What’s the Difference Between Tempered and Laminate Windshield Glass?

Learn the Key Differences Between Tempered & Laminated Glass

Have you ever wondered how auto glass remains strong and intact despite facing harsh road conditions every day? Auto glass differs from typical glass in that it is made from either tempered or laminated glass. Each of these types of automotive glass is designed to be strong, durable, and shatter-resistant, which is why they are both safe choices for windshield and window glass in modern vehicles. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between tempered vs. laminated glass, so you know which is right for your vehicle’s windshield.

What Is Laminated Glass?

Laminating refers to the process of uniting materials through layering. In the case of laminated safety glass windows, two or more layers of glass are adhered to a layer of plastic or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which will thicken, stabilize, and strengthen the glass to improve insulation, soundproofing, UV protection, and overall durability. Additionally, laminated glass may be pre-tinted, as the plastic or vinyl layer can be clear or tinted depending on its use.

Key Features of Automotive Laminated Glass

Laminated glass has several key features that make it ideal for automotive use. First, instead of shattering into projectile pieces when broken, laminated glass sticks to the plastic or vinyl inside its layers, allowing it to hold together. If you’ve ever seen a car with a caved-in windshield, you have seen laminated glass in action—even though the glass is broken, it stays held in place. This can significantly reduce the risk of injuries during an auto accident. As an added bonus, laminated glass can be repaired when it has small chips or cracks. Windshield repair can significantly prolong the life of your vehicle’s windshield, ensuring it remains safe and secure on the road.

What Is Tempered Glass?

As its name suggests, tempered glass is glass that has been exposed to high temperatures to increase its strength. The tempering process involves heating a piece of glass to around 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and then rapidly cooling it. As a result of this process, the glass is more flexible, so it can be bent and curved, making it ideal for use in vehicles. Tempered glass is about 4-5 times stronger than non-tempered glass of the same thickness. In addition to its use in the automotive industry, tempered glass is often favored for constructing skyscrapers and making electronic screens.

Key Features of Tempered Glass

Along with its exceptional strength, tempered glass is known for its safety. When tempered glass breaks, it does not crack into sharp shards, but rather small, blunt pieces. These are much less likely to cause lacerations and other injuries. Additionally, tempered glass is highly resistant to impacts and temperature changes. However, one drawback of tempered glass is that it cannot be repaired once it is chipped or cracked. Even a small fracture in the glass is not repairable, so tempered glass will need to be replaced as soon as it sustains any type of minor damage.

Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: What’s the Difference?

Both tempered and laminated glass are strong types of glass that are commonly used in the automotive industry. However, they have distinct applications based on their key features. Tempered glass is more commonly used as window glass, while laminated glass is used for front and rear windshields. Automotive laminated glass is preferred for windshields because it provides enhanced structural support for the vehicle’s airbags, improved sound insulation, and UV protection. Perhaps most importantly, laminated glass prevents glass shards from flying into the cabin during any sort of collision or impact to the windshield.

Need More Guidance? Call D.K. Boos Glass Inc.

To learn more about all things glass in Olympia, WA, or schedule an auto glass estimate, contact D.K. Boos Glass Inc. From automotive glass repair to RV windshield replacement to residential and commercial glass, we do it all. We have been in business since 1978, and we always offer free estimates for any project.