Tempered glass is a unique material processed under extreme heat before it’s cooled quickly. As a result, the structure of the glass becomes significantly more durable than standard glass. It has many uses, including shower doors, aquariums, passenger vehicles windows, plates, and cookware. The following guide explores some features that make tempered glass better suited for certain uses than standard or annealed glass.

Why Is Tempered Glass So Widely Used?

1. Safety

One of the primary reasons people install tempered glass on shower doors, enclosures, windows, and other glass features is safety. When regular glass breaks, it shatters into shards that can quickly cause injury. Sometimes fragments are small enough to overlook, so you can prick yourself long after cleaning the broken glass. The tempered variety, however, breaks into small, round pieces instead of jagged shards. 

2. Durability

It takes a lot of force to shatter tempered glass. The process used to make the material gives it enough strength to withstand minor explosions, strong winds, and direct strikes. It will break evenly and crumble when it shatters instead of falling apart with force, sending shards through the air. The material’s durability makes it desirable for car windows, mobile device protectors, and other items for which broken glass is common.

3. Heat-Resistance

Tempered glass has excellent heat resistance because it’s made under temperatures exceeding 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike the molecules in annealed glass, the tempered molecules will not weaken or melt under direct heat, making the glass strong enough to withstand flames without damage. For this reason, tempered glass is used for dishware, laboratory equipment, and windows in buildings with strict fire codes.

4. Clarity

Despite the treatment of tempered glass during its production, it still offers exceptional clarity.  Its transparency rivals standard glass, making it an excellent material for custom glass features in and out of the home, such as frameless shower doors, custom glass cabinetry, and commercial glass windows for displays. However, it’s versatile enough to be made into various patterns to accommodate different designs.

Whether you want to incorporate tempered or standard glass in features within your home or business, reach out to Furniture City Glass & Mirror. Located in High Point, NC, and serving clients throughout the Triad Area for over 50 years, this team specializes in custom glass solutions. They provide everything from shower doors for bathroom renovations to glass features for retail outlets. Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable glass specialist by calling (336) 841-5333 or visiting them online.