When most people think of the windows in their homes they often think of annealed glass. This is the most common type of window pane and is found in all homes. However, there are many situations where tempered glass is a better option. Tempered glass is manufactured through a process that makes it significantly harder than annealed glass. It is also able to withstand a significant amount of heat. The manufacturing process involves heating the glass to very high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it using blasts of air. This causes the outer layers of the glass to cool faster than the inside. The result is that the inner layers are pulled away from the outside layers, creating a tension force that changes how the glass shatters. Rather than shattering into jagged, sharp pieces, tempered glass is able to shatter into rounded granules that are much safer for people around it.

The rounded shards of tempered glass are also easier to clean up after a break. This is a major benefit of this type of window, especially in areas where the risk of injury is higher. It’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for businesses that require safety precautions and even some residential applications.

In addition to safety, tempered glass can also help protect your home from extreme weather conditions. It is able to resist thermal stress and can provide protection from wind-blown embers during a wildfire. This is a great way to ensure your family’s safety while you evacuate your home during a natural disaster or wildfire.

Another benefit of tempered glass is that it provides improved solar control properties. The thermal stability that is created helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can help minimize utility bills. This is particularly important if you live in an area that experiences frequent temperature fluctuations.

Tempered glass is also a good choice for doors and entryways because it can reduce the chance of an intruder breaking in and gaining access to your home. Because tempered glass is so much stronger than standard glass, it can be difficult for burglars to manipulate and break. It is also more resistant to shock and impact than annealed glass, making it more difficult for intruders to escape from your home with a broken door or window.

You can recognize a tempered glass window by the official stamp or etching that indicates it meets all of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and American National Standards Institute requirements for safety glass. If you are unsure whether a window or door is tempered, you can test it by scoring the surface with a sharp object. A sheet of tempered glass will show clear lines on the score, while an annealed one will appear blurry and flaky. You can also check for a tempered window by looking at it through polarized glasses. The polarized glass will cause the window to show distinct lines that are easily seen.