Glass is a common sight in modern homes and is a popular choice for those revamping their balustrades or looking for a durable, easy-to-clean shower screen.
Whilst it’s a much-loved interior design option, many homeowners considering incorporating glass in their living spaces are concerned about safety.
Read on as the experts over at Express Toughening explore everything you need to know about toughened glass, exploring everything from its robust construction to essential maintenance requirements, in this article!
What is toughened glass?
Toughened glass, also commonly referred to as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that’s thermally treated to increase its strength.
This process makes toughened glass much stronger than standard, everyday alternatives, and is less of a safety concern if it breaks (although it’s extremely unlikely, thanks to its high impact resistance!).
How is toughened glass made?
So, now you know what toughened glass is…
But how is it made? Put simply, toughened glass is made by heating regular glass to a high temperature, before rapidly cooling it.
This process creates tension and compression in the glass, making it much stronger, safer, and more versatile, compared to other glass products.
Is toughened glass safe to use in my home?
Absolutely! In the unlikely event of toughened glass breaking, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than large, sharp shards – thanks to enhanced impact resistance – making it much less likely to cause injury.
Toughened glass is also much more resistant to heat and can withstand rapid temperature changes, making it ideal for high-temperature areas and reducing the risk of thermal breakage.
What are the benefits of toughened glass?
Safety aside, there are many ways you can benefit from incorporating toughened glass into your home’s design, including:
- Sound reduction – Compared to standard glass, toughened glass boasts twice the soundproofing capabilities, making it ideal for noisier areas of the home.
- Heat resistance – Being able to withstand temperatures of up to 250°C, toughened glass is a great choice for fire surrounds, kitchen splashbacks, and other high-temperature applications around the home.
- Enhanced durability – Thanks to the extensive heating and rapid cooling treatment, toughened glass is much more durable and less prone to breakage, so is a great choice for balustrades, shelving, tabletops, and more!
- Versatility – Being clear, glass can be paired with all sorts of colours and textures, so it’s guaranteed to slot seamlessly in with the rest of your interior!
How long does toughened glass last?
Toughened glass can last in your home for many years, and in some cases, will stand strong for up to 30 years (or more!).
However, its exact longevity depends on several different factors, including installation, maintenance, and environmental conditions.
Poorly installed toughened glass won’t last as long as professionally installed pieces. And the better you maintain your toughened glass, the longer it’ll last in your home. Indoor applications also tend to last longer than outdoor applications that are exposed to harsh weather conditions.
To maintain toughened glass around your home, be it your balustrade, kitchen splashback, or anything else, dust it regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, and gently clean it with a mild solution of warm water and dish soap. Make sure to steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing tools, as these can cause damage to the surface of the glass, and avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to avoid streaks.
Order toughened glass online
Toughened glass is one of the safest choices for your home, and there are plenty of options available to shop online to enhance your space.
To find out more, or for help choosing the perfect glass products for your home, get in touch with the specialists over at Express Toughening today!