Almost all homes, especially the modern ones have glass as part of their construction. Glass plays several roles in homes that include meeting the aesthetic needs of property owners. Glazing and other glass surfaces add a classy appeal to any home and can blend in with any theme. There is also the energy efficiency that glazing on doors and windows offers, which has contributed to the increased demand for high-quality glass. Toughened glass is one of the several options present to homeowners during new installations or replacements.
Toughened glass differs from its laminated alternative by undergoing a hardening production process as opposed to the joining of two sheets with adhesive in the latter. With toughened glass, you get increased safety because it takes a lot of strength to break, and even when it does, it shatters into small pieces, which is unlike the dangerous large shards from broken ordinary glass. In some parts of the house, toughened glazing is a safety regulation that every homeowner must implement. The England and Wales Building Regulations gives the specifics of where in your home to use toughened glass.
Doors
All doors in your home, whether they are partially or totally glazed must contain safety glass. Glass panels on doors come with certain security risks that should be minimised as much as possible. Whether you have bi-fold, swinging or sliding, all of the panels must be made of toughened glass. The size of the door does not make a difference in this instance either. A homeowner can refer to the building regulations to see the type of glass necessary in different scenarios. Doors that are 1500mm from the floor should also have safety glass.
Low-Level Glazing
Any part of your home with glazing that is below 800mm is considered low-level, and these sections should have protective glass. Imagine a door with low-level glazing that faces a backyard. Such a setting poses significant risks to a home with children because they may hurt themselves while playing. Using toughened glass in low-level areas ensures that you don’t have to worry about pets or furniture breaking it.
Panels Adjacent to Doors and Windows
Toughened glass is required on all panels that are next to windows and doors. One threat that adjacent glass panels face is that, when a door or window is banged, the vibrations are felt across the whole area, meaning that the adjacent panels may crack or break with prolonged exposure to such shuddering. There is also the risk of intruders using these panels to gain access to the house. The installation of toughed glass on adjacent glass panels depends on their thickness and distance from the floor.
Windows
Glass windows may give the occupants of your home great views, but they also present several security risks. It is easy for an intruder to gain access to your home by breaking a window, especially if it is close to the floor. Then, there is the risk of damage during bad weather since debris from outside could hit the glass. Any window that is 800mm from a finished floor level should be made of toughened glass.
Wet Areas
A property owner with a sauna or glass shower enclosure should consider getting toughened glass for those parts of the house. The risks of slip and falls in wet areas are apparent, and the consequences can be devastating. Installing toughened glass in your shower ensures that you get the aesthetics, functionality and safety of a glass enclosure. Hot tubs are other structures in your home that may benefit from toughened glass. Learn about the recommended measurements when installing toughened glass in these areas.
