In the market, there are different types of glass, each with specific properties to meet all current needs. In the automotive world, however, car glass can be divided into two main groups: laminated glass and tempered glass.
At Ralarsa, as an automobile glass workshop, we explain in this article the differences between the two and their most notable advantages. Remember that in our specialised facilities you can replace the car glass quickly and safely — we are one of the leading workshop networks nationwide. Contact Ralarsa and don’t wait any longer to repair damaged glass!
What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is a type of glass that, after being manufactured and processed, goes through an oven to be tempered more or less, always depending on the need to be met. To ensure this glass is of high quality, it must undergo various heating and cooling phases. By the end of the process, the glass becomes about ten times harder, stronger, and more resistant than at the beginning.
In addition to being used for car windows, this type of glass can be found in other fields outside the automotive industry, and probably closer to you than you think — such as mobile phone screen protectors, shop windows and even shower screens, among others.
And what is laminated glass?
As its name suggests, laminated glass is the result of combining several simple sheets with other interposed layers, manufactured in PVB (polyvinyl butyral). It is an extremely resistant material and, for this reason, it is a staple in the automotive industry. In fact, it is the most commonly used type of glass for car windows today.
Moreover, the ease of repairing laminated glass when needed adds even more value. However, it is incredibly resistant to potential impacts from external objects. This does not mean it cannot happen, but if it did, it would not shatter into a thousand pieces — instead, it would crack in a spiderweb pattern. Its greatest advantage is its high level of safety.
Laminated glass also offers other benefits, such as resistance to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). This benefits both the vehicle and its passengers, thanks to better climate control inside the car. Furthermore, it also serves as sound insulation.
So… what type of glass are a car’s side windows?
Sometimes, car glass may indeed break into many pieces — normally the side windows — requiring you to change or replace the car glass. This is purely for safety reasons: in the event of an accident, it would be much easier to break and rescue someone from inside the vehicle. Thus, all side windows and even some rear car windows are made from tempered glass.
Ralarsa, your automobile glass workshop
If you find yourself in a situation where a window is broken and you need to repair or replace the glass, do not hesitate to go to your nearest Ralarsa workshop. In our network of more than 240 repair centres, you will have the advice of the most professional team in the sector, with more than 40 years leading the repair and replacement of car windows.
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