Choosing the glazing options for your replacement windows in Sarasota, FL can be overwhelming. There are so many features and technologies to choose from. How can you find the right products to meet your needs and local building codes? We are here to help. This is a quick breakdown of options for safety glass and the pros of cons of each product. Hopefully, this will help clear up questions you have about safety glass and make the purchasing process a little easier.
Tempered Glass vs. Laminated Glass
Both of these glazing options qualify as safety glass and can be used in outdoor and indoor applications. Manufacturers make tempered glass in a tempering furnace where it is heated to approximately 120 degrees and rapidly cooled. The process is also called air quenching. It makes the glass five to ten times stronger and more resistant to breakage. And if it does break it shatters into smaller pieces less likely to have sharp edges and cause damage or injury.
Manufacturers make laminated glass by adhering two pieces of glass to a vinyl interlayer with a serious of pressure rollers and heat. The interlayer can be clear or tinted and it holds the glass in place if it is impaled or broken. This is often safer for windows and doors in the home because more of the glass remains in the frame. If you are looking for security, laminated glass is the better option.
How do Manufacturers Produce Impact Resistant Replacement Windows?
Manufacturers use high heat and pressure to chemically and mechanically bond the interlayer to the two pieces of glass. Once the vinyl interlayer is in place the glass runs through rollers to get rid of air bubbles. It is placed in an oil bath to finalize the process.
What are EVA and PVB Interlayers?
Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is a thermoplastic. It is water and corrosion resistant and is more widely used in other applications like cables, wires, toys, and shoes. But it is gaining popularity in the window industry because it has a lower melting point and requires less production equipment. Unfortunately, EVA is prone to yellowing in sunlight, which is why it is mainly used for indoor partitions. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a thermoplastic polymer with inherent elastic and adhesive properties. It has high transparency, cold resistant, and the most widely used interlayer for both building glass and automotive glass. PVB has a higher tendency of permeating water which causes delamination.
Other Benefits of Hurricane Proof Windows 
In addition to the safety features laminated glass windows also:
- Block 95 percent of ultraviolet light
- Insulate against outside noise
- Provide greater energy savings
- Protect against forced entry
- Various color and opacity options
Are you looking for replacement windows in Sarasota, FL with laminated glass and impact resistant properties? Contact Armored Dade Windows & Shutters at 941-798-9010. Or visit 8112 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL. 34210 to check out some of our products. We offer products at affordable prices to fit every budget.
