When it comes to auto glass, many drivers are unfamiliar with its two types: tempered and laminated. Each option is designed for a specific purpose, so they get installed in different areas of your vehicle. If you need to replace glass, discover the differences between these two types to determine which you'll need.

Tempered

This product is made by rapidly heating and cooling a precut piece of glass in a tempering furnace. A process known as quenching hardens the material, making it four to five times tougher. It is sometimes treated with chemicals and heat to give it a more stable internal stress capacity and prevent it from breaking when subjected to an applied force.

In most modern vehicles, this material is used for the passenger side and rear windows. Like other types of glass, it shatters when struck hard. However, instead of breaking into shards likely to cause serious injury, it cracks into little, pebble-like fragments with no sharp edges.

Laminated

This material is made by pressing and heating multiple glass layers with a sheet of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin in between. The resulting product is stronger than single-ply tempered glass. PVB not only reinforces the material but also allows it to flex and bend in the case of an impact, decreasing the likelihood of shattered fragments.

It can withstand a high impact without breaking into dangerous flying shards during a collision, making it the preferred choice for front windshields. If a passenger gets ejected from their seat in an accident, the material can help protect them. The laminated auto glass acts as a barrier and a cushion to keep them inside the vehicle. This option can even shield you from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Whether you need tempered or laminated auto glass for your vehicle, count on Badger Glass in Anchorage, AK, for quality products and services. This shop has certified technicians who can ensure proper installation, replacement, and repair of damaged windshields and car windows. Call (907) 522-3927 for same-day service, and view their complete list of services online.