Laminated Glass Thickness: The Thicker the Better?

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that provides increased strength and security compared to standard glass. It’s made of two or more layers of glass permanently bonded together and a tough plastic inner layer, or interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

This creates a sandwich effect where the plastic layer holds the glass in place even if it cracks or breaks, preventing it from shattering into dangerous shards. Laminated glass is used in car windshields, skylights, windows in hurricane zones, and anywhere else where safety and security are a major concern.

A crucially important parameter of laminated glass is its thickness, which is associated with its overall performance in different applications. But how do you know what thickness is ideal for your situation? To help you choose the right thickness, our experts at Apex Tempered Glass have prepared a comprehensive guide.

How Thick Should Laminated Glass Be?

So, what is the thickness of laminated safety glass? It’s specified based on the combined thickness of the glass layers and the interlayer.

In the table below, we’ve outlined the thickness types of laminated glass and what applications they’re ideal for:

Thinner glass prioritizes weight and cost-efficiency, making it suitable for applications like interior glass doors and small, framed table tops.

Mid-range laminates offer a good balance between safety, weight, and soundproofing. This range is commonly used for residential windows, most table tops with or without frames, and interior applications like partitions.

Thick laminates are a heavy-duty option for maximum security, soundproofing, or impact resistance. They’re used for applications like skylights in high-wind areas, hurricane windows, security barriers, and large frameless table tops or railings.

Laminated Glass Thickness Options

At Apex Tempered Glass, we provide you with custom laminated glass in a range of thicknesses for various applications:

• 5/32″
• 3/16″
• 1/4″
• 3/8″
• 1/2″
• 3/4″
• 1″

We can customize its thickness to fit the specific requirements of your project or bring your design ideas to life.

How Does EVA & PVB Interlayer Thickness Affect Laminated Glass?

Sandwiched between the glass plies, the interlayer is the key component of laminated glass units. This thin layer plays a significant role in the final product’s properties, from safety and strength to aesthetics. Here’s a look at the common types of laminated glass interlayers and their thickness characteristics.

Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB)

The most widely used interlayer material, PVB offers a good balance of clarity, adhesion, and affordability. Its thickness typically ranges from 0.015 to 0.15 inches.
Standard PVB provides good UV protection but may become slightly yellow over extended periods.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

Known for its excellent clarity and flexibility, EVA allows for better integration of curved glass designs. The thickness of this interlayer material is the same as PVB’s.
One downside of EVA is its lower tear strength compared to PVB and its susceptibility to yellowing under sunlight.
If you’re hoping to create decorative effects within the laminated glass, you can use colored interlayers. You can also have special interlayers with adjusted sound-dampening properties.

How to Choose the Right Laminated Glass Thickness

Understanding the thickness of laminated glass is important for several reasons.

Safety

A thicker laminate with more plastic and glass layers offers greater impact resistance. This is crucial for high-traffic areas and applications like storefronts, car windshields, or hurricane windows where the glass needs to withstand significant force without breaking or shattering easily.

Aesthetics vs. Functionality

In terms of aesthetics, thinner laminated glass offers a sleeker, lighter look. This could be ideal for interior partitions or display cases where safety isn’t as major of a concern.

For larger panels or those with minimal framing, thicker laminated glass might be needed to maintain structural integrity and prevent sagging under its own weight. This ensures the design is functional and safe.

Light Transmission

If your design aims for maximum natural light, you might prefer thinner laminated glass to allow more light to pass through.

For privacy or glare control purposes, thicker laminated glass with a tinted or textured interlayer might be chosen, even if it slightly reduces how much light is let in. This prioritizes functionality over complete transparency.

Sound Insulation

Thicker laminated glass creates a greater barrier for sound waves, resulting in better noise reduction. This can be beneficial for windows in noisy areas or for creating quieter interior spaces.

UV Protection

Laminated glass can be made with special PVB interlayers that block ultraviolet rays. A thicker laminate with more PVB can offer a stronger barrier against UV light, protecting furniture and interiors from fading.

Weight and Cost

Thicker laminated glass is obviously heavier and requires more materials, leading to a higher cost. Finding the right balance between thickness, desired benefits, and budget is important for any project.

Advantages of Thicker Laminated Glass

As seen above, choosing thicker laminated glass has many benefits.

Increased Impact Resistance

In case of impact, the plastic interlayer holds the broken glass pieces together which prevents shattering and reduces the risk of injuries.

This is especially beneficial for scenarios where safety is paramount, for example:

• High-traffic areas: Places like storefronts or areas prone to vandalism benefit from thicker laminated glass to deter break-ins and protect people from flying glass shards.
• Car windshields and hurricane windows: These applications need thicker laminated glass to withstand significant impacts from objects or strong winds.

Improved Structural Integrity

Large glass panels, especially those with minimal support structures, can put a lot of stress on the glass itself. Thicker laminated glass offers better structural support and prevents the glass from sagging or bowing under its own weight. This ensures the overall stability and safety of the structure.

Better Sound Insulation

Sound waves travel more easily through thinner materials. Thicker laminated glass creates a thicker barrier for sound waves and reduces the amount of noise that passes through.

This can be helpful for:

• Windows in noisy areas: Living near a busy street or having a noisy neighbor? Thicker laminated glass can create a quieter and more peaceful environment in your home.
• Interior spaces: Thicker laminated glass partitions in offices or conference rooms can help control noise levels and improve sound privacy.

Stronger UV Protection

A thicker laminate with more PVB provides a stronger barrier against UV light.

This can be beneficial for:

• Protecting furniture and interiors: UV rays can cause fading in fabrics, artwork, and furniture. Thicker laminated glass can help slow down this process and protect your valuables.
• Sun control: In hot climates, thicker laminated glass with a UV-blocking interlayer can help reduce heat gain and regulate indoor temperatures.

Disadvantages of Thicker Laminated Glass

The benefits of laminated glass of a greater thickness go together with a few downsides, which may matter less depending on the project.

Less Natural Light Transmission

As the thickness of the glass increases, so does the amount of light it absorbs. This can result in a slightly dimmer space, compared to thinner glass options.

Heavier Weight

Thicker laminated glass is heavier due to the additional layers of material. This can put a strain on existing support structures and might require reinforcement during installation.

Consider these factors:

• Window and door frames: For thicker laminated glass windows or doors, the frames might need to be thicker or made from stronger materials to support the additional weight.
• Wall supports: For glass walls made with thicker laminated glass, the support system (beams, posts) might need to be designed to handle the increased weight.

Higher Cost

The thicker laminated glass needs more glass and interlayer material, which translates to a higher overall cost compared to thinner options. This can be a significant factor when considering the budget for a project.