Name: Windows and Doors
Brand: Clera Windows + Doors
Rating: 4.7 (2557 reviews)

Upgrading your windows can be like giving your Ontario home a whole new perspective. More natural light streams in, your energy bills shrink, and the curb appeal improves. But when it comes to choosing between laminated glass vs. tempered glass for your windows, things can get confusing.

While both of these offer superior protection compared to ordinary glass, the main difference when comparing laminated glass vs. tempered glass boils down to the different purposes they serve. This guide will help you see through the confusion and choose which safety glass is right for your windows.

Tempered Glass vs. laminated Glass: How Are They Made

Laminated and tempered glass are both toughened glass, making them significantly stronger than your standard window pane. They can handle much more force before breaking, keeping your family safe from injury and your home secure from intruders. Here’s how tempered and laminated glass stack up against each other:

Tempered Glass: It's treated with heat and rapidly cooled, creating a tough exterior that can withstand a surprising amount of impact. When tempered glass breaks, it crumbles into small pieces that can injure those near it.

Laminated Glass: Two glass panes are bonded together with a special plastic layer in between. The result? Even if the glass cracks from an impact, the plastic layer holds everything together. This creates a strong barrier and makes it much harder for someone to break through from the outside.

Laminated vs. Tempered Glass: Security

Shattered laminated glass still retaining its shape in the panel

Image source: Canva

When it comes to windows, security is always a top concern regardless of where you live in Canada. After all, they're an accessible entry point into your home. Here's how tempered glass vs. laminated glass stack up in security:

Tempered Glass: Even though it's stronger than regular glass, it’s not the safest option. It might be strong enough to handle accidental hits from a baseball, but a determined intruder can still get in when tempered glass breaks.

Laminated Glass: If laminated glass windows crack, the plastic layer holds the pieces together, creating a strong barrier. This feature makes it much harder for someone to break through and into your home. So, if security is your biggest concern, laminated glass is the clear winner.

Tempered vs. Laminated Glass: Soundproofing

Your windows shield you from unwanted noise. This is where things get technical, but we'll keep it simple. Soundproofing refers to a material's ability to block noise from entering a space. Here's how laminated vs. tempered glass differ:

Tempered Glass: While strong and safe, tempered glass doesn't do much for soundproofing. It offers a similar level of noise reduction as regular glass. If a quiet environment is a top priority, laminated glass might be the better choice.
Laminate Glass Panels: The plastic layer in laminated glass acts like a sound muffler which makes it the noise-cancelling champion. It absorbs sound waves and weakens their energy, meaning less noise gets through your windows. This is perfect if you live near a busy street or want a peaceful haven in your bedroom.

Laminated Glass vs. Tempered Glass: Weight and Cost

Image Source: Shutterstock

After learning about the advantages and disadvantages of tempered vs. laminated glass, let us discuss two more important aspects: weight and cost.

Weight: With the extra plastic layer acting as a sturdy sandwich filling, laminated glass is heavier than tempered glass. This weight difference particularly becomes a consideration for larger windows. For instance, replacing picture windows with laminated glass might necessitate additional support structures to bear the increased burden.

Cost: Manufacturing laminated glass is more intricate than tempered glass, translating to a higher price tag. While both offer significant protection compared to regular glass, the laminated glass comes with a premium cost.

	Laminated	Tempered
Security	✅ Doesn’t fall into pieces and leave openings vulnerable when laminated glass breaks	❌ Tempered glass shatters into small pieces on impact
Soundproofing	✅ Extra layer of plastic muffles noise	❌ Functions as regular glass
Weight	❌ Heavier due to extra plastic layer; needs careful installation	✅ Lighter and easier to install
Cost	❌ More expensive	✅ Cheaper
Application	✅ Can be installed anywhere in the house, interior or exterior	❌ Mostly decorative, fits areas that don’t require extra security

Applications for Laminated vs. Tempered Glass

Now that you're armed with knowledge about the strengths and limitations of tempered glass and laminated ones, let's explore where each one shines:

Laminated Glass

Security-conscious spaces: Laminated glass panels are ideal for ground-floor windows, patio doors, glass walls, and storefronts where deterring break-ins is crucial.

High-noise areas: Living near a busy street or train station in Ontario? Laminated glass excels at soundproofing, ensuring a peaceful haven in your home.

Areas with potential impact: Think skylights, glass railings, or pool enclosures. Laminated glass offers superior protection against accidental impacts, making it a safer choice.

Hurricane-prone regions: Laminated glass in storm windows can withstand strong winds and flying debris better than regular glass, offering additional protection during storms.

Tempered Glass

Interior applications: Glass tabletops and interior partitions are perfect places for tempered glass. Its strength, and shatter resistance allow it to withstand heavy weights.

Heat-resistant areas: Tempered glass can handle high temperatures well, making it suitable for oven doors or fireplace surrounds.

Areas where aesthetics are key: Tempered glass offers excellent clarity and doesn't distort views, making it ideal for picture windows or showcasing artwork.

Budget-conscious projects: If cost is a major factor, tempered glass is a more affordable option while still providing superior strength compared to regular glass.

Picking between Tempered vs. Laminated Glass

Clearly, both glass types offer different advantages. Choosing the right one for your window will depend entirely on your preferences and priorities.

If security and safety are your top priorities and you’re willing to spend a pretty penny on them, laminated glass is ideal for you. However, if your budget is tight and you have other security measures in place, tempered glass will make do.

To make the best decision, consult professional window installers who can recommend the best glass type for your home.

Professional window installers carrying tall fixed windows

Image source: Canva

Choose The Clear Choice for Your Home Window Upgrades

Laminated vs. tempered glass—no matter which type you want for your home, trust Clera Windows + Doors to provide secure windows with strong, durable glass.

As Ontario’s number-one vinyl window manufacturer, we produce high-quality Energy Star-approved products with low-E glass technology at factory-direct prices. Expect laminated and tempered glass windows that can withstand Canadian weather, give you superior security features and reduce noise wherever you live.

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