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Laminated Glass

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Laminated Glass

Close-up of custom glass shower doors with a beveled glass edge, showcasing high-quality tempered glass craftsmanship and design.
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Laminated Glass

Laminated glass, known for its exceptional strength and security features, is indispensable in a wide range of applications. This glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass with a third very thin layer made of polymer and undergoes a meticulous process involving heat and pressure. The plastic interlayer holds the shards together in cases of breakage, adding to its resilience against shattering upon impact. Laminated glass sets the standard for safety in diverse settings — ranging from hurricane-prone regions and high-security environments. It is widely preferred over tempered alternatives in various industries.

Custom tempered glass panels showcasing bevelled edges, ideal for shower doors, table tops, and mirrors in a modern setting.
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What is laminated glass?

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass known for its exceptional impact resistance and security features. This type of safety glass is made by bonding layers of glass together with one or more interlayers. This unique construction strengthens the glass, making it highly resistant to shattering upon impact. As the thickness of the glass increases, so does its ability to block harmful UV rays. These characteristics make laminated glass an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, particularly in environments where prioritizing impact resistance and increased safety is essential.

Customizable Options for Laminated Sheet

At Dulles Glass, we provide tailored solutions to meet your laminated glass requirements. Available in ¼ inch thickness and rectangular or square shape, offering flexibility in design. Choose your desired size and revel in the sleek finish of straight corners with meticulous edgework for a refined appearance. Simply select your size, confirm your order, and we'll expertly cut your customized selection to perfection.

Glass Shape

Choose a square or rectangle shape.

Glass Dimensions

We custom fabricate to the exact measurements provided by you or your dxf file.

Edge Style for Custom Glass

Choose between a flat, beveled, or pencil polished edge on your glass purchase!

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Laminated glass vs. Tempered glass

Laminated glass and tempered glass each have unique benefits for different purposes. A laminated glass panel is formed by two sheets of glass permanently bonded with a PVB interlayer through heat and pressure. This unique construction provides strong protection against natural disasters and break-ins, making it ideal for roofs, window applications, and doors. When laminated glass breaks, it doesn't fall off like the other glass types. Its impact resistance and sound insulation properties also make it a favored choice for glazing materials in building constructions.

On the other hand, tempered glass is formed from a single piece of glass through a thermal process. This rapid heating and cooling process creates tension within the glass, enhancing its strength and durability significantly. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, pebble-like pieces making it ideal for interior applications such as shower doors, glass shelves, and partition walls. It's widely employed in architecture – especially in buildings and skyscrapers with large windows. It's also utilized in various settings like vehicles, fridge shelves, skylights, shower doors, and storm doors, ensuring both safety and durability. 

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Shattered glass pieces and a close-up of cracked glass, illustrating custom glass options like tempered glass and beveled glass edges for shower doors, table tops, and mirrors.

Laminated vs. Annealed Glass

Annealed glass and laminated glass serve different purposes due to their unique properties. Annealed glass, commonly known as "float glass," is the standard and more affordable option compared to laminated glass. However, when ordinary glass breaks, it shatters into sharp pieces that may cause injury concerns that must be considered alongside its cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, laminated glass is engineered to be impenetrable — with its design ensuring that glass shards stay intact upon breakage, providing heightened security against forced entry. When choosing between the two, it's important to consider the specific needs and requirements of the project.

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Custom glass railing with tempered glass panels and sleek curve, surrounded by greenery, showcasing modern design elements suitable for shower doors, table tops, and mirrors.

Is laminated glass breakable?

Although laminated glass panels are durable, they can still break under certain conditions. Unlike float glass which can shatter into sharp pieces and fall apart upon impact, laminated glass retains its structure due to the plastic interlayer, reducing risk for specific scenarios. This PVB interlayer makes it harder to penetrate, making it an ideal material for safety applications.

What are the advantages of laminated glass?

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Improved Security

Laminated glass panels have some solid advantages, especially when it comes to security. Unlike regular glass, it doesn't break into sharp pieces when shattered because it's held together by a layer of PVB providing impact protection. This makes it tougher to break through, making it a smart choice for windows and doors in places where break-ins are a concern. And even if it does break, it stays in one piece, reducing the risk of someone getting hurt.

Modern retail storefront showcasing custom glass doors and displays, featuring mannequins in stylish clothing, highlighted by sleek, tempered glass elements and a chic interior design.

Noise Reduction

Laminated glass units are a go-to solution for sound control, especially in buildings located in busy areas. Its multi-layer construction contributes to reduced noise pollution from the outside, improving the overall tranquility indoors. The thickness of the glass and the spacing between layers further enhance this effect, filtering out noises from outside.

Modern interior featuring large custom glass windows with a stunning view, highlighting the use of tempered glass and sleek design elements, ideal for showcasing shower doors, table tops, and beveled glass edge applications.

Solar Control

Laminated glass window panels bring impressive solar control benefits to the table, including protection against harmful UV rays that cause furnishings to fade. It effectively blocks over 95% of these damaging rays while still allowing pleasant natural light to filter through, thanks to its special plastic interlayer. This means not only maintaining a comfortable indoor environment but also preserving the quality of interior décor and furnishings over time.

