What Are Laminated Glass Windows?
June 29, 2021 by
fotex
Have you thought about adding security glass windows to your home? If you’ve heard of laminated glass before, you might be wondering, “what are laminated glass windows?” Today, we’ll go over what they are and what makes them a “safety glass.” Whether you’ve experienced a break-in before or just want to keep your family as safe as possible, we’ve got the windows for you!
How Are Laminated Windows Constructed?
Laminated glass windows consist of multiple layers; two panes of glass and an interlayer (usually a vinyl material). Heat and pressure are applied to create an inseparable bond between the glass and vinyl material. When the window’s impacted, instead of shattering and falling to the ground, the interlayer holds the glass fragments together. Think of the spiderweb crack you see when a rock hits your car windshield. Even when broken, the windows don’t pose a threat of injury to the occupants since no glass shards go flying or scatter on the floor.
A French chemist got the idea for laminated glass when a flask in his laboratory had become coated with plastic cellulose nitrate. He found that the flask shattered when dropped but didn’t break into pieces. It was eventually patented for vehicles to help reduce injuries from car accidents. Today, the glass is also found in skylights, frameless glass railings, and tall buildings’ windows. Not surprisingly, it’s often found in homes that are near golf courses!
They Help Prevent Break-Ins
When an intruder tries to access the home through the windows, they’ll find that laminated windows are quite challenging to get past. It’s five times stronger than regular glass and may delay forced entry by a couple of minutes or prevent it altogether. In addition to providing a strong barrier against forced entry, it’s also resistant to glass cutters. Our windows have passed the most stringent industry safety codes, such as the American Society of Testing Materials standard for preventing forced entry ASTM F1233.
Laminated Glass Has Soundproofing & UV Protection Properties
Laminated glass windows can help make your home feel a little more serene, as the interlayer helps absorb and reduce the transmission of outdoor sounds. While the glass’s main purpose isn’t for soundproofing, it’s certainly a great benefit! It’s commonly added to homes that live near airports to help reduce the noise of overhead airplanes.
Another added benefit is that it helps protect your furniture, carpets, floors, and fabrics from fading. Laminated glass can block over 95% of UV rays that can cause sun damage and discoloration. Even while effectively blocking out UV rays, it still lets in plenty of visible light, allowing sunlight to brighten up your home. It’s virtually invisible and will give you crystal clear views of your surroundings! Even with the interlayer between the glass, it has little to no effect on the view.
Laminated Glass Windows at United Builders
Now that you know what laminated glass windows are, it’s time to upgrade your home! If your windows have had a couple of close encounters with baseballs, golf balls, or any other object, laminated windows will help keep your family safe from broken shards of glass. We highly recommend them if you have a skylight in your home, and we can add the glass to patio doors as well! If you have any questions or you’re ready to improve the safety of your home, give us a call at (619) 583-7171.