What is the difference between tempered and laminated glass?

Laminated Glass

Two or more panes of glass are bonded together by a durable plastic interlayer with a resin called PVB (polyvinyl butyral). This technique is used to create single sheets of glass with multiple layers. The PVB keeps the glass from breaking apart easily and provides high sound insulation. However, if it should break, the glass will tend to remain in its frame, minimizing the risk of injury from sharp edges and flying or falling glass particles.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is often referred to as safety glass because it is more resistant to breakage than normal float glass. Yet if it is broken, it usually breaks into relatively small pieces, which are less likely to cause serious injury. Tempered glass is known to be several times stronger than laminated glass. Tempered glass is created using chemical and thermal treatments.

More information from Guardian Glass

What is STC?

Sound Transmission Class is a single-number system used to rate the airborne sound transmission performance of a window, wall, panel, ceiling, etc. The higher the STC number, the better the product's ability to block sound transmission.

What is Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the better a product is at blocking unwanted heat gain. Blocking solar heat gain is particularly important during the summer cooling season.

More Fenestration Facts from NFRC

What is a U-Factor?

U-Factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-Factor, the better a product is at keeping heat in. U-Factor is particularly important during the winter heating season.

More Fenestration Facts from NFRC