Tempered Glass
Heat-treated safety glass that is approximately four times stronger than standard annealed glass and breaks into small, relatively harmless granular pieces instead of sharp shards.
Technical Details
Tempered glass undergoes a controlled thermal process where the glass is heated to over 1,100°F and then rapidly cooled. This creates balanced internal stresses that give the glass its strength. It meets ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 safety glazing standards. Tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled after tempering without shattering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tempered glass required for railings?
Yes. Building codes (IBC and IRC) require safety glazing in railing applications. Tempered glass meets these requirements by breaking into small granular pieces rather than dangerous shards.
Can tempered glass be cut on site?
No. Tempered glass must be cut to exact dimensions before the tempering process. Any attempt to cut or drill after tempering will cause the glass to shatter completely.
How strong is tempered glass compared to regular glass?
Tempered glass is approximately 4-5 times stronger than standard annealed glass of the same thickness. It can withstand surface compression of 10,000+ psi.
Related Terms
See It in Action
Explore real-world applications featuring tempered glass: