While different types of glass are used for different purposes, auto glass is primarily made for vehicles. They are made to meet up with the unique demands of cars. Well, auto glass differs from the regular glass used in windows and other things because of the features that make it safe for driving.

Auto glass is specially designed to serve vital functions like providing visibility, enhancing safety, and protecting vehicle occupants. Laminated and tempered glass are two major types of auto glass used in the auto industry today.



Besides, unlike the glass used in home windows, auto glass does not shatter. Auto glass, when broken, does not shatter into sharp and dangerous shards, but the glass used for home windows breaks into extremely sharp pieces. So even when broken, auto glass is quite harmless. Moreover, understanding the different types of auto glass can help maintain auto glass repair and replacement.

The different types of car windscreens are as follows:

Laminated glass was first designed in the 1920s when the auto industry took two sheets of glass and stuck them together with a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) sheet between them. The "sandwich" was fused using high heat, and laminated safety glass was born. During a collision, or in case of an accident, laminated glass will break but will not fly into sharp pieces that can be life-threatening. The laminated glass is specially designed to withstand significant impacts during an accident so that sharp pieces of glass do not injure the driver and passengers. The laminated glass acts like a cushion in accidents where car occupants are thrown into the window. Although laminated auto glass is used majorly in windshield glass, it can be used for any application where there is the possibility of people coming in contact with such glass. Using laminated glass for your home or business space is a great deal because you would protect your families and friends from the danger of conventional glass in case of an accident. Moreover, shop windows are made from laminated glass just for this reason.

Laminated glass, which can also be referred to as laminated safety glass, is a safety glass that consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and is the most common auto glass today.

The laminated glass has some features and benefits that make it an excellent vehicle option. Some of these include:

Safety and Security:

Laminated glass can also be referred to as laminated safety glass. The polyvinyl butyral layer between the laminated safety glass gives it a strong resistance against force hits, making breaking more difficult during a collision. Besides, unlike other glass types, laminated glass can withstand severe weather conditions and impacts, making it suitable for hurricane-prone areas and locations requiring enhanced safety.

Sound compression:

Compared to conventional and regular glass types, Laminated glass has superior sound-dampening properties, reducing noise transmission compared to standard glass.

UV protection:

The interlayer between the laminated glass can block a significant amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, thereby protecting your car upholstery interiors from fading while reducing the risk of skin damage because excessive exposure to sun can irritate your skin.



In addition, Laminated glass is commonly used in applications such as automotive windshields, building facades, skylights, balconies, and high-security areas. It is available in various thicknesses and can be combined with other glass types, like tempered or Low-E glass, to enhance specific properties.

2. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is another major type of automotive glass used in vehicle design. Most doors and rear windows of a car are made from tempered glass. Tempered auto glass is a single glass treated by heating and then some cooling afterward. Unlike laminated automotive glass, tempered glass is just a single piece of glass but still doesn't shatter into dangerous pieces in case of collision or accident; instead, it shatters into thousands of harmless pebble-like pieces that do not have sharp edges. Aside from the auto industry, just like laminated glass, tempered glass can be used for other products like cooking dishes, sunglasses, and the screens of some cell phones and computers. The manufacturing process for tempered automotive glass results in hard and strong glass compared to untreated glass of the same thickness. Because of the structure, laminated glass can be repaired if it chips or gets a small crack; this is not the case with tempered glass; when it breaks, it needs to be replaced.

Some key features of tempered glass make it a safety glass:

Strength & Safety:

Tempered auto glass is significantly stronger than regular glass. It has a higher resistance to bending and can withstand higher levels of external force without breaking. When tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, granular pieces with rounded edges instead of sharp, jagged shards. This reduces the risk of injury, making it a perfect safety glass for applications such as windows, doors, and shower enclosures.

Thermal resistance:

Tempered glass has improved thermal stability compared to regular glass. This unique feature of tempered glass makes it a multipurpose glass. Tempered glass can withstand high-temperature differentials without breaking, making it suitable for applications near heat sources, such as oven doors or fireplace screens.

Conclusion

While there are other types of auto glass, laminated and tempered glass are the best option for any car model as they fit a car's special needs. When it comes to vehicle windows, laminated glass is the go-to material for windshields. Not only is it durable and able to withstand the force of rocks and debris on the road, but it's also effective in preventing break-ins. Thieves often target car windows, side windows, and rear windows, but breaking through laminated glass requires much effort and noise, making it a less appealing option for criminals. In contrast, although tempered glass breaks, it is commonly used for side windows, making it easier to access the vehicle.

At Windscreen & Tint Blacktown, we always use the best quality laminated and tempered auto glass for all car models. If you need to replace your broken car windscreen, give us a call now! Our experienced technicians will come to you and replace your windshield quickly and safely. We also provide professional automotive tinting services to enhance the look of your car, as well as improve privacy, reduce glare, and block out harmful UV rays. Contact us today for a free quote!