This article explores what laminated glass is, compares it to insulated glass, and outlines the best applications for each.
In today’s architecture, selecting the right type of glass is crucial for safety, comfort, and energy performance. Two of the most widely used glazing options are laminated glass and insulated glass. Though both offer significant advantages, they serve very different purposes. This article explores what laminated glass is, compares it to insulated glass, and outlines the best applications for each.
What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass made by bonding two or more glass layers with a tough interlayer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or SentryGlas® Plus (SGP). This interlayer holds the glass fragments in place when broken, reducing injury risks and keeping the barrier intact.
Glass laminated panels also offer other features:
- Acoustic insulation
- UV protection
- Enhanced security
- Impact resistance
- Optional decorative effects or tints
There are several interlayer and thickness variations, each affecting the final laminated glass price and performance profile.
Want to learn how laminated glass compares to other basic options? See:
🔗 Laminated Glass vs Annealed Glass
What Is Insulated Glass?
Insulated glass, also called insulating glass unit (IGU) or double glazing, consists of two or more glass panes separated by a spacer and sealed with air or an inert gas (typically argon or krypton) in between.
The key purpose of insulated glass is thermal insulation—to keep interiors cool in summer and warm in winter by reducing heat transfer.
Common IGU components include:
- Inner and outer glass layers (can be laminated, tempered, or standard)
- Air or gas-filled cavity
- Spacer bar (aluminum, stainless steel, or thermally efficient material)
- Seals to prevent moisture and gas leakage
Key Differences Between Laminated and Insulated Glass
1. Purpose and Performance
- Laminated Glass: Designed primarily for safety, impact resistance, and noise control. Offers continued protection even when cracked.
- Insulated Glass: Engineered to provide thermal insulation by reducing heat transfer across the glazing unit.
2. Construction
- Laminated Glass: Multiple glass sheets bonded with an interlayer.
- Insulated Glass: Two or more panes separated by a spacer, sealed to form a cavity.
Laminated glass can also be incorporated into IGUs for double-glazed laminated glass, offering both safety and insulation.
3. Breakage Behavior
- Laminated Glass: Holds together when broken—glass shards remain adhered to the interlayer.
- Insulated Glass: Breaks into individual pieces; the unit may lose insulation capacity if compromised.
4. Sound Insulation
- Laminated Glass: Excellent noise reduction, especially with acoustic interlayers.
- Insulated Glass: Moderate sound insulation due to the air gap, but less effective than laminated versions unless combined.
5. UV Protection
- Laminated Glass: Blocks up to 99% of UV rays.
- Insulated Glass: Limited UV protection unless one of the panes is laminated or treated with coatings.
6. Energy Efficiency
- Laminated Glass: Offers minimal thermal insulation on its own.
- Insulated Glass: Superior thermal performance, especially with low-E coatings and gas fills.
7. Safety and Security
- Laminated Glass: Excellent protection against break-ins, falling glass, and flying debris.
- Insulated Glass: May shatter more easily unless paired with laminated or tempered panes.
8. Price Comparison
- Laminated Glass Price: Ranges from $30–$70 per m² depending on thickness, interlayer, and treatments.
- Insulated Glass Price: Starts around $40 per m² for basic double-glazed units and can exceed $100 per m² for triple glazing with coatings or specialty gas fills.
Combined laminated-insulated glass systems will cost more but offer multiple advantages.
When to Use Laminated Glass
- Storefronts and building facades
- Overhead glazing and skylights
- Balcony railings and pool fences
- Impact-resistant doors and hurricane zones
- Airports, hospitals, schools, and sound-sensitive areas
It’s also ideal in any space requiring high safety and sound insulation.
When to Use Insulated Glass
- Residential and commercial windows for thermal control
- Double-glazed curtain walls and facades
- Greenhouses and sunrooms
- Energy-efficient retrofits
- Buildings in extreme climates
Insulated glass is best when indoor temperature control is the primary concern.
Combining Both for Optimal Performance
For projects requiring both thermal insulation and safety, you can choose insulated laminated glass—a unit made of one or more laminated panes within a sealed IGU structure.
This hybrid offers:
- Excellent energy efficiency
- High-impact resistance
- UV filtering
- Sound insulation
- Design flexibility with clear, tinted, or coated finishes
These combinations are commonly used in:
- High-end residential buildings
- Luxury hotels and resorts
- Cultural institutions and performance halls
- Green-certified and LEED projects
Laminated Glass Manufacturers and Custom Options
When sourcing laminated glass or insulated glass, it’s essential to work with experienced laminated glass manufacturers who can:
- Provide performance data (STC ratings, U-values, UV filtering, etc.)
- Customize glass thickness, interlayers, tints, and coatings
- Ensure compliance with local building codes and safety standards
- Offer technical guidance on framing systems and compatibility
Many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly options and fire-rated glass for enhanced sustainability and protection.
Conclusion
Both laminated glass and insulated glass serve vital roles in construction, but they are not interchangeable. Laminated glass is best for safety, security, and noise reduction, while insulated glass is ideal for improving energy performance and thermal comfort.
By understanding their differences—and how they can work together—you can choose the right glazing system to enhance both the safety and efficiency of your building.
If you’re still exploring other glass comparisons, check out this helpful article:
🔗 Laminated Glass vs Annealed Glass