Many older homes, even those built in the 70s and 80s, commonly have float glass fitted into the windows and doors. Float glass is thin and can be very dangerous when broken, as it breaks into sharp, razor like shards that can cause serious injury.
Replace with safety glass
Safety glass has additional safety features that make it less likely to break, or less likely to pose a threat when broken. Common designs include toughened glass and laminated glass.
- Toughened glass is heat treated to increase its strength compared with normal glass. It crumbles into small granular chunks when broken.
- Laminated glass holds together when shattered because it is held in place by a laminated layer which is placed between two or more layers of glass. Its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces.
Current Australian Standards for glass and glazing can be complicated, and requirements can vary depending on the size of the window or door, and its location in your home.
Consult your local glass services professional and they will be able to advise what sort of glass you currently have and whether it should be replaced.
