You probably come into contact with different types of safety glass every day, on storefronts, microwave ovens, car windows and numerous other places. One likely place you will find safety glazing is within the exterior doors on your home. If you're undergoing door glass repair, these are some of the main types that are typically used.

Toughened Glass

Toughened glass is ideal when safety is at the forefront of your mind. If it were to break, it shatters into regular pebble-like pieces rather than dangerous pointy shards that can potentially cause injury. Because of the manufacturing process, this glass is much more robust than ordinary glass also—about four times tougher—and so less likely to break in the first place. The tempering process involves heating standard annealed glass to extreme temperatures. The sheets then undergo a quenching process whereby blasts of chilled air quickly cool the pane's exterior, while the inner part cools more slowly. This ultimately creates tensions within the glass that make it super durable and cause it to break in a relatively safe manner, making window glass repair easier.

Laminated Glass

Another possible form of safety glass for doors is laminated glass, which tends to remain in one piece, even when impacted. A laminated glass sandwich comprises two glass sheets that are stuck onto either side of a flexible vinyl interlayer. The vinyl typically holds the glass in place, so it doesn't shatter over bystanders in response to a blow. Instead, the entire sandwich tends to flex and crack. Thus, while the door may subsequently display a spiderweb pattern, it will preserve the security of your home until help arrives. Another benefit of laminated glass is that specific qualities within the vinyl interlayer can help the door block ultraviolet rays, stopping furnishings from fading and potentially reducing your energy bills. The glass can also block noise, which is helpful if you live near busy traffic or noisy neighbours.

Insulated Glass Units

Insulated glass units (IGUs) are not actually a type of safety glass, but they do make break-ins more difficult for would-be burglars. And they also can use safety glass within their construction. IGUs optimise your home's energy efficiency by helping to maintain its internal temperature, preserving coolness in summer and warmth in winter. Typically two glass panes sit on either side of a pocket of argon gas or air, which minimises the heat that travels through the unit. The panes can be either toughened or laminated glass, or Low-E glass is another possibility. A Low-E coating reduces the amount of heat that transfers through a glass door.