Laminated vs Tempered Windshield Glass

Both laminated glass and tempered glass have their characteristics. When it comes to the windshield glassing, which one is the winner? Today, this discussion’s base is the battle of ‘laminated vs tempered windshield glass.’ So, if you are curious to know which glass is preferable for windshield glasses, keep reading. Moreover, we will help you decide which glass is used for your windshield.

Laminated vs Tempered Windshield Glass

Let’s compare and contrast laminated and tempered glass using the following key factors.

• Durability: 

Laminated Glass: Its layered structure, with two glass panels and a PVB interlayer, gives laminated glass remarkable durability. This makes it resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting clarity and safety.

Tempered Glass: Known for its heat resistance, tempered glass excels in enduring temperature changes and minor impacts. However, once compromised, it tends to shatter completely, unlike laminated glass.

• Clarity: 

Laminated Glass: The PVB layer in laminated glass is selected for its optical clarity, minimizing distortion and maintaining a crystal-clear view of the road. Undoubtedly, this is essential for safe driving, as it ensures unobstructed visibility.

Tempered Glass: While it provides sufficient clarity for safe driving, tempered glass can fall slightly short of the optical quality of laminated glass, especially when it comes to minimizing distortion.

• Safety: 

Laminated Glass: Laminated glass is the champion in terms of safety. Even when cracked, the PVB layer holds the glass together, preventing dangerous shards from injuring occupants and maintaining visibility.

Tempered Glass: This can shatter into small, blunt pieces, reducing injury risks in an accident. However, this also means that once broken, it offers no protection or visibility, which can be a safety concern.

• Strength: 

Laminated Glass: Characterized by its layered defense, laminated glass is exceptionally strong. The bonding of two glass panels with a resilient PVB interlayer makes it five times stronger than regular glass. Thus, it is ideal for deflecting road debris and ensuring passenger safety.

Tempered Glass: Tempered glass excels in its shatter resistance due to its heat treatment process. It withstands pressure and blunt force effectively, outperforming laminated glass in certain aspects of strength. However, this strength comes with the trade-off of completely shattering upon significant impact.

How Do I Know if My Windshield is Tempered or Laminated?

The following methods will be helpful to determine if your windshield is tempered or laminated.

1. Examine the Label: Most windshields feature a label that provides important information. This label often indicates whether the glass is laminated or tempered. We recommend starting here as it’s the simplest and most direct method.
2. Performing the ‘Dot Test’: If there’s no label, the ‘dot test’ is a reliable alternative. You should place a dot on both sides of the glass and align them. If the dots line up perfectly when viewed from the outside, the glass is likely laminated. If they seem offset, it’s probably tempered. This test leverages the refractive properties of the different glass types.
3. Seeking Professional Help: If you’re still unsure, the best course of action is to consult a professional auto glass technician. They have the expertise to accurately identify the type of glass.

Laminated vs Tempered Windshield Glass: Which is Better?

For windshields, laminated glass is better than tempered glass due to its strength and durability. Therefore, manufacturers use laminated glasses for windshields, while tempered glasses are installed on side windows and rear windows.

Laminated glass’s combination of durability, clarity, and superior safety features, like holding together even when damaged, makes it the best option for front-facing car windows. Tempered glass, while strong and safe in its own right, is better suited for side and rear windows where immediate post-breakage visibility is not as critical. When it comes to guarding against the hazards of the road, laminated glass stands out as a reliable guardian.