Doors, showers, balustrades and low windows often need safety glass, because ordinary glass can break into dangerous shards. TemperedGlass.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent glass suppliers and glaziers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not sell, cut or install glass ourselves. There is no fee and no obligation, and you can compare safety glass quotes before you decide.
Types of safety glass
Safety glass is the name for glass that is made to break more safely. There are two main types, and some jobs use both together.
- Toughened (tempered) glass: heat-treated for strength. When it breaks, it crumbles into small, blunt cubes.
- Laminated glass: two or more layers bonded to a plastic interlayer. When it breaks, the pieces stay stuck to the interlayer.
Safety film applied to existing glass can also hold broken pieces together, but it is not the same as safety glass. Toughened glass suits most doors and showers. Laminated glass suits overhead glazing and security.
Regulations: where safety glass is needed
SANS 10400-N, the glazing part of the National Building Regulations, and SANS 10137 on installation set where safety glass is required. This generally includes doors, side panels next to doors, low-level glazing near floors, shower and bath enclosures, balustrades and large panes.
Do not guess. Ask your glazier to confirm what the regulations require for your opening. Safety glass should carry a permanent etched safety mark showing the type and the standard, SANS 1263. Insurers and body corporates may ask to see it.
Thickness and fitting
Thickness depends on the size of the pane, how it is supported and what it is for. Typical choices are 6 mm for shelves and splashbacks, 8 to 10 mm for showers, 10 to 12 mm for frameless doors, and 12 mm or thicker for balustrades and pool fences.
- Order to exact sizes, since toughened panes cannot be cut later.
- Use hinges, patch fittings and fixings rated for the glass weight.
- At the coast, ask for stainless 316 fittings.
What affects your quote
Safety glass cost depends on the job, so we never give prices here. Suppliers will ask about:
- The type: toughened, laminated or laminated toughened.
- The thickness, size and number of panes.
- Holes, notches, hardware and edge finish.
- Delivery distance and lead time.
- Whether you want supply only or supply and installation.
Say what the glass is for, and the supplier can advise on the right type.
Comparing safety glass quotes
Glass is made to order once it is toughened, so the details matter. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact glass: the type, thickness, colour (clear, low-iron, tinted or frosted) and edge finish, so every quote is for the same thing.
- Processing: holes, cut-outs, notches and polishing included, all done before toughening.
- Lead time and delivery: how long processing takes, delivery or collection, and how the panes are packed.
- VAT and changes: whether VAT is included, how long the price holds and what happens if a size is wrong.
What to include in your request
- Say where the glass will be fitted.
- Give the size of each pane in millimetres.
- State whether you want toughened or laminated glass.
- Mention any holes, hinges or fittings needed.
- Ask the supplier to confirm what suits your opening.
Frequently asked questions
Does TemperedGlass.co.za sell safety glass?
Where do the regulations require safety glass?
What thickness of safety glass do I need?
Is safety glass the same as laminated glass?
Safety Glass by province
- Safety Glass Gauteng
- Safety Glass Mpumalanga
- Safety Glass North West
- Safety Glass Limpopo
- Safety Glass Northern Cape
- Safety Glass Free State
- Safety Glass KwaZulu-Natal
- Safety Glass Eastern Cape
- Safety Glass Western Cape
Safety Glass by city and town
- Safety Glass in Johannesburg
- Safety Glass in Pretoria
- Safety Glass in Centurion
- Safety Glass in Midrand
- Safety Glass in Sandton
- Safety Glass in Randburg
- Safety Glass in Roodepoort
- Safety Glass in Krugersdorp
- Safety Glass in Randfontein
- Safety Glass in Germiston
- Safety Glass in Boksburg
- Safety Glass in Benoni
- Safety Glass in Kempton Park
- Safety Glass in Alberton
- Safety Glass in Vanderbijlpark
- Safety Glass in Vereeniging
- Safety Glass in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Safety Glass in Middelburg
- Safety Glass in Secunda
- Safety Glass in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Safety Glass in Rustenburg
- Safety Glass in Brits
- Safety Glass in Klerksdorp
- Safety Glass in Potchefstroom
- Safety Glass in Polokwane
- Safety Glass in Tzaneen
- Safety Glass in Lephalale
- Safety Glass in Kimberley
- Safety Glass in Kathu
- Safety Glass in Upington
- Safety Glass in Bloemfontein
- Safety Glass in Welkom
- Safety Glass in Sasolburg
- Safety Glass in Durban
- Safety Glass in Pinetown
- Safety Glass in Pietermaritzburg
- Safety Glass in Richards Bay
- Safety Glass in Newcastle
- Safety Glass in Ladysmith
- Safety Glass in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Safety Glass in East London
- Safety Glass in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Safety Glass in Cape Town
- Safety Glass in Bellville
- Safety Glass in Paarl
- Safety Glass in Stellenbosch
- Safety Glass in George
- Safety Glass in Worcester
