Tempered Glass offers increased safety and security in a couple of ways. First, it is much more durable than regular glass – about four to five times stronger. This means that it is less likely to break in the first place, but if it does, there is another safety feature in place. When tempered glass is broken, it breaks down into small, pebble-like pieces that are not sharp and pointed like normal glass shards. This greatly reduces the risk of cuts and can make clean-up quicker and easier.

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Providing an impressive level of safety, laminated glass is composed of two layers of glass with a layer of vinyl in between. The glass adheres to the vinyl even if it is fractured, so the glass will remain intact although the glass is cracked. Shards and sharp sections of glass will not detach and pose a threat of injury. A skylight is an example of an application where laminated glass would be required.

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Acrylic/Plexiglas sheeting, which is not actual glass, is another useful type of safety glazing. It is even more durable than tempered glass and is also resistant to yellowing caused by exposure to sunlight. Plexiglas acrylic sheeting is available in a variety of colors, and it offers an attractive look with high durability.

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Polycarbonate/Lexan sheeting is our most durable safety glazing. It is basically indestructible and a great choice for applications where security is a major concern. Lexan is highly flexible and resistant to even violent impact. In its standard form, however, it is less resistant to becoming yellowed by the sun than Plexiglas. Like acrylic, it offers the appearance of glass with increased strength.