Are you ready to purchase new windows for your home, but not sure if you need tempered glass? If so, you'll want to know the following things about tempered glass before you make a decision.
What Exactly Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is a form of safety glass, which will prevent the window glass from shattering into sharp pieces. It is going to be much stronger than regular glass, which makes it less likely to injure somebody if the glass breaks. When it does break, tempered glass is going to break much like a windshield in a car.
When Is Tempered Glass Required?
There are some situations where tempered glass is required, with one of the main ones being the glass in your entry doors and the window that surrounds the door. The general rule is if the window is 60 inches above the walking surface, it does not need to be tempered. However, there are plenty of other rules based on if the window is in a bathroom, near stairs, or over a certain size. Make sure that you are familiar with the building codes in your area to determine when tempered glass is required.
Does Tempered Glass Cost More Money?
Tempered glass is going to be a stronger window, and all those other added benefits come with a higher price tag. Be prepared to spend more money on all of those windows where someone could potentially hit the window and cause it to break. While tempered glass does cost more money, the liability and potential medical bills will be far greater if an accident does happen.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you don't want to be in a situation where you have to replace the windows later because they are not tempered, which will end up costing you even more money. For example, if you were to sell your home, a home inspector may point out that the glass in certain windows is not tempered, which can result in a buyer asking for a credit at closing to make the upgrade.
Will A Window Contractor Install Non-Tempered Glass When Required?
Your window contractor is going to look out for your best interest, and they know the rules regarding tempered glass. That is why window contractors will follow the rules to make sure that everything is being done the right way. Sometimes the discussion about tempered glass doesn't even come up, because a window contractor installs it in all the areas where it is necessary.
For more information about window installation, contact a local company.
