10 Benefits of Using Impact or Laminated Glass Rather than Regular Glass, and How to Maintain It

Glass is an abundant material in modern construction, but not all glass is created equal. Impact or laminated glass is a type of glass that offers a range of benefits over traditional glass, including increased safety, security, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or a building manager, understanding the advantages of impact or laminated glass can help you make informed decisions when selecting glass products for your property. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of impact or laminated glass and provide practical tips on how to maintain it. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the unique properties of this essential material and how it can improve the safety, security, and functionality of your building.

General Benefits of Using Impact or Laminated Glass

1. Safety: One of the primary benefits of using impact or laminated glass is increased safety. When regular glass shatters, it breaks into sharp, dangerous shards that can cause serious injury. However, impact or laminated glass is designed to resist shattering upon impact. In the event of a breakage, the glass will crack but will not break into dangerous pieces, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass.
2. Security: Impact or laminated glass is more difficult to break through than regular glass, making it a better option for buildings or homes that require extra security. It can resist impact from blunt objects, and in some cases, can even withstand repeated blows from a hammer or other tool. This makes it a popular choice for storefronts, financial institutions, and other buildings that require high levels of security.
3. Sound insulation: Impact or laminated glass can reduce noise pollution, making it ideal for buildings located in noisy areas. The glass is designed to dampen vibrations and absorbs sound waves, which helps to reduce noise transmission from outside. This can create a more comfortable living or working environment.
4. UV protection: Impact or laminated glass with Low-E coatings can block harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and furniture from damage. UV rays are a leading cause of skin cancer and can also cause furniture, carpeting, and other items to fade or discolor over time. By blocking these harmful rays, impact or laminated glass can help to protect your health and your belongings.
5. Energy efficiency: Impact or laminated glass with Low-E coatings can help reduce energy costs by keeping heat inside during the winter and blocking heat from entering during the summer. The glass is designed to reduce heat transfer, which can help to keep your home or building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
6. Durability: Impact or laminated glass is more durable than regular glass, making it more resistant to scratches and other forms of damage. This can help to extend the life of your windows, doors, or other glass surfaces, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
7. Aesthetics: Impact or laminated glass can enhance the appearance of a building by providing a sleek and modern look. The glass can be customized to fit a variety of shapes and sizes and can also be tinted or colored to match the surrounding decor. This makes it a popular choice for modern homes and commercial buildings.
8. Easy to clean: Impact or laminated glass can be cleaned using a mild detergent and a soft cloth, making it easy to maintain. Unlike some other types of glass, it does not require special cleaners or equipment to keep it looking its best.
9. Longevity: Impact or laminated glass has a longer lifespan than regular glass, reducing the need for frequent replacements. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
10. Cost-effective: While impact or laminated glass may have a higher upfront cost than regular glass, it can be cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and longevity. With fewer repairs and replacements needed over time, it can help to save money in the long run. Additionally, the energy savings and other benefits of impact or laminated glass can also help to offset the initial cost.

Special Benefits of Impact or Laminated Glass in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones

Laminated glass is an excellent choice for buildings located in high-velocity hurricane zones. During a hurricane, debris propelled by strong winds can break regular glass, causing significant damage and exposing occupants to the elements. However, laminated glass is designed to withstand high-velocity impacts and can resist shattering, providing a layer of protection against debris and high winds. In addition to its impact resistance, laminated glass can also help to prevent water intrusion, which can be a significant concern during hurricanes. The interlayer between the glass panes in laminated glass is designed to seal the glass, preventing water from entering the building even if the glass is cracked or broken.

As a result, laminated glass can help to keep occupants safe and reduce property damage during a hurricane. It is no wonder that many building codes in high-velocity hurricane zones require laminated glass in windows and doors as a safety measure.

In summary, if you live or work in a high-velocity hurricane zone, choosing laminated glass for your windows and doors can provide an extra layer of protection against the elements and help keep you and your property safe during a hurricane.

How to properly maintain your Impact or Laminated Glass

Now that you know the benefits of using impact or laminated glass, it’s important to know how to maintain it properly. Here are some tips.

• Clean the glass regularly using a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the glass.
• Inspect the glass periodically for signs of wear and tear, and have it replaced if necessary.
• Avoid slamming doors or windows, as this can damage the glass.

What to Do if Your Impact or Laminated Glass Breaks

While impact or laminated glass is designed to resist shattering, it can still break under certain circumstances. If this happens, it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.

1. Stay away from broken glass: If you notice that your impact or laminated glass has broken, stay away from the area to avoid any potential injuries from broken glass.
2. Assess the damage: If the glass has broken due to an impact, such as a tree limb or other debris, assess the damage to determine if the broken glass has caused any further damage to your property.
3. Call a professional: It’s important to contact a professional to replace your broken glass. They can assess the damage and determine if the glass needs to be replaced entirely or if it can be repaired.
4. Clean up carefully: If you must clean up broken glass, make sure to wear gloves and protective footwear. Sweep up large pieces of glass and use a vacuum cleaner to pick up smaller fragments. Dispose of the broken glass carefully in a trash bag.

In conclusion, impact or laminated glass is a better option for buildings or homes that require extra safety and security. It also offers other benefits, such as sound insulation, UV protection, energy efficiency, and durability. By following the tips outlined above, you can maintain your impact or laminated glass properly and ensure that it lasts for years to come.

By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and prevent further damage to your property in the event of broken impact or laminated glass. Remember, always contact a professional to handle the replacement of broken glass.

Impact Glass Services can help you maintain and repair every component of your impact doors and windows, including the replacement and exact match of your existing broken glass. We are licensed to provide the right maintenance procedures necessary to keep your systems working properly.

Our vast experience on more than 2000 buildings and the knowledge of our experts and technicians has made us the best option in South Florida. Call us for a FREE inspection 786-245-4595.