In this guide, we will explain what laminated glass is, how it compares to annealed glass, and why selecting the correct type
Choosing the right type of glass for your home, office, or commercial project can be overwhelming without a clear understanding of the options. Among the most common choices are laminated glass and annealed glass. Although they may look similar at first glance, their characteristics, performance, and applications vary significantly.
In this guide, we will explain what laminated glass is, how it compares to annealed glass, and why selecting the correct type ensures better safety, comfort, and long-term value for any structure.
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is a safety glass created by bonding two or more sheets of glass together with an interlayer, typically made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or SentryGlas® Plus (SGP).
This construction ensures that when laminated glass breaks, the interlayer holds the fragments together, maintaining the integrity of the panel and minimizing injury risks.
Glass laminated panels also provide:
- Sound insulation
- UV protection (blocking up to 99% of harmful rays)
- Increased security against forced entry
- Options for fire resistance and decorative finishes
Want to understand how laminated glass also compares to tempered glass? Check this guide:
🔗 Laminated Glass vs Tempered Glass
What Is Annealed Glass?
Annealed glass, sometimes referred to as standard float glass, is basic glass produced by slowly cooling molten glass under controlled conditions. This gradual cooling process reduces internal stresses, making the glass more stable and easier to cut and shape.
However, annealed glass is also the weakest form of architectural glass. It is:
- Prone to shattering into large, sharp pieces when broken
- Not suitable for areas where safety or impact resistance is required
- Typically used in situations where additional treatment (like tempering or laminating) will follow
Key Differences Between Laminated Glass and Annealed Glass
1. Safety and Breakage Behavior
- Laminated Glass: Remains intact when cracked; the interlayer prevents shards from scattering.
- Annealed Glass: Breaks into dangerous, large, sharp pieces that can cause serious injuries.
Clearly, safety laminated glass offers much greater protection in environments where occupant security is a concern.
2. Strength and Durability
- Laminated Glass: Provides better impact resistance and withstands external forces like weather impacts and attempted break-ins.
- Annealed Glass: Weaker and more vulnerable to impact, temperature changes, and mechanical stresses.
For exterior applications, public areas, or high-traffic zones, laminated glass is highly preferred.
3. Sound Insulation
- Laminated Glass: Excellent soundproofing thanks to the damping effect of the interlayer.
- Annealed Glass: Minimal sound insulation, allowing easy transmission of external noise.
Homeowners near highways, airports, or noisy urban centers often choose laminated glass for a quieter living environment.
4. UV and Energy Efficiency
- Laminated Glass: Blocks UV rays and can include energy-saving coatings like low-E layers.
- Annealed Glass: Offers no UV protection unless additional coatings are applied.
This makes laminated glass better for protecting interior furnishings from fading and reducing energy costs.
5. Applications
| Application Area | Recommended Glass Type |
|---|---|
| Residential windows and doors | Laminated Glass |
| Commercial building facades | Laminated Glass |
| Low-risk interior partitions | Annealed Glass (with limitations) |
| Automotive windshields | Laminated Glass |
| Public transport stations | Laminated Glass |
| Decorative picture frames | Annealed Glass |
6. Laminated Glass Price vs Annealed Glass Price
Naturally, laminated glass price is higher than annealed glass due to its complex manufacturing process and added benefits.
- Annealed Glass: Inexpensive ($10–$20 per m² depending on thickness)
- Laminated Glass: More costly ($30–$60 per m² for standard panels; higher for specialty laminated products)
While annealed glass is cheaper upfront, laminated glass provides greater value over time by reducing replacement costs, energy bills, and security risks.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Feature | Laminated Glass | Annealed Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | High | Low |
| Impact Resistance | High | Low |
| Sound Insulation | Excellent | Poor |
| UV Protection | High | None (without coatings) |
| Cost | Higher upfront, better lifecycle value | Lower upfront, higher long-term risks |
| Recommended Use | Residential, Commercial, Public Safety | Low-risk, Non-critical applications |
Conclusion
When comparing laminated glass and annealed glass, the differences are clear. Laminated glass offers significantly greater advantages in terms of safety, durability, noise control, UV protection, and overall building performance.
While annealed glass may serve limited purposes where safety and performance are not critical, laminated glass is the go-to solution for modern construction projects that prioritize occupant well-being and long-term resilience.
Whether you’re working on residential homes, commercial facades, public infrastructure, or custom interior designs, selecting glass laminated solutions ensures the highest level of protection and performance.
Interested in how laminated glass competes with other glass types for safety and functionality?
🔗 Laminated Glass vs Tempered Glass