---
title: "What Is Tempered glass? Window and Door Glossary"
description: "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."
url: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/tempered-glass
publisher: Honey Rock Window and Door
phone: +1-214-484-9982
quote: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us
---

# 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](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/laminated-glass), tempered glass does not stay in the frame when it breaks. You can combine both in one [IGU](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/igu). For door applications, see our [sliding and lift-slide doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/sliding-and-lift-slide-doors) page.

[Where it mattersSliding and lift-and-slide doors](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/sliding-and-lift-slide-doors)

## Related terms

-   [Laminated glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/laminated-glass)
-   [IGU (Insulated Glass Unit)](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/igu)
-   [Impact-resistant glass](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/impact-resistant-glass)
-   [Lift-and-slide door](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/lift-and-slide-door)

## Sources

1.  [Sun Windows: Insulated Glass and Glass Options](https://www.sunwindows.com/insulated-glass.html)

![A modern home with wide glass doors lit warm at dusk beside a pool](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/dusk-modern-home-pool-01.CeePxgPr_Z2giQin.webp)

## Let’s frame your view.

Send your plans or a few photos of the openings. We will help you choose the system, the brand and the glass.

[Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us)[or call (214) 484-9982](tel:+1-214-484-9982)