Sliding Patio Doors
Safety Glass

What is safety glass?

Safety glass is specially engineered to prevent injury if broken. Unlike ordinary glass, which breaks into sharp, hazardous pieces, safety glass is designed to either crumble into small, blunt fragments or remain intact even when shattered. The two main types used in sliding patio doors are tempered glass and laminated glass.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass undergoes a process of heating and rapid cooling, which makes it significantly stronger than standard glass. If it does break, it shatters into small, rounded pieces, reducing the risk of injury. Because of its strength and safer breakage pattern, tempered glass is the standard choice for sliding patio doors.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass consists of two glass panes bonded together with a plastic interlayer. This construction prevents the glass from breaking apart upon impact, making it even more resistant to shattering. Laminated glass also offers enhanced security, as it is more difficult to break through.

Triple-Pane Tempered Glass

Offered by some higher-end manufacturers, triple-pane glass features three layers of tempered glass with insulating gas fills. This advanced option enhances energy efficiency, noise reduction, condensation resistance, durability, and overall comfort, making it an excellent choice for superior performance.

Sliding patio doors & safety glass

Sliding patio doors are large glass surfaces, making them vulnerable to breakage from accidental impacts, weather conditions, or attempted break-ins.

Standard glass for sliding patio doors

In the Ottawa area, most sliding patio doors meet building code standards by using tempered glass, which is specially treated for strength and safety. These doors typically feature insulated glass units (IGUs) with two or more panes of tempered glass, separated by an insulating layer of inert gas.

Pros of safety glass in sliding patio doors

Enhanced Safety

The primary benefit of safety glass is the reduced risk of injury. Tempered glass shatters safely into many small pieces, and laminated glass holds the shards together.

Durability

Safety glass is tougher and less likely to break compared to regular glass, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

Improved Security

Laminated glass is harder to break, offering an extra layer of protection against break-ins.

UV Protection

Some safety glass options come with built-in UV protection, which can help protect your interior from sun damage.

Energy Efficiency

Insulated safety glass provides better thermal performance, helping to regulate temperature and reduce energy bills.

If you live in a noisy neighbourhood or near a busy street, consider upgrading to triple-pane glass for your sliding patio door. The extra layer of glass, combined with insulating gas fills and specialized coatings, significantly reduces outside noise while improving energy efficiency and security. Look for doors with asymmetrical glass thickness or laminated glass options to further dampen sound vibrations. Check out this article: Sound choices for windows

Cons of safety glass in sliding patio doors

Higher Cost

Safety glass, especially laminated glass and insulated glass units, tends to be more expensive than regular glass.

Weight

Laminated glass and multi-pane insulated glass units can be heavier than traditional glass, which may require more robust door frames and hardware to support the additional weight.

Ensure professional installation to maintain the door's integrity and performance. Proper installation prevents issues like air leaks, water infiltration, and operational problems. Look for warranties that include labour and material costs. Check out this article: Understanding window warranties.

Conclusion

In the Ottawa region, safety glass is a mandatory and essential feature in sliding patio doors, providing protection, durability, and security. Whether you choose tempered glass for its strength and safe breakage or laminated glass for added security, both options are far superior to standard glass, making them a smart investment for any home. While safety glass may come at a higher cost, its long-term benefits in safety, comfort, and energy efficiency make it well worth the investment.