Engineers and Architects have always been inspired by glass as a building material. As methods of toughening become more cultivated, glass as a structural element has become more widely acceptable. Transparent structures, such as glass balustrades offer unobstructed views at all times while minimising interference with the appearance of the building, all without compromising safety.
How It Is Made
Toughened glass is made from annealed glass through a thermal tempering process. The uneven heating method causes the cooling glass to form layers instead of a solid sheet. The glass is placed onto a ceramic roller table and is pushed through a furnace that heats the glass to approx. 720 °C. Once the glass is heated, the outside is rapidly cooled which “freezes” tension into the glass. By using this method, only the outside is solidified, leaving the interior fluid.
Why Choose Toughened Glass?
According to South African Glass Standards, Grade A toughened safety glass “may be used where the possibility of human impact exists or in any situation requiring strength, safety or resistance to temperature fluctuations.” It is also advisable to refer to SANS 10137 (The installation of glazing in buildings). In comparison to ordinary glass – which leaves behind sharp splinters from breakage -toughened glass fractures into small, relatively harmless particles in the event of being broken or failing, drastically lowering the chances of injury. Toughened glass has the highest resistance to impact and through the manufacturing process it can be up to 5 times stronger than regular glass, which makes it ideal for use in balustrades.
How Do I know If I Have Toughened Glass?
According to the National Building Regulations SANS 10400 Part N: Glazing – The panes of all safety glazing material shall be permanently marked by the installer in such a manner that the markings are visible in individual panes after installation. Toughened safety glass is permanently marked at the point of manufacture and must include the glass code. If you are at any point unsure about that glass that you are using, you should always ask if your glazier/contractor or glass supplier is a SAGGA accredited member.