When used in any setting for the purpose of design, glass looks absolutely luxurious. With its clarity and its sleekness, lovers of contemporary and modern design would know how gorgeous glass can make your home look. While aesthetics are a major concern for glass, the type of glass you choose based on the area you are going to use it in is also important. You don't want to keep banging into it and breaking it, thereby causing harm to yourself and the people around you. To deal with this problem, a type of glass that is known as tempered or toughened glass is made. Such glass is used to strategic locations to withstand rough use, and is not easily breakable. Here, we will talk about the properties of tempered glass panels and their uses in the architectural setting.

Properties

Tempered glass is a tough glass with greater thickness than regular glass. It is also much stronger which is why it is used as an alternative to regular glass for the purpose of safety. Also known as a laminated safety glass, tempered glass panels are prepared by a unique procedure. Between two layers of glass is sandwiched a thin plastic film, to which the glass adheres. The glass is first heated and then cooled immediately under controlled settings, so that it hardens and attains its strength. This manufacturing process gives it the following properties.

• Tempered glass is about five to ten times stronger than regular glass, and is more heat and cold resistant in comparison.
• Tempered glass panels are prepared in specific sizes as cutting them will cause them to shatter. Don't even try to figure how to cut tempered glass.
• In comparison to regular glass, tempered glass is safer even when it breaks. Though it is toughened by means of a specific manufacturing procedure, when it shatters, it shatters into oval and not sharp shards. This is why it is considered safer.
• Such glass also cannot be penetrated easily, which is why it is used for the facades of banks and other such important organizations.
• Tempered glass can also withstand strong movement caused by earthquakes.

Uses

Because of its amazing properties, tempered glass is used for a variety of purposes.

• One of the most common uses of tempered glass panels is for shower enclosures. This is particularly true in case of sliding glass doors as they require a lot of movement and regular glass may be prone to shattering.
• Tempered glass may be used for windows, and as mentioned earlier, is used for facades in building and construction. It is also used for greenhouse construction.
• One may also use tempered glass panels for decks and patios in the form of a railing. Because of its strength and ability to handle rough use, it is a great choice that allows for both form and function in the exterior setting.
• In offices, glass doors to cubicles and cabins are also usually made of toughened or tempered glass.
• The concept of glass fireplaces for interiors has really caught on, and obviously, it is tempered glass that is used for such elements in the interiors.

Always consult the person you are purchasing tempered glass panels from, who will tell you whether it is suitable for your purpose or not. Because of their properties, and the fact that they have to be made to order, tempered glass panels cost much more than regular glass panels. However, also keep in mind what you are getting in return; greater strength and durability, along with the look and beauty of glass.