If you’re planning an installation for a glass fixture like a door or window, you’ll have more than one option for the type of glass it’ll use. To the untrained eye, tempered and plate glass (also known as annealed glass) look the same, but your particular project may call for one or the other. Each type has its own manufacturing process, which means they have different properties. To help you choose the best option for your needs, here’s a guide to the differences between them.

Plate Glass

This standard option is made by pouring molten glass onto a flat surface, smoothing it, and then leaving it to cool. It can be made in large sheets or smaller sections to fit a framed window or door.

It’s often used in many areas of a home, such as windows, glass walls, and display cabinets. 

Tempered Glass

Because of how it is made, tempered glass is up to four times stronger than plate glass. It starts off as a standard plate, then goes through a thermal tempering process that heats it to temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Technicians then use air to cool its exterior rapidly, while the inner section is left to cool at a slower pace. This method changes the composition of the glass, making it stronger than the traditional option.

It takes more force to break tempered glass. Even if this happens, rather than breaking into big shards, it breaks into small kernels with very sharp edges. This sturdy nature makes this the first choice for products such as car windows, patio doors, glass tables, and windows in commercial facilities in areas susceptible to vandalism. 

For nearly 50 years, locally owned and operated BGS Glass Service has provided exceptional glass craftsmanship to the residents of Waukesha, WI, and the Milwaukee area. They work closely with both their partners and commercial and residential customers to deliver high-quality products and installations. When you need a glass specialist, call them at (262) 513-2806 or visit their website to request a quote. Connect with them on Facebook for examples of their recent work.