If you are concerned about your security in Dore, Totley and Dronfield, because of the recent increase in break in’s there are measures you can do to improve the safety of your home. Checking on the type of glass in your windows and improving it by installing laminated glass may be one measure that will reduce the chances of unwanted visitors entering your home.
What is toughened glass?
The glass is toughened during the manufacturing process by the use of temperature and chemicals to make it much stronger than a normal untreated glass. Stress is put into the glass so that if it is broken, it breaks into smaller squares and not into splinters. Glass that is to be fitted below a height of 850mm is required in the uk to be toughened. If a person falls agains the glass there is less likely of a serious injury from splintering glass shards. (still not recommend thou!). If you have ever had a broken windscreen on your car – you will recognise this feature.
A window or door that contains toughened glass will be stamped with a kite mark EN12150.
What is laminated glass?
Laminated glass is exactly what the name says – it is layers of different materials bonded together to give different properties to the glass. If security is of concern to you, laminated glass may offer the better choice. It is often fitted in shop windows, where items of high value are for sales – such as jewellery shop windows. Within the glass is a layer of plastic film. The plastic film prevents the glass from falling out of the window and a greater force is required to break through the plastic layer. The window film will stretch when under attack and is difficult to break through. Another benefit of the plastic layer is that it can also prevent the UV rays from entering your room and fading your carpets and furniture. You can read more Glass /technical/glass
A window or door that contains laminated glass will be stamped with EN14449 LAM
How do I tell which type of glass is installed in my home?
You can identify the type of glass installed in your doors and windows by examining the kite mark which will be appear on the corner of the glass. EN12150 is the standard for toughened glass. If the glass is laminated it will be stamped EN14449 and may also say LAM.
Double Glazed Panels.
In many applications a combination of the two types of glass are used. For example with the toughened glass on the outside and the laminated glass panel on the inside. By combining the different panels the home owner has the best of both worlds. The thickness of the glass can also be increased to improve the security characteristics of the panels.
If you are concerned about the security of your outer doors and windows, CMC Aluminium have over 24 years of experience and can advice on the improvements – such as the replacement of the glass.
In order to improve your safety it may only be necessary to replace the glass and not the window and door frames.
If you want to find out more contact us now
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