HEAT-TREATED
GLASS

Heat-treated glass is available in the form of heat-strengthened or fully tempered glass. This process begins with annealed glass that is heated to its softening temperature, approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, and then rapidly cooled in order to develop surface and edge compression, thereby strengthening the glass. The rate of cooling will determine whether a product is heat-strengthened or fully tempered.

HEAT-STRENGTHENED GLASS


Heat-strengthened glass has a large break pattern and is more likely to remain in the opening upon breakage. It can be used in areas where glass fall-out would be an issue, such as overhead glazing applications. Heat-strengthened glass does not meet the safety impact glazing requirements and should not be used in hazardous locations.

Applications: Heat-treated glass is used in many areas where increased strength is needed, including vision and spandrel areas of buildings. Heat-strengthened glass is often used in laminated glass to add strength to impact-resistant units, particularly in overhead glazing.


Features & Benefits

  • Better resists external loads from wind and snow and thermal stress than standard annealed (non-heat-treated) glass
  • Can be incorporated in insulating glass units or laminated glass
  • Prevents fall-out from opening
  • Meets ASTM C 1048 requirements
  • Tested by the Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC)

FULLY TEMPERED GLASS


Fully tempered glass is designed for use in hazardous locations and meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z97.1 and Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) 16 CFR 1201 safety standard for architectural glazing. Due to the breakage pattern when impacted, tempered glass breaks into small, pebble-like pieces rather than larger shards that are more likely to cause injury.

Applications: Fully tempered glass can be used in hazardous locations that require safety glazing materials such as doors, sidelites, shower enclosures, atriums, and partitions


Features & Benefits

  • Available in thicknesses from 1/8” to 1/2”
  • Most any glass type can be tempered
  • Can be used monolithically, or as part of an insulating glass unit
  • Fully tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than standard annealed glass
  • Meets ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 safety glazing requirements
  • Tested by the Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC)

Note: Though heat-treated glass is much stronger than annealed glass it is not guaranteed against breakage.