Glass has so many uses, from wine glasses, jars and vases to window panes and shower screens. But toughened glass is much more important for safety around the home. So today I’m going to talk about where to use toughened glass in the home. For safety purposes as well as for its aesthetic properties.
With the ongoing renovation of my mum’s old miner’s cottage, I’m learning more and more about the building industry. If you remember last year the first thing we did was to replace the single pane glass windows with double glazing ones.
Toughened Glass Uses
Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that is commonly used in a variety of applications due to its strength and durability. Toughened glass is made by subjecting regular float glass to a process of heating and rapid cooling, which makes it up to five times stronger than ordinary glass.
One of the most popular uses of toughened glass is in glass pool fencing Australia. Glass pool fencing provides a clear and unobstructed view of the pool area while also meeting most safety standards and national pool codes.
Toughened glass is also commonly used in other types of fencing and balustrades, as well as in doors, windows, and shower screens. It is also used in the construction of buildings, particularly in areas where safety is a concern, such as in windows and doors that are close to the ground.
The safety purpose
Toughened glass around the home is vitally important for safety. It’s used in window panes and doors for homes and businesses. It must be safety toughened glass if the bottom of the glazing is within 800mm of the floor level. So basically if the glass can come in contact with your body it must be toughened glass. Toughened glass is designed to take an impact without shattering. But if must shatter into thousands of tiny pieces it should break. To protect you from cuts. This is also true for car windows.
Toughened glass height requirements
Toughened glass height requirements vary depending on local building codes and regulations. In general, toughened glass is required in areas where safety is a concern, such as in doors and windows that are close to the ground. The height at which toughened glass is required may also depend on the type of building and its intended use.
For example, in the United States, the International Building Code (IBC) sets out requirements for the use of tempered glass in certain applications. According to the IBC, tempered glass is required in any glazed area that is within 24 inches of a door and less than 60 inches above the floor, as well as in any glazed area that is within 60 inches of the floor and has a surface area greater than 9 square feet.
It is important to consult local building codes and regulations when determining the height for toughened glass is required. A qualified contractor or glass professional can also provide guidance on the appropriate use of toughened glass in specific applications.
Aesthetic properties of toughened glass
Where can I use toughened glass around the home? Well, you obviously need to use it for internal glass doors, and shower cubicles and screens. But it can also be used as kitchen splashbacks. It can stand heat sources so it’s popular as a splashback behind the hob and of course easy to clean there.
Years back when we visited Toronto we went up to the top of the CN tower and I vividly remember standing on a glass floor looking way far down below. I don’t think I could have a glass floor in my house, but if it’s something you would like for your landing, it’s possible with toughened glass. You could even have use this type of glass for the balustrade and top of the landing for a modern clean look in your home.