Understanding the Differences Between Glass Types: Safety, Purpose & Best Uses

When it comes to choosing the right glass for your project—whether residential, commercial, or industrial—understanding the different types of glass and their safety properties is essential. Glass isn't just about aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in security, thermal performance, and protection. Let’s explore the most common glass types used in the glazing industry: Annealed (Float) Glass, Tempered (Toughened) Glass, and Laminated Glass.

1. Annealed Glass (Float Glass)

Annealed glass, also known as float glass, is the most basic form of glass. It is produced by slowly cooling the molten glass to relieve internal stresses.

Characteristics:

• Breaks into long, sharp shards

• Most affordable type of glass

• Can be easily cut, polished, and processed

Safety Rating: 🚫 Low

Best For:

• Internal cabinet doors

• Decorative mirrors

• Picture frames

Not Suitable For:

• Areas where safety is required (e.g. doors, shower screens, low-level glazing)

Why? When broken, annealed glass can cause serious injuries due to its large, sharp edges.

2. Tempered Glass (Toughened Glass)

Tempered glass is heat-treated to be four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass. If it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt cubes rather than sharp shards.

Characteristics:

• High impact resistance

• Heat resistant

• Breaks into small, safe pieces

Safety Rating: ✅ High

Best For:

• Shower screens

• Glass doors

• Low-level glazing

• Table tops

• Balustrades (with proper fixings)

Not Suitable For:

• Areas requiring post-breakage security (e.g. overhead glazing without a protective film)

Why? While it’s safe on breakage, once shattered, it no longer offers protection.

3. Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of plastic (usually PVB) between two layers of glass. If broken, the glass adheres to the plastic layer, keeping it largely intact.

Characteristics:

• Provides security even when cracked

• Blocks UV rays

• Excellent sound insulation

• Holds together on breakage

Safety Rating: ✅ Very High

Best For:

• Overhead glazing

• Shopfronts

• Glass canopies

• Rooflights

• Skylights

• Glass floors

• High-security areas

Not Suitable For:

• Situations where flexibility of cutting and shaping is needed (must be made to exact size)

Why? Its layered structure makes it ideal where retention after impact is crucial.

Summary Table:

Glass Type	Breakage Behaviour	Best Use	Safety Rating
Annealed	Sharp, dangerous shards	Frames, decorative applications	❌ Low
Tempered	Blunt, cubed fragments	Doors, partitions, showers	✅ High
Laminated	Cracks but stays in place	Roofs, floors, shopfronts, overheads	✅✅ Very High

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right glass type is not just about meeting building regulations—it’s about protecting lives, enhancing comfort, and ensuring durability. At

Warfield Glass, we supply and install all types of glass safely and to the highest standard. From balustrades to bifold doors, we ensure the correct glass is used for each application.

📞 Need help choosing the right glass? Get in touch with our expert team today!