Tempered glass is a special type of glass that is safer than standard glass. Certain types of windows and doors necessitate the use of tempered glass precisely because it is safer. However, you may not know when residential windows need to be tempered and when they don’t. Read on to find out if your home could benefit from tempered windows.
Basically, if windows have the potential for human impact, they must have tempered glass. You’ve likely already got a few areas in your home in mind from this. Here, we’ll go into further detail about what tempered glass is as well as when residential windows need to be tempered. If you ever have any specific window questions regarding your home, it’s best to direct them to your local window professionals, as they will be able to assist you with your specific needs.
What Are Tempered Windows?
Tempered glass is safer than your typical glass. If it breaks, it produces dull cubes rather than sharp jagged pieces. It is stronger than standard glass, which also helps to minimize danger in the event of breakage.
Tempered glass is manufactured through extreme heating and rapid cooling in order to be harder and stronger than normal glass. It does not scratch easily, can be used practically anywhere glass is needed, is crystal clear, and is heat-resistant. It is 4+ times stronger than standard glass, making it less likely to shatter and safer for use in high-traffic areas.
When Do Residential Windows Need To Be Tempered?
Basically, you need tempered windows if there’s a chance that someone could fall into or strike a window.
Some of the factors that cause residential windows to need to be tempered are as follows:
- Glazing is less than 18 inches above the floor
- Top of glass is less than 36 inches above the floor
- Size exceeds 9 sqare feet
- Glass is within 36 inches of where people walk
- Windows or sidelights are within 24 inches of a door
- Window is less than 60 inches from floor of bathtub or shower
- Window is on a staircase landing or within 60 inches of a landing or staircase in any direction
Tempered glass is typically used for glass doors in the bathroom and near stairs. Doors made of glass are tempered, like shower doors, sliding doors, French doors, and the like.
Do All Of Your Windows Need To Be Tempered Glass?
No, you don’t need to make all of your windows tempered glass, but there are instances where it is required for them to be in order to meet code. This is sure to be a relief, since tempered glass is more expensive than standard glass.
Leave The Worry To Trusted Window Professionals
Are you concerned about knowing what windows need to be tempered and which can go without tempering? The last thing that you want is to not install tempered windows where they should be. You also don’t want to waste money by putting tempered glass everywhere if it doesn’t need to be.
Fortunately, when you leave your windows to experienced professionals, you don’t need to worry about this. We here at Peak Windows have years of experience under our belts. We know exactly what windows need to be made out of tempered glass and which ones don’t. Trust us to ensure that your home windows are safe, secure, and made of the appropriate materials for their purpose and location.
We provide all sorts of different window services throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. From black windows to broken glass repair to replacement windows and more, we’re here to ensure that your windows fulfill your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our window services and how we can help you.