What is Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. It is made of two or more sheets of glass, with a thin layer of plastic (polyvinyl butyral) sandwiched between them.
When laminated glass is shattered, the plastic layer holds the glass together. This prevents the glass from breaking into large, sharp pieces that could cause injuries.
When Was Laminated Glass Invented
Laminated glass was invented in 1903 by French chemist and inventor Édouard Benedictus. He discovered that if two pieces of glass are laminated with a thin layer of plastic, they will hold together when shattered.
What is it Used For?
Laminated glass is most commonly used in windows and doors. It is classed as a type of safety glass and can be used in any location where safety is a concern, such as schools, hospitals, and airports. Laminated glass is also used in cars and motorcycle helmets.
Benefits of Laminated Glass
- Laminated glass is shatterproof and will not break into large, sharp pieces
- It is durable and can withstand impact.
- It is a good insulator and can help to reduce energy costs.
- It is available in a variety of colors and styles.
- It is easy to clean and does not require special care or maintenance.
- It is affordable and can be installed by a DIYer.
Drawback of Laminated Glass
- If the plastic layer becomes damaged, the glass may shatter
- Laminated glass cannot be recycled
- It is heavier than float glass
FAQ
Is laminated Glass Expensive?
Laminated glass is often more expensive than non laminated glass, but can be worth the extra cost due to its increased durability and safety benefits.
Can You Cut Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass can be cut, but it is more difficult than traditional float glass. It also requires special tools and safety equipment.
Is Laminated Glass Better than Toughened Glass?
Laminated glass is shatterproof and Toughened Glass is not, so laminated glass would be a better choice for safety reasons. However, toughened glass is stronger than laminated glass and can withstand more impact. Both are considered safety glass and meet Australian AS1288 standards.
How can you tell glass has been laminated?
You can tell laminated glass from other types of glass by viewing it’s edges. If you hold the glass up to a light source and then view it at ninety degrees you will see that laminated has a distinct interlayer while regular float glass does not. Additionally, laminated glass sounds different than normal float glass when knocked on.
Elias Chahine
Elias Chahine is the director of Gusto Emergency Glass Replacement and has many years in the glass repair and construction industry