Standard Glass vs. Tempered Glass - Omni Glass & Paint, LLC (2024)

Everyday our workers handle different types of glass from standard glass to tempered glass. Each type of glass is designed to meet specific requirements related to solar control, decoration, security, acoustics, and architecture. In today’s blog post, we’re going to focus on standard glass and tempered glass. What’s the difference?

Standard glass and tempered glass differ in the way they are processed. Standard glass uses an annealing process that forces the glass to cool very rapidly. Standard glass is also popular because it can be reworked. Cutting, reshaping, polishing edges and drilled holes are some customizations that can be done without breaking or shattering regular glass. The downside to the faster annealing process is that the glass is much more fragile. Standard glass breaks into large, irregular shaped shards.

Tempered Glass is about four times stronger than regular class and is known for its safety. And, unlike regular glass, tempered glass fractures into small, relatively harmless pieces. This is possible because during the annealing process the glass is cooled down slowly, which makes the glass much stronger. As a result, tempered glass is used in those environments where human safety is an issue. Applications include side and rear windows in vehicles, entrance doors, shower and tub enclosures, racquetball courts, patio furniture, microwave ovens and skylights.

Standard Glass vs. Tempered Glass - Omni Glass & Paint, LLC (2024)

FAQs

Standard Glass vs. Tempered Glass - Omni Glass & Paint, LLC? ›

Standard glass breaks into large, irregular shaped shards. Tempered Glass is about four times stronger than regular class and is known for its safety.

How much more expensive is tempered glass than regular glass? ›

Tempered glass replacement costs $12 to $14 per square foot. Plate: Plate glass is a type of flat glass used in large picture windows. Plate glass is clear with few irregularities, but it scratches easily and isn't the best insulator. Plate glass costs $25 to $100 per square foot.

How to tell the difference between tempered glass and regular glass squid game? ›

Nontempered glass is always perfectly flat. Sometimes with tempered glass you may get slight roller wave, which would show in certain lighting at certain angles,” he says. When the game masters realized the players were using light to determine safe passage, they turned off the lights.

What is the difference between tempered and non-tempered glass? ›

Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass.

Tempered glass is about 4 times stronger than regular glass, meaning that it can withstand a lot more pressure before shattering. Regular glass, or “annealed” glass, will break at around 6,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

What are the disadvantages of tempered glass? ›

Common Disadvantages of Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

2. Thickness : Tempered glass screen protectors are generally thicker than plastic ones, which may change the tactile feel slightly. 3. Breakage : In the event of a fall or strong impact, the tempered glass screen protector may break.

How to tell if glass is tempered? ›

It may be tempered glass if the edges are rounded and smooth and there are no sharp edges that might cut paper or your flesh. On the other hand, it is not tempered glass if the edges appear too sharp or chipped in certain spots, as may be the case with a pane of glass that covers a photograph in a frame.

Can tempered glass be cut? ›

The glass is much stronger under compression, and in order to break it, the compressive force must first be exceeded. Once you temper a piece of glass, it is not possible to cut it again without shattering it or leaving it weakened and unfit for its original purpose.

Does tempered glass look different than regular glass? ›

If the glass window has been tempered, you will observe darkened shady lines spread across the glass surface. You may also notice spots on the surface of the sheet. These spots won't be visible to the naked eye, but when you wear polarized glasses, you will see these effects from the tempering process.

Is tempered glass stronger than regular glass? ›

Stronger: Rated to withstand surface compression of at least 10,000 psi, tempered glass is about four times stronger than regular glass. This greatly decreases the chance of breaking on impact.

Do I really need tempered glass? ›

For most people, a tempered-glass protector will be the best choice, because it offers the highest level of damage prevention and has a smooth touch.

Is it better to have tempered glass? ›

Tempered glass is preferred in areas where strength, safety, and thermal resistant properties are needed. Tempering glass will increase strength, thermal shock resistance, and safety of the glass itself. Tempered glass also has an increased ability to withstand heat over annealed glass.

Are tempered glass worth it? ›

Tempered glass protectors provide dependable protection against daily threats such as keys, coins, and mild drops. They efficiently prevent scratches from common items while maintaining the smoothness and clarity of the screen.

Can tempered glass be cut or drilled? ›

No. Under no circ*mstances can tempered glass, used in the construction of shower doors and enclosures, be cut or drilled. Tempered glass would shatter completely if any attempt is made to cut or drill it.

Can I cut tempered glass with a glass cutter? ›

Heating the custom tempered glass at a high temperature removes the stress points. These stress points cause the toughened glass to shatter on cutting. Without them, the toughened glass is just an ordinary piece of glass that can be cut with a glass cutter.

Is tempered glass cheaper than glass? ›

The Manufacturing Process. One of the reasons why tempered glass costs more than regular glass types is because of its manufacturing process. Unlike standard annealed glass that cools slowly after being heated in an oven, tempered glass undergoes rapid heating and cooling to increase its strength.

Does tempered glass cost more? ›

Tempered glass, which is annealed glass that has been further strengthened during the manufacturing process, costs slightly more than annealed but the cost of custom cutting this type of glass is similar, so the total cost is about the same as annealed glass.

Is tempered glass better than regular glass? ›

Tempered glass is stronger and safer than regular glass. Tempered glass is about four times stronger than regular glass and is known for its safety. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, round pieces rather than sharp, jagged shards.

Is tempered glass cheaper? ›

Tempered glass is also costly to purchase and definitely more expensive than standard glass, but less costly than laminated glass. Depending on the preferences of a commercial building owner, the cost is another point of difference that dictates the choice between laminated and tempered glass.

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