Tempered vs Laminated Glass Railings - Which Reigns Supreme?

Popularly referred to as "invisible railings," these glass railings feature transparent panels that function as an invisible frame for the scenery outside. You can appreciate what you can see from your balcony space without hindrance. Since there is little space within the railing panels, it is an excellent option for homeowners with pets and kids.

Manufacturing

A railing made of tempered glass is composed of a variety of panels which have been heated and cooled in a tempering furnace. The glass is initially pre-cut and trimmed prior to placing it in the furnace. It is then heated at 1200°F after which it is swiftly cooled. This method of cooling, known as quenching, results in glass that is at least four to five times stronger than before.

Additionally, this renders the panels of glass far more resilient to fracturing and shattering. If they break, the fractured fragments are rather large and blunt, reducing the likelihood of injury. With ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) laminated glass, the fracture pattern resembles a spider web's structure, preventing the glass from shattering upon impact.

Structure

A panel made of tempered glass must have a minimum thickness of 6 mm (1/4") and can withstand pressure and load. Tempered panels of glass should be either powder coated for 5/16" or have rail pillars made of stainless steel and have 10mm thick shatterproof walls. The clamp post made of steel should be made of rubber-coated and corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

Pros of tempered glass

1. It is capable of withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations.
2. The aluminium rail posts and glass panels are resistant to corrosion even after prolonged exposure to water.
3. Tempered glass panels require only little maintenance.
4. Customising and assembling them is a breeze.

Cons of tempered glass

1. Tempered glass systems are expensive.
2. The transparency that provides a more splendid view affects the privacy of interiors.
3. A daily cleansing regimen is required to maintain the glass free of smudges and fingerprints.

Pros of laminated glass

1. This is 99% effective at blocking the UV rays.
2. With a shorter lead duration, they can be fixed rapidly.
3. It also has the ability to reduce sound.
4. It is an impact-resistant material that may be cut and then polished immediately after lamination.

Cons of laminated glass

1. Laminated glass is an expensive alternative due to the lengthy manufacturing process required to add multiple layers of the material.
2. There are a limited number of manufacturers that make laminated glass.
3. As it has a good compatibility with various other building components, laminated glass tends to develop blemishes surrounding the edges over time, diminishing its aesthetic allure.

Last words
In conclusion, there is no singular correct answer when choosing between laminated or tempered glass railings, as each may have distinct benefits depending on your specific needs and preferences. Regardless of the type you choose, consider the variables mentioned above to find the optimal solution for your endeavour. Feel free to get in touch with Brooklynz stainless steel Pte Ltd, one of the outstanding facilities for steel fabrication Singapore if you wish to get the best tempered and laminated glass railings for your space.