Installing new windows in your home offers many benefits, including improved safety, heightened aesthetics, and more. However, choosing the right type of windows for your home can be daunting. Selecting the type of glass is just as important as choosing the right frame.
Tempered glass is a popular choice for many homeowners, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and setbacks of this material before determining if it’s right for you. Below, Zen Windows St. Louis will discuss the ins and outs of tempered glass to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading for more on why it might be the right option when replacing the windows of your St. Louis home.
What Is Tempered Glass & How Is It Made?
Tempered glass has been treated to make it up to five times stronger than traditional glass. The process entails rapidly heating annealed glass in a furnace to over 1,000°F and swiftly cooling it with highly pressurized blasts of air. This method balances out tension and compression, improving its structure and making the glass significantly stronger and more durable than before. Additionally, this process changes how the glass breaks, making it safer than the sharp shards produced by conventional glass.
Pros & Cons of Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is a common option when selecting new windows. To make the best decision for your specific needs, it’s good to consider the pros and cons of tempered glass first:
Pros of Tempered Glass
Tempered glass has served St. Louis homeowners well for a long time. Some of the many perks of having tempered glass windows installed on your St. Louis home include:
- Durability
- Safety
- Visibility
- Resistant to scratches
- Flexibility in the look
- Insulated to protect against winter weather
- Heat resistance
- UV protection
- Best option for high-traffic areas
Cons of Tempered Glass
When it comes to tempered glass windows, there are also some setbacks. Considering the following cons will help you decide if tempered glass windows will work for you:
- Once the windows are tempered, the glass cannot be cut, resized, or reshaped further.
- If tempered glass shatters, it completely shatters instead of partially.
- Tempered glass windows are more expensive than traditional glass.
- Tempered glass can subtly warp over time, resulting in distorted reflections.
- Tempered glass is typically less sound-insulated than conventional glass.
Is Tempered Glass Required in Homes?
Due to international building codes, tempered glass is required in many home parts, especially in bathrooms where your bare feet need extra protection from the risk of shattered glass. Additionally, legal requirements call for tempered glass for any bathtub, shower, sauna, or other fixture with a window less than 60 inches above the floor, a size greater than 9 feet, and/or within 36 inches of walking space.
Learn More About Tempered Glass With Zen Windows St. Louis
For unmatched tempered glass window services, don’t wait to partner with the Zen Windows team. When you choose to work with our team, you can expect direct access to the owner, high-quality materials, exceptional customer service, and a simple process. We also offer free, no-hassle quotes and a no-money-down guarantee.
Ready to install tempered glass windows in your St. Louis home? Schedule with our team today!