Frequently Asked Questions on Double Glazing

What is best to have fitted in a new replacement windows - toughened glass or laminated glass?

This decision is particularly important if you have boys who are always running about and playing football. Both the toughened and laminated glasses are forms of 'safety' glass. People sometimes have the idea that toughened glass is some form of extra strong glass, perhaps something like 'bullet proof glass'. However, in our opinion, 'shatter safely glass' would be a better description of toughened glass. It is certainly quite difficult to break, but when it does break, it breaks into very small parts. It may leave you some scratches or minor cuts, but will not pose the danger created by large glass shards formed when ordinary float glass breaks. Toughened glass is preferred for use in domestic replacement windows as laminated glass, when hit with force will crack, but is unlikely to smash. This makes it dangerous to use in any situation where it is likely you may need to break the glass in order to escape in the event of a fire. The strength of laminated glass is, of course, an advantage if security is a major consideration. Laminated glass is also thicker - usually 6.4 mm - and as such will offer better insulation. However, this also makes it heavier with a corresponding rise in 'wear and tear' when opening and closing windows and doors. It is also more expensive than toughened glass.