How to Improve the Security of a House in Florida With Tempered Glass

The “molten ice” effect or why tempered glass is considered safe

Tempered glass undergoes a special treatment, during which the inner part of the sheet is compressed, and the outer part is stretched. It is as if the glass undergoes a “workout” at high temperatures and the following sudden cooling. This makes it stronger than ordinary glass (four times on average).

When damaged, it breaks into small rounded fragments, like tiny ice cubes, and does not produce sharp shards that can injure a person or cause serious property damage. This event is often called safe fragmentation.

Why is this important for Florida? During strong winds and rainfall, any fragile structure is at risk of damage. A snapped branch or building material can easily break the glass if it is not reinforced.

By the way, during hurricanes, sharp temperature jumps sometimes occur; some people have to install glass near heat sources – fireplaces, heaters or stoves – in residential buildings. Tempered glass can resist temperature changes and deformation well under high thermal loads.

Common misconceptions about protective qualities

Some people believe that tempered glass makes a house invulnerable. But it is worth remembering: it is not bulletproof or “immortal”. With a powerful strike or a targeted break-in, it will still be damaged, although it will hold up longer than the usual glass. It can not replace full-fledged shockproof solutions (like polycarbonate panels). But it takes on an important task: it keeps fragments together, preventing them from causing harm to people or pets.

Another nuance: when you need enhanced protection from intruders, additional measures are used like reinforced frames, specialized locks, tinted film. And although tempered glass is specifically “safety glass”, it should be not perceived as a 100% defence against intruders.

Installation variants

Tempered glass for homes can be ordered literally to individual measurements. Specialized companies, such as MercuryGlassAndMirror.com, offer a wide range of solutions: from simple rectangular templates to shaped and multifaceted shapes. Accurate preliminary measurements are the key to success because once the heat treatment is complete, the size cannot be changed. If an error is discovered during the process, the product will have to be re-manufactured.

Typical areas of use:

• Windows on upper floors and in areas potentially exposed to strong winds.
• Shower screens and doors (areas with a high risk of slipping and falling).
• Interior elements that come into contact with high temperatures (kitchen surfaces, fireplaces).
• Top and side panels of doors (including the entrance).

Cleaning and maintenance nuances

Those who know how to care for regular glass will easily handle tempered glass. It is important to wipe the surface with a soft cloth or napkin to avoid deep scratches. Florida’s inhabitants often complain about the salty sea wind that quickly settles on the windows, especially near the coast. Regular warm water with a small amount of mild cleaning agent is enough to restore transparency.

If you keep overlooking dirt, you will have to put in more effort and spend more time carefully removing ingrained stains.

Can you re-use tempered glass a second time?

A fairly common question: if the glass has already been installed and suddenly, by mistake, cut out of size, can it be adjusted to the new parameters? Unfortunately, no. When trying to cut or drill an already tempered sheet, that creates tension, due to which the glass almost instantly flies apart. Therefore, all measurements should be taken before tempering. If a replacement is suddenly needed, you must make a new order.

Can you save money with tempered glass?

Some representatives of the construction industry agree that it is not worth looking for the cheapest option, especially if safety is at stake. After all, it is one thing when you have to replace fragile glass every couple of years, and quite the other to use load-resistant material for a long time. In the long term, tempered products reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs.

And if you consider the risk that during a strong wind a broken window will also lead to leaks, damaged interior and injuries – the benefits are obvious. Financial investments in reliable glassing pay off with peace of mind and confidence in the house.

Compatibility with other technologies

To achieve maximum effect and additional benefits, you can supplement tempered glass with other solutions:

• Warm double-glazed windows. In combination with thermal insulation double-glazed windows, it is possible to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the house, which is especially important for those who like coolness in hot Florida weather (with active air conditioning).
• Anti-vandal coatings. Protective films are sometimes combined with tempered glass in order to increase the overall strength of the structure.

And for particularly important areas, especially commercial ones (expensive store windows, museum display cases, etc.), a layer of transparent polymer is installed. It strengthens the panel and makes it virtually impenetrable for delinquents.

By the way, in some Florida counties, there is a requirement to install tempered glass in areas of increased risk of injury. We are talking about shower partitions, stairwells, and institutions for children. It is better to consult with the contractor and clarify local standards in order to comply with all regulations and avoid getting fined.