Tempered Glass: Do My Windows Need to be Tempered?
/What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is 4-5 times stronger than regular glass. Because of how its made (through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling) it is a much harder and more brittle type of glass. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into little pebbles without any dangerous sharp edges. Check it out, its quite cool.
Tempered glass turns into tiny pebbles when broken.
Your car windows are tempered, for example. You can tell by looking at glass marking in the lower corner of any car window.
Why you need tempered glass windows in your home
The State of MN building code actually requires tempered glass in several locations of your house and your window replacement job will not pass inspection if certain windows do not have tempered glass in them. It's all in the name of giving you the piece of mind of knowing that your family will be protected if they slip and fall.
This is why it surprises me a little bit when homeowners and even contractors are confused about why they need tempered glass. So here we are on the Friday morning blog and I'm going to lay it all out there. Me. The wife of the window guy. The advocate for tempered glass.
Which windows in my house require tempered glass?
Ask yourself these questions about a window you are putting in. If the answer is YES, then tempered - or safety glass is required.
Is the window less than 18 inches from the floor?
Is it a patio door? (come standard with tempered glass)
Is it a large window more than 9 square feet?
Is the window in a bathroom and close to the bathtub?
Is the window within 3 feet of a door?
Is the actual top of the window within 3 feet of the floor?
Replacing your home windows with tempered glass
Tempered windows are your safety net. They are like a little bit of insurance, or peace of mind that if someone falls, if the furniture gets pushed hard into the glass, if a lamp falls off the table, if you slip getting out of the tub, that at least the glass won't shatter and cause additional harm.
If you are thinking about replacing some windows and are looking for an in home consultation on which windows may need to be tempered, contact us today.
We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors. As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you. You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for. For that reason, it is best if both homeowners are there. We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate. Every time.
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Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catupulted to the 10th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughtout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2019.
