Tempered glass
Tempered glass is heat-treated to be stronger than ordinary glass, and when it breaks it crumbles into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards.
Makers heat a pane and then cool it fast. That process puts the surface under compression, which makes tempered glass stronger than standard annealed glass. When it fails, it breaks into small pieces with dull edges.
Safety glazing is common where people may hit the glass, such as doors. Large doors and sliders often use it. Ask your building department what applies. Unlike laminated glass, tempered glass does not stay in the frame when it breaks. You can combine both in one IGU. For door applications, see our sliding and lift-slide doors page.
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