As a glass fabricator, Kensington Glass Arts, Inc. (KGa) is proud to be one of the top producers of laminated glass in the Mid-Atlantic area. We often receive questions from customers regarding what exactly is laminated glass.

Fabrication Process

Laminated glass is fabricated by placing an interlayer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (SGP) layer between multiple pieces of glass. The glass is then fused under heat and vacuum, creating a strong and safe form of glass.

Uses and Purpose

While initially developed for use in automobile windshields, the popularity and demand for laminated glass continue to be on the rise due to its many benefits including increased security, reduction in noise transmission, and the protection it provides from weather-related damage.

• Increased security – the PVB interlayer is designed to keep the glass intact, even when the individual glass lites are broken. By using different thicknesses of glass and interlayers, many increased performance characteristics can be achieved. These benefits range from increased protection from unlawful penetration in shop-fronts to more effective balustrade protection in which a glass railing will remain in place even in the case of glass breakage.
• Reduced light transmittance– All PVB interlayers filter 99.9% of UV energy, making laminated glass useful in protecting delicate surfaces from sun damage.
• Reduced noise transmission – Laminated glass is an excellent acoustic barrier and is increasingly being used in office interiors and other locations where sound transmission through the glass could be a problem.
• Protection from natural disasters – Many coastal areas now have building codes that require laminated to be specified for use in exterior window glazing in the response to the risk of airborne debris during storms. In these installations, while the laminated glass will break, these types of windows will remain sealed to the outside and protect the interiors of buildings from water damage.

Because of its many benefits — including safety, which we will discuss in further details below — laminated glass is often used in car windshields, railings, skylights, curtainwalls, glass facades, and more.

Breakage

When laminated glass breaks, it also does so in a way that minimizes injury. However, unlike tempered glass, laminated glass does not shatter into small pieces when broken. When laminated glass breaks, it sticks to the interlayer. That’s why laminated glass is often used in car windshields, railings, skylights, curtain walls, glass facades, and more.

When the laminated glass breaks, there will not be countless small shards of glass launching towards potential bystanders.

About Kensington Glass Arts, Inc.

Kensington Glass Arts, Inc. (KGa) is a commercial glass fabricator, installer, and commercial service division. Kensington Glass Arts fabricates laminated glass, tempered glass, and tempered laminated glass in-house. We have four locations through the Mid-Atlantic area that can help you with your interior and exterior glazing needs. To learn more about our products and services, visit our Contact Us page to give us a call or email.