Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that’s treated with heat to make it much stronger and safer than standard glass. This type of glass is commonly used in places where glass needs to withstand pressure, potential impacts, or major temperature changes.
At Statesville Glass & Shower Door, we frequently work with tempered glass in many different projects for a wide variety of applications. Over the years, we’ve heard several myths about tempered glass and have put this article together to debunk some common misconceptions. Here are some common myths about tempered glass that you shouldn’t believe:
- Tempered glass is unbreakable. While tempered glass is stronger than annealed glass, it can still break if enough force is applied or if something gets stuck on a vulnerable edge.
- Tempered glass spontaneously explodes. While spontaneous breakage can happen with tempered glass, it is very rare. When an explosion does happen, it’s usually due to an extreme temperature change, damage to the edges during installation, or stress on the frame.
- All tempered glass is the same strength. Strength varies based on thickness, the tempering process, and manufacturer quality. Like anything, not all tempered glass performs equally.
- Tempered glass cracks before failing. Unlike annealed glass, tempered glass won’t usually crack gradually. Instead, it tends to shatter instantly into small cubes when the stress threshold is exceeded.
If you have any questions about tempered glass and if it’s the right fit for your needs, we’re happy to provide more information. Contact us today to learn more or to discuss your glass project with our experienced team.
