Laminated Glass
EN 14449:2005
Laminated glass (also called triplex) is a type of safety glass that stays whole even when it breaks. In this case, it retains its integrity thanks to the interlayers of foil or the so-called. polyvinyl butylar (PVB). The foil keeps the glass panels glued together and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking into large sharp pieces. After a blow sufficient to break the glass, a characteristic cracking pattern of the affected glass panel resembling a spider web is observed. Laminated glass is a good choice for many architectural applications, but it is most commonly used in places with increased human traffic – where there is a risk to passers-by or higher fracture resistance is sought. The safest option for public areas is tempered laminated glass.
Detailed information about what laminated glass is can be found HERE.
Glass railing
The laminated glass is the best solution for glass railings. Thanks to the lamination film interlayer, even if the glass breaks, it remains whole and eliminates the risk of injury to surrounding people.
We at Barros Glass offer you a large selection of laminated glass that you can use for a variety of frameless glass railings. Read more about glass railings here.
Recommended thickness of laminated glass for railings is 6.6 (12mm); 8.8 (16mm) and 10.10 (20mm).
Glass stairs
Glass stairs are becoming increasingly popular not only because of their vision, but also because of their exceptional durability. Often used in the most modern cottages, houses and restaurants, they give aesthetic appeal. The relatively easy maintenance, elegant appearance and the passage of light through them create a sense of openness and space.
The recommended thickness for glass stairs is 10.10.10 (30mm) with 4 laminates between each glass panel. In addition, laminated glass can also subject other treatments such as tempering for even greater strength and safety.
Glass floor
Glass floors made of laminated glass are not only a stunning architectural feature, but also offer significant safety and strength. The use of laminated glass makes the glass floor sufficiently resistant to withstand the movement and weight of human traffic on it. Intermediate layers of foils ensure that if for any reason the glass breaks, it will remain intact – eliminating the risk of injury or subsidence.
Laminated glass floors also provide excellent sound insulation and can block harmful UV rays. This type of floors are often found in high-end residential and commercial buildings because of their beauty and functional advantages. More than once they have been used as solutions for attractive bridges.
The recommended thickness for a glass floor without props is 10.10.10 (30mm) or 12.12.12 (36mm).
Glass showcases
Glass showcases with laminated glass are ideal for safe and elegant exposure of valuable items. Often, laminated glass is processed to improve UV protection, thereby protecting exposed objects from fading due to exposure to direct sunlight. Glass transparency also offers unobstructed visibility, making glass windows an ideal choice for displaying valuable goods, artifacts or artwork. This type of shop windows are a popular choice in museums, shops and galleries.
Bulletproof glass (BR1-BR7)
Armoured glass produced by laminated glass technology and classified from BR1 to BR7 offers different levels of ballistic protection. Each level (BR1 to BR7) indicates the resistance of the glass to specific types of firearms and ammunition.
Laminated armored glass usually consists of multiple layers of glass and interlayers of foil that absorb and disperse energy from a bullet. This construction not only prevents penetration, but also minimizes cleavage (crushing of glass). Such glass is commonly used in military buildings, government agencies, psychiatric wards, jewelers, banks, police stations, vehicles, and other security-sensitive environments where ballistic protection is required.