Tempered vs laminated glass

Both are safety glass, but they fail differently and suit different jobs. Tempered (toughened) glass is heat-treated to be about four to five times stronger than ordinary glass, and when it does break it shatters into small, relatively blunt pebbles instead of dangerous shards — which is why it's required for shower screens, glass doors, balustrades and table tops. Laminated glass is two panes bonded by a plastic interlayer, so when it cracks the pieces stay stuck to the interlayer rather than falling out; it also blocks most UV and dampens noise, making it the choice for security, overhead glazing, and street-facing windows. A key practical point: tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled after toughening — it must be made to final size — so measure before you order. Which one a given opening legally needs is best confirmed with a glass specialist.