When it comes to entry doors, glass is no longer just a decorative choice. Modern technology allows homeowners to enjoy the beauty and openness of glass while ensuring safety, security, and energy efficiency. Two of the most popular and effective options are tempered glass and laminated glass. These glass types are designed to withstand daily wear, extreme weather, and accidental impact, making them ideal for entryways and doors in Raleigh, Durham, Wake Forest, North Hills, and surrounding areas.
At Kelly Window and Door, we specialize in helping homeowners select and install tempered and laminated glass solutions that enhance safety, functionality, and style. This guide explains the benefits of each, how they differ, and why they’re an excellent choice for any entryway.
Understanding Tempered and Laminated Glass
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass, often referred to as “safety glass,” is heat-treated to increase strength. During the tempering process, glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled. This treatment changes its molecular structure, making it approximately four to five times stronger than standard glass.
Key features of tempered glass:
- High Impact Resistance: It can handle everyday knocks, accidental bumps, and moderate impacts without breaking.
- Safety in Case of Breakage: If tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury.
- Durability: Resistant to scratches, temperature changes, and extreme weather conditions.
Tempered glass is commonly used in front entry doors, side panels, and patio doors where safety and strength are paramount.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) between two sheets of glass. This design holds the glass together even if it is cracked, preventing shards from falling or creating hazards.
Key features of laminated glass:
- Enhanced Security: The inner layer makes it difficult to penetrate, adding a protective barrier against intruders.
- UV Protection: Laminated glass filters a significant amount of harmful UV rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and artwork.
- Noise Reduction: It reduces outside noise, creating a quieter, more serene interior environment.
- Safety in Breakage: Even if broken, the glass stays largely intact, reducing injury risks.
Laminated glass is ideal for homes that prioritize security, soundproofing, and long-term protection while maintaining a sleek, transparent aesthetic.
Benefits of Tempered and Laminated Glass in Entryways
1. Safety First
Safety is the primary reason homeowners choose tempered or laminated glass. Unlike traditional glass, these options are engineered to minimize injury risks:
- Tempered Glass: Breaks into small, less harmful pieces.
- Laminated Glass: Holds together when shattered, preventing dangerous shards from falling.
For entryways, where children, pets, and high traffic are common, using these glass types significantly enhances safety.
2. Enhanced Security
Entry doors are a natural target for intruders. Laminated glass, in particular, adds a layer of security:
- The inner plastic interlayer makes it very difficult for anyone to break through quickly.
- Even if an intruder attempts to shatter the glass, it remains in place, buying you time and deterring break-ins.
Tempered glass, while strong, is more about safety and durability than forced entry prevention, making laminated glass an excellent choice for security-focused homeowners.
3. Durability Against Everyday Wear
Both tempered and laminated glass are built to last. Tempered glass resists scratches, impacts, and temperature fluctuations. Laminated glass withstands minor impacts without shattering and protects against environmental stressors.
For Raleigh-Durham homes facing seasonal storms, intense summer heat, or fluctuating temperatures, this durability ensures long-term performance without the need for constant replacements.
4. Energy Efficiency
Modern glass technologies allow for energy-efficient coatings and multiple glazing options. Both tempered and laminated glass can be combined with insulated units or low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to:
- Reduce heat transfer
- Maintain consistent indoor temperatures
- Lower energy bills
An energy-efficient entryway keeps your home comfortable year-round while reducing environmental impact.
5. UV Protection
Laminated glass blocks a substantial amount of harmful UV rays, helping to prevent fading of furniture, carpets, and flooring. Homeowners who value interior aesthetics and longevity of their furnishings will find laminated glass particularly beneficial.
6. Noise Reduction
The interlayer in laminated glass absorbs sound, providing a quieter home environment. If your entryway faces a busy street, nearby construction, or other sources of noise, laminated glass is an excellent solution to reduce distractions and enhance comfort inside your home.
7. Style and Design Flexibility
Tempered and laminated glass come in a variety of styles:
- Clear for maximum light and unobstructed views
- Frosted or textured for privacy
- Decorative etched or stained designs for aesthetic appeal
This flexibility allows homeowners to maintain the openness and visual appeal of their entryway while meeting practical needs like privacy, safety, and noise reduction.
8. Low Maintenance
Both tempered and laminated glass are easy to clean and maintain. Laminated glass can be wiped down with standard glass cleaners, while tempered glass’s durability resists scratches and chips, keeping your entryway looking fresh and modern for years.
When to Choose Tempered Glass vs. Laminated Glass
- Tempered Glass: Best for situations where impact resistance and safety are priorities. Ideal for doors that are frequently used or in high-traffic areas.
- Laminated Glass: Ideal when security, noise reduction, and UV protection are important. Perfect for front entry doors, sidelights, or any glass panels that require enhanced protection.
Many homeowners opt for a combination, using tempered glass where strength and shatter safety are crucial and laminated glass where security and noise reduction are more important.
Local Considerations for North Carolina Homes
For homeowners in Raleigh, Durham, Wake Forest, and surrounding neighborhoods, there are additional factors to consider:
- Climate Resilience: Both tempered and laminated glass withstand North Carolina’s storms, temperature fluctuations, and humidity.
- Energy Efficiency: With hot summers and mild winters, insulated glass units with tempered or laminated panels help keep homes comfortable.
- Aesthetic Fit: Local architectural styles—from historic homes in Durham to modern builds in Raleigh—can be complemented by a variety of glass styles and finishes.
Choosing the right glass ensures your entryway is not only beautiful but also functional and durable in the local environment.
Why Kelly Window and Door
At Kelly Window and Door, we help homeowners in Raleigh, Durham, Wake Forest, North Hills, Hope Valley, and surrounding areas select the perfect glass for their entryways. Our services include:
- Expert Guidance: We explain the differences between tempered and laminated glass and help you decide which suits your needs.
- Customization: Choose from a range of styles, textures, and finishes to match your home’s architecture.
- Professional Installation: Our certified installers ensure your glass is fitted securely, providing maximum safety, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
- Stress-Free Guarantee: From consultation to installation, we provide clear communication and a worry-free experience.
Our decades of experience and dedication to quality ensure your home’s entryway is both stunning and functional.
Conclusion
Tempered and laminated glass are more than just safety features—they enhance the overall functionality, security, and aesthetics of your home’s entryways. From impact resistance and noise reduction to UV protection and energy efficiency, these modern glass options offer a comprehensive set of benefits.
Whether you’re updating a historic home in Durham, adding a modern touch to a Wake Forest property, or enhancing curb appeal in Raleigh, choosing the right glass for your entryways is an investment in safety, comfort, and long-term satisfaction.
At Kelly Window and Door, we specialize in helping homeowners select and install tempered and laminated glass solutions that elevate both the style and functionality of their homes. Contact us today to explore options that protect, beautify, and transform your entryway into a safe and welcoming feature.