Modern office space featuring glass walls, highlighting custom glass elements and a sleek design; suitable for showcasing shower doors, table tops, mirrors, and tempered glass installations.

Excellent Insulating Glass Unit

Laminated glass is a favored material for insulated glass units for its excellent performance, making it a top choice for window glazing in buildings. Not only does it enhance safety and minimize noise, but it also significantly reduces heat transfer. This is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and cutting down on energy costs. By effectively insulating against exterior conditions, laminated glass helps create a more energy-efficient environment. The thickness of the glass and the spacing between panes play key roles in ensuring maximum thermal efficiency, contributing to significant energy savings and reduced emissions over time. 

What are the disadvantages of laminated glass?

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Cost

Laminated glass tends to cost more compared to regular and tempered glass due to its intricate manufacturing process and the materials required. The use of resin and the multiple layers of glass panes, along with the additional steps of heating and pressure treatment, contribute to its higher price tag.

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Weight

Due to its layered composition and thickness, laminated glass is heavier than normal glass. This can present logistical challenges during both transportation and installation. Its increased weight may require adjustments to existing structures to support the heavier panes, adding complexity and potentially increasing costs. While laminated glass offers impact protection, its weight disadvantage necessitates careful planning and consideration.

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Maintenance

Laminated glass panels are prone to delamination and deterioration when the edges are exposed to water or condensation for extended periods. The choice of interlayer affects its performance, with PVB exhibiting poor water resistance and EVA prone to yellowing or blackening under UV rays from sunlight. An alternative, SGP laminated glass, offers advantages such as higher load-bearing capacity, better tear strength, and a reduced risk of yellowing after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it's essential to carefully weigh these factors when choosing laminated glass for various settings.

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Visual Display

One drawback of laminated glass relates to its impact on visual display. The presence of a PVB layer within the laminated glass can compromise its visual quality, leading to a reduction in clarity to some extent. Laminated glass may not be the ideal material of choice for specific applications where achieving maximum clarity is important.

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Close-up of a sleek custom glass balcony railing with a tempered glass edge, showcasing modern design and quality craftsmanship.

What is laminated glass used for?

Laminated glass is incredibly versatile, finding its way into various applications thanks to its unique qualities. In the automotive industry, it's commonly used for laminated windshield, providing not just safety but also soundproofing and UV protection.

You'll also see it used in places where security is important, like iconic landmarks or government buildings, where it acts as bullet-resistant glass. Closer to home, laminated glass adds an extra layer of security to residential and commercial spaces, especially in areas prone to break-ins. In disaster-prone regions, buildings fortified with laminated glass stand a better chance against nature's fury, whether it's hurricanes or tornadoes. From architectural applications to practical solutions like laminated glazing, this glass does it all, offering safety and even soundproofing benefits.

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Tempered glass corner detail showcasing a sleek finish for custom shower doors, table tops, and mirrors with a beveled glass edge.

How do you identify laminated glass?

Identifying laminated glass panes is a straightforward process. Simply look for a code or a stamp that's usually printed on the edge or corner of the glass panes. Unlike normal glass, laminated safety glass is characterized by a visible interlayer, providing a distinct visual cue. Another thing that you can do to identify a laminated glass is to gently knock on a single sheet. Laminated glass produces a different sound compared to annealed or tempered glass panels, although this may require an ear attuned to the subtle acoustic nuances. These simple yet effective methods offer a practical approach for anyone seeking to identify this specialized glass type. 

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Custom clear tempered glass display panel with beveled edges, ideal for shower doors, table tops, and mirrors.

Is laminated glass a safety glass?

Yes, laminated glass is indeed considered a type of safety glass, also called toughened glass. Safety glass is specially designed to reduce the risk of injury in case the glass breaks. Laminated glass achieves this through a unique construction where two or more layers of glass are bonded together with a thin layer of plastic, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This means that even if the glass cracks upon impact, the plastic layer holds the broken pieces together, preventing them from shattering into sharp, dangerous shards. This makes laminated safety glass a popular choice for applications where safety is a concern, such as car windshields side windows, and building windows. Its ability to maintain integrity even after breaking makes it a reliable option for protecting people from potential harm.

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Balconies with glass railings on a modern building, showcasing custom glass designs and tempered glass features.

Where is laminated glass used in construction?

Laminated glass finds widespread use in construction, particularly in areas with high-rise buildings demanding both safety and aesthetic considerations. Its versatility is evident in various applications, such as glass railings, floors, skylights, roofs, sunspaces, and glass facades. The unique property of remaining intact when broken makes laminated glass an excellent choice for overhead glazing materials, contributing to the overall safety of buildings. In regions prone to hurricanes, this resilient glass is frequently used in exterior storefronts and windows, providing a protective barrier against severe weather conditions. Its adaptability and safety features make the benefits of laminated glass indispensable in modern construction, seamlessly combining functionality and design.

Helpful Resources for Laminated Glass

Help & Installation Videos

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a series of helpful videos for you.

More Helpful Tips

From how to clean laminated glass to current glass trends. We have a collection of helpful tips for you!

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Dulles Glass

Dulles Glass is your online retailer for custom-cut glass, mirrors, and shower doors. We fabricate your glass your way, ship it to you free of charge nationwide, and provide our professional installation service in limited geographic areas.

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