.svg){kind=small}
Laminated vs Toughened Glass: Complete Safety Glazing Guide
Our Verdict
Toughened glass is the more affordable and widely used safety glazing option, ideal for doors, low-level windows and areas at risk of impact. Laminated glass provides superior security (it holds together when broken), better noise reduction and UV protection, making it the preferred choice for ground-floor security glazing, skylights and noise-sensitive applications.
At a Glance
Laminated Glass
Key Specs
- Two+ glass layers bonded with PVB or EVA interlayer
- Holds together when broken — no dangerous shards
- Noise reduction: 3-5 dB improvement over standard glass
- Blocks 99% of UV radiation
Toughened Glass
Key Specs
- Heat-treated to 620°C then rapidly cooled
- 4-5x stronger than standard annealed glass
- Shatters into small, blunt granules (not sharp shards)
- Cannot be cut or modified after toughening
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Laminated Glass | Toughened Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost (per pane) | £100-£250 | £80-£200 |
| Manufacturing Process | Layers bonded with PVB/EVA interlayer | Heat-treated and rapidly cooled |
| Strength vs Annealed Glass | 2-3x stronger | 4-5x stronger |
| Breakage Pattern | Cracks but stays in frame | Shatters into small blunt granules |
| Security Rating | Excellent — resists forced entry | Moderate — hole created on impact |
| Noise Reduction | Good — interlayer dampens sound | Standard — similar to annealed glass |
| UV Protection | Blocks 99% of UV radiation | No additional UV protection |
| Post-Manufacture Cutting | Not recommended (possible with care) | Impossible — must be cut before toughening |
| Weight | Heavier (two layers + interlayer) | Same as equivalent annealed glass |
| Building Regs Compliance | Meets BS 6206 / BS EN 12600 | Meets BS 6206 / BS EN 12600 |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate — interlayer can delaminate at high temp | Excellent — withstands up to 250°C |
| Common Applications | Skylights, security windows, acoustic glazing | Doors, side panels, shower screens, balustrades |
| Spontaneous Breakage Risk | None | Very rare — nickel sulphide inclusions |
| Availability | Specialist order (1-2 weeks) | Widely stocked (2-5 days) |
Choose Laminated Glass If...
- Security is a priority — laminated glass resists forced entry far better than toughened
- The glazing is overhead (skylights, conservatory roofs) where falling shards would be dangerous
- You need improved noise reduction on windows facing busy roads or noisy neighbours
- UV protection is important to prevent fading of furniture, artwork and flooring
Choose Toughened Glass If...
- You need safety glazing for doors, side panels and low-level windows at the best price
- Heat resistance is required — near cookers, fireplaces or radiators
- Maximum impact strength is needed for areas subject to ball games or accidental impact
- You need glass for shower screens, balustrades or other frameless structural applications
Cost Comparison
Toughened glass costs £80-£200 per pane depending on size and thickness, while laminated glass runs to £100-£250. For a full double glazed unit (two panes sealed together), adding toughened glass to one pane adds £30-£50 per unit, while adding laminated glass adds £50-£80. A practical approach for a typical home is to specify laminated glass on the outer pane of ground-floor windows facing accessible areas (for security) and toughened glass on the inner pane of doors and low-level panels (for safety compliance). This targeted strategy adds approximately £400-£800 to the glazing cost for a three-bedroom house compared with standard annealed glass throughout. For skylights and overhead glazing, laminated glass is required by regulation regardless of cost preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
No glass is completely burglar-proof, but laminated glass is a significant deterrent. A standard 6.4mm laminated pane will hold together after being struck, forcing an intruder to spend time and make noise cutting through the interlayer. Most opportunistic burglars will move on rather than persist. For higher security, specify laminated glass rated to BS EN 356 class P2A or above.
Spontaneous breakage is extremely rare but can occur due to nickel sulphide inclusions — tiny impurities in the glass that expand over time and trigger fracture. The risk is estimated at 1 in 10,000 panes over a 20-year period. Heat-soaking (an additional quality control step) reduces this risk to near zero and is recommended for critical applications.
No. Toughened glass cannot be cut, drilled or modified after the toughening process — any attempt will cause the entire pane to shatter. All cutting, drilling and edge-working must be completed before the glass is toughened. This means toughened glass must be ordered to exact dimensions. Laminated glass can technically be cut, but it is difficult and not recommended.
Laminated glass is required for overhead glazing (skylights, rooflights, conservatory roofs) under Building Regulations Approved Document K. This is because laminated glass stays in the frame when broken, preventing shards from falling on occupants below. Toughened glass alone is not acceptable for overhead applications.
Yes, standard laminated glass with a PVB interlayer blocks approximately 99% of ultraviolet radiation. This protects furniture, carpets, artwork and flooring from fading and discolouration. Toughened glass and standard annealed glass offer minimal UV protection unless combined with a low-E coating.
Yes, toughened laminated glass combines the impact strength of toughening with the post-breakage integrity of lamination. It is specified for structural applications such as glass balustrades, glass floors and high-security glazing. It is the most expensive option but offers the highest level of safety and security.
Laminated glass is superior for noise reduction. The PVB interlayer absorbs sound energy, providing 3-5 dB better noise reduction than toughened or standard glass of equivalent weight. Specialist acoustic laminated glass can improve this to 6-8 dB. Toughened glass offers no acoustic advantage over standard glass.
No, safety glass is only required in 'critical locations' as defined by Building Regulations. These include glazing in and near doors, low-level glazing below 800mm from floor level, and glazing in bathrooms. Standard windows above 800mm from the floor do not require safety glass, though it can be specified for added security.
Toughened glass carries a permanent etched mark (usually in one corner) showing the BS kitemark and the manufacturer's details. Laminated glass can be identified by looking at the edge — you will see the clear interlayer sandwiched between the glass sheets. If in doubt, a glazier can use a stress meter or simply inspect the pane.
Standard laminated glass is virtually indistinguishable from ordinary glass in appearance. There may be a very slight green or blue tint due to the PVB interlayer, but this is imperceptible in most installations. Clear PVB interlayers are now standard, and specialist low-iron laminated glass eliminates any residual tint for applications where optical clarity is critical.
Need Help Choosing?
Our window specialists can help you choose the right windows for your property. Get a free, no-obligation consultation.