Glass is everywhere —in our homes, cars, offices, and public spaces—but not all glass is the same.

Whether you’re replacing a window, installing a shower door, or simply curious about the glass in your surroundings, knowing if a piece of glass is tempered can be very useful.

It’s important to know which glass type suits you and can be used at home and in the workplace.

Tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass and is commonly used for safety purposes, such as shower doors and car windows.

If you’re choosing glass for your home or planning a renovation but aren’t sure which type is right for your needs, don’t worry—we’re here to provide you with all the essential information to help you make the best choice.

In the blog, we will explore types of glass, such as tempered, laminated, and regular glass, and discuss which is essential for you.

5 Visual Clues To Tell If Glass is Tempered or Regular Glass

Tempered glass is primarily used in houses, vehicles, and commercial areas due to its strength and safety features.
However, it can be tricky to identify the difference between tempered and regular glass.

Five visual clues can help you identify whether it is tempered or regular glass.

• Check for a tempered mark.
• Look for surface distortion.
• Use polarized sunglasses.
• Inspect the edges.
• Observe the reflection and clarity.

Use all five visual clues to identify the difference between tempered glass and other glass. If you are still unsure which one you need, consult a glass expert for further information.

Tempered or Laminated? How to Identify Your Glass

Tempered and laminated glass may look alike but differ significantly in structure and performance.

Tempered glass is made by heating and quickly cooling it, and laminated glass is made by putting a thin layer of plastic.

Tempered glass is identified by its solid, single-layer appearance, unlike laminated glass, which typically shows multiple bonded layers.

In contrast, laminated glass often reveals a visible layer sandwiched between two glass panels.

The main difference is that when tempered glass is broken, it shatters into pieces, but laminated glass stays in the same place after it is broken.

Tempered Vs Normal Glass: Key Differences

Tempered and regular glass are two of the most common types of glass used in homes, vehicles, and commercial buildings.

Regarding safety and durability, they differ and serve different purposes despite their similar appearance.

• Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass. It is known for its strength and thermal resistance. If it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces.
• Regular Glass: This is also called annealed glass. It is a basic type of glass made by slowly cooling it after it forms its shape. The process makes the glass material smooth and clear. However, the difference is that it breaks more easily and shatters into pieces; it is dangerous and can easily injure anybody.

These two types of glass have distinct properties, so understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your needs.

How to Spot Tempered Glass by Looking

Tempered glass may look similar, but a few visual clues can help you tell the difference.

• Distortion pattern: If you view tempered glass directly or under polarised light, you will notice a wavy line or pattern. This characteristic shows that it is tempered glass.
• Edges: The edges of tempered glass are smoother than those of normal glass because they are polished after cutting.
• Stamps or etching: Most tempered glass has a small mark in the corner, often near the edge. This Mark may say, “Tempered.” If you find this mark, it means you have tempered glass.

How to Tell If Glass Is Tempered or Laminated

Each type of glass has its unique properties, and both tempered and laminated glass offer greater strength than regular glass.

They are used for different purposes, but if you don’t know the difference between the two, here are the differences:

Tempered glass is heated to make it 4–5 times stronger than regular glass. When it breaks, it shatters into smaller pieces.

Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer, usually PVB, between the two glass sheets. When laminated glass is broken, it remains intact with cracks similar to those in a windshield.

Another difference is that laminated glass often features a stamp with the abbreviation ‘PVB’ and a manufacturer’s logo, helping to distinguish it from other glass types. Tempered glass usually has a ‘Tempered’ mark along the edge.

Laminated and tempered glass differ in key ways, so if you’re unsure which type is right for your needs, consult a glass expert for more details.

How to Check If Glass Is Tempered Without Breaking It

People usually use tempered glass for safety purposes, which is significantly stronger than regular glass.

Many tempered glasses have a minor mark from the manufacturer that says “tempered” or shows a sign for it.
Another way to check is to wear polarized glasses instead of sunglasses.

Look at the tempered glass through the polarized glasses. If you see any dark lines or patterns, it is tempered glass.

No method is perfect for checking tempered glass, but you should try all these methods to identify the glass types, or you can get help from a professional glass installer.

Tempered Glass vs Regular Glass: What to Look for at Home

Knowing the difference between tempered and regular glass is essential when choosing the proper glass for your home. Despite their similar appearances, they serve distinct functions.

Tempered glass undergoes a process of heating and cooling, which makes it stronger than regular glass. So people use it for safety and durability.

When tempered glass breaks, it fractures into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp, hazardous shards. Its strength also means it takes much more force to break.

Tempered glass is safer and reduces the risk of injury. If you want a stronger material, go for tempered glass.
If tempered glass is broken, it will break into smaller pieces and then sharp pieces, so test why tempered glass is safer and cannot cause serious injuries.