Safety Glass:

In most homes, there are some glass panes that could be hazardous if the glass breaks. At these locations, safety glass is required. Safety glass is also known as tempered glass. It can be identified by a watermark, usually in one corner of the glass pane. The watermark looks like white or gray writing. It can sometimes be difficult to see, particularly if the window is dirty. Safety glass will break, but not nearly as easily as a non-tempered glass pane. Also, when safety glass is broken, it breaks into many small fragments instead of sharp shards of glass. Tempered glass is required in a home at locations that have more potential for getting broken, and at locations that broken glass would likely cause an injury. The following list includes most places that require safety glass. However, any place that resistance to breakage or prevention of injury is needed should have safety glass.  · Exterior doors · Sliding doors · Storm doors · Unframed swinging door · Shower and tub enclosures · Windows at bath tubs, <60” above drain · Windows within 24” of the arc of a door · Windows larger than 9 square feet if bottom is less than 48” above floor and top is more than 36 above floor and walking surface within 36” · Glass in railings · Glass in swimming pool surrounding walls There are a few exceptions, such as beveled glass in exterior doors or sidelights. Most newer homes have safety glass in the appropriate locations, but many older homes have exterior doors with non-tempered glass panes or glass shower enclosure doors that are not safety glass. The only disadvantage to installing safety glass is the initial cost, but the cost difference is not prohibitive. Safety glass cannot be cut after it is tempered. The glass must be cut to size and then tempered by the supplier.  [ Back to General Home Information ] Schedule Your Inspection Today