Description

Laminated Glass: Safety, Security, and Sound Control in One

Laminated glass is a superior safety and performance glazing solution, offering enhanced security, noise reduction, and UV protection compared to traditional annealed glass. It's constructed by bonding two or more layers of glass with a strong, transparent interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas®. This interlayer is the key to laminated glass's unique properties.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: In the event of breakage, the interlayer holds the glass fragments together, preventing sharp shards from scattering. This significantly reduces the risk of injury, making it ideal for applications where safety is paramount, such as:
  • Residential applications: Doors, windows, balustrades, shower enclosures in homes with children or pets.
  • Commercial applications: Storefronts, partitions, skylights in high-traffic areas.
  • Automotive applications: Windshields and side windows in vehicles.
• Improved Security: The strong interlayer resists penetration, making laminated glass a more effective deterrent against break-ins compared to standard glass. This increased security can contribute to lower insurance premiums.
• Superior Sound Insulation: The interlayer effectively dampens sound waves, providing improved noise reduction compared to standard glass. This is especially beneficial in areas with high levels of ambient noise, such as:
  • Noise-sensitive environments: Homes near busy roads or airports.
  • Commercial buildings: Offices, restaurants, and other spaces requiring noise control.
• UV Protection: The interlayer blocks a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, helping to protect furniture, artwork, and occupants from sun damage and fading.
• Variety of Applications: Laminated glass can be used in a wide range of applications, including:
  • Architectural glazing: Windows, doors, curtain walls, skylights.
  • Furniture: Tabletops, shelves, display cases.
  • Transportation: Automotive windshields, train windows, aircraft windows.

Specifications:

• Thickness: Available in a variety of thicknesses, typically ranging from 4mm to 25mm+, depending on the number of glass layers and the interlayer used. Custom thicknesses are often available.
• Interlayer: Commonly uses PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) or SentryGlas®, each offering slightly different properties in terms of strength, clarity, and UV protection.
• Glass Type: Can be combined with various types of glass, including annealed, tempered, and heat-strengthened glass, to further customize performance.
• Color Options: Available in clear, tinted, and even patterned options to suit aesthetic preferences and design requirements.

Choosing the Right Laminated Glass:

The optimal type of laminated glass depends on the specific application and desired performance characteristics. Factors to consider include:

• Security requirements: Higher security applications may require thicker glass and/or a stronger interlayer like SentryGlas®.
• Sound insulation needs: The thickness and type of glass and interlayer impact sound reduction capabilities.
• UV protection requirements: Applications where UV protection is crucial may benefit from specific interlayer options.
• Aesthetic preferences: Color and pattern choices will impact the overall look and feel.

Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and receive a customized quote for your laminated glass project.