each Glass Type Is Used
| Application Area | Best Glass Type |
|---|---|
| Residential windows and doors | Laminated or Tempered (depends on need) |
| Storefronts and facades | Laminated Glass |
| Interior partitions and walls | Tempered Glass |
| Overhead glazing and skylights | Laminated Glass |
| Shower doors and enclosures | Tempered Glass |
| Soundproof rooms and studios | Laminated Glass |
| Security glazing (banks, airports) | Laminated Glass |
| Balcony railings | Laminated or Tempered |
For areas requiring sustained protection even after breakage—such as balconies, overhead glazing, and facades—laminated glass is the safer, more durable choice.
Laminated Glass Price vs Tempered Glass Price
The laminated glass price depends on:
- Number of layers and type of interlayer
- Thickness (e.g., 6.38mm, 10.76mm, 13.52mm)
- Additional treatments (e.g., acoustic, solar control, fire-rated)
- Size and customizations
Meanwhile, tempered glass pricing depends on:
- Thickness
- Edge finishing (seamed, polished)
- Surface treatments (frosting, coatings)
Typical Price Estimates:
| Glass Type | Price Range per m² |
|---|---|
| Standard Tempered Glass | $25–$45 |
| Standard Laminated Glass | $40–$70 |
| Acoustic Laminated Glass | $60–$90 |
| Fire-Rated Laminated Glass | $100–$200+ |
Prices vary significantly depending on performance specifications and local market rates. Always consult reliable laminated glass manufacturers for accurate project quotes.
Conclusion
Both laminated glass and tempered glass offer valuable safety enhancements over regular float glass. However, they serve different purposes:
- Choose tempered glass for cost-effective impact resistance where post-breakage containment is not critical (e.g., interior partitions, shower enclosures).
- Choose laminated glass when superior safety, sound insulation, UV protection, or fire resistance is needed, especially for exterior applications, overhead glazing, or security zones.
For architects, builders, and homeowners seeking to maximize building safety and functionality, investing in the right type of glass ensures better performance, longer durability, and greater peace of mind.
Interested in fire-resistant laminated options for even safer projects? Learn more:
🔗 Fire-Rated Laminated Glass