Specification Matrix
Comparative Material Performance Matrix
Select 2 to 4 glass constructions to compare mechanical properties, regulatory classifications, and processing limits.
| Performance Property | Toughened Safety Glass (Tempered)BS EN 12150-1 | Laminated Safety & Security GlassBS EN 14449 | Insulating Glass Units (Double & Triple IGUs)BS EN 1279 (Parts 1–6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Classification (EN 12600) | Class 1C1 (BS EN 12600) | Class 1B1 or 2B2 (BS EN 12600) | Determined by individual glass plies (inner/outer toughened or laminated) |
| Mechanical Bending Strength | 4 to 5 times stronger in bending than annealed float (characteristic bending strength 120 N/mm²) | Equivalent to constituent panes; structural ionoplast interlayers achieve post-yield load capacity | Shares wind load between plies via cavity pressure transfer; calculated per EN 16612 |
| Post-Breakage Containment | Disintegrates into small, relatively blunt granular dice, drastically reducing laceration risk | Glass panes crack upon high impact but fragments adhere tenaciously to interlayer; aperture remains sealed | Depends on selected plies; safety glass required on inner or outer depending on impact zone |
| Typical Thermal Ug (W/m²K) | 5.7 W/m²K (single glazed monolithic) — requires IGU assembly for thermal efficiency | 5.4 W/m²K to 5.7 W/m²K monolithic; 1.0 to 1.4 W/m²K in sealed units | 1.0 to 1.2 W/m²K (Double Glazed 28mm Argon + Soft Coat Low-E); 0.5 to 0.7 W/m²K (Triple Glazed 44mm Krypton) |
| Acoustic Reduction (Rw dB) | Rw 29 dB (4mm) to Rw 35 dB (12mm) | Rw 33 dB to Rw 42 dB (acoustic PVB achieves +3 to +5 dB reduction over monolithic) | Rw 31 dB (standard 4-16-4) up to Rw 46 dB (dissimilar thicknesses + acoustic laminated pane) |
| Solar Factor (g-value) | Conditional / Base Float (~0.85) | Conditional / Base Float (~0.85) | 0.28 to 0.65 depending on Low-E vs Solar Control coating selection |
| Can Be Cut / Drilled After Fabrication? | STRICTLY NO (Pre-furnace only) | STRICTLY NO (Pre-furnace only) | STRICTLY NO (Pre-furnace only) |
| Heat Soak Testing (HST) | Recommended to BS EN 14179 (NiS risk mitigation) | Recommended to BS EN 14179 (NiS risk mitigation) | Recommended to BS EN 14179 (NiS risk mitigation) |
| Next Procurement Step | Direct supply specification for cut-to-size toughened panels or local glazier installation quotes. Read full technical specification | Specify interlayer performance requirements and reach qualified regional architectural laminators. Read full technical specification | Calculate whole-window U-value and obtain commercial sealed unit supply quotations. Read full technical specification |
Performance figures based on European Standard test methodologies (EN 410, EN 673, EN ISO 717-1). Whole-system calculations required for Building Control sign-off.