Equipping your home or commercial establishment with toughened or tempered glass windows is a prudent choice as these glasses have been subjected to several phases of controlled thermal treatment processes, which have significantly increased their thermal strength. These glasses can withstand high amounts of heat and pressure, making them a safe and durable choice for structures built in warmer regions.
Generally, a furnace equipped with rollers is employed to convert standard glass into toughened glass. Glass is ‘toughened’ or ‘tempered’ through a combination of three heat-transferring methods – conduction, convection, and radiation. The sheets of glass are initially passed through heated rollers which conduct heat into them, and then under heaters equipped with metallic coils, which radiate heat into them. Air is then blasted upon the glass sheets from both sides to ensure that they are cooled down effectively.
The process of tempering the glass ameliorates the material’s thermal strength and overall strength, as toughened glass is nearly five times as strong as annealed glass. Toughened glass also acquires higher resistance to thermal breakage than annealed glass in this process, which ensures that when the glass does break, it breaks by instantaneously disintegrating itself into tiny, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards of glass.
Here are other benefits of toughened glass:
If your window panes are made of standard glass, then prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures and strong gusts of wind can result in your windows developing cracks. On the other hand, windows made out of toughened glass can withstand temperatures up to 250°C.
It is common to see strong winds carry small stones or pebbles in summers, which can pose a great danger to your floor-to-ceiling windows. Normal annealed glass is susceptible to breakage if even light objects strike against its surface, whereas toughened glass offers greater resistance and strength as it acquires surface-level differential stress during its formation.
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause considerable damage to the health of your near and dear ones. Toughened glass also offers superior protection from the sun’s UV rays in comparison to standard glasses, making them the ideal solution for houses located in warmer regions or during the summer.
Another benefit of installing tempered or toughened glass panes in your home or commercial establishment is that these window panes can drastically elevate the aesthetic appeal of a room. For instance, floor-to-ceiling glasses made of toughened glass can be directly installed at your desired spot without pre-framing the glass with bulky and unappealing window frames.
In conclusion, toughened glass windows represent the ideal blend of quality and durability, especially for those homeowners who live in regions that experience high temperatures. However, it is advisable to seek the services of reputed professionals as the process of installing toughened glass windows requires considerable attention to detail and experience. At MCM Home Exteriors, we possess a renowned and experienced team of skilled professionals who are committed to assisting you every step of the way. Reach out to us today!