Automotive & Standard Glass Differences in San Jose, CA

Glass is used for a variety of purposes throughout the home, from sliding shower doors to patio doors and more. When you schedule a window replacement with a window company in San Jose, your glass installation professionals will use glass that has been specifically designed for use in your home. Conventional window glass has very different properties from the type of glass that is used for car windshields. Unlike residential window glass, automotive glass is laminated so that it can shatter safely. Read on for an overview of some of the differences between automotive glass and standard glass.

Lamination
One of the main differences between automotive glass and standard glass is the process of lamination. While window panes are made of one solid sheet of glass, windshields and car windows are constructed from glass that has been laminated. Laminated glass contains three sheets of glass, which are fused together. The process of lamination ensures that glass windshields do not pose a safety hazard for the occupants of a vehicle.

Shattering Properties
Another primary difference between automotive glass and standard glass is the shattering properties that automotive glass will demonstrate in the event of a collision. Since laminated auto glass has a special coating, it will shatter into harmless pellets that cannot hurt a person. These pellets shatter in a uniform size, ensuring that they are small enough to clean up with ease. By contrast, the conventional glass will shatter into sharp, irregular pieces.

Insulation
Another difference between automotive glass and standard glass is the level of insulation that each type of glass has to offer. A standard sheet of glass will allow heat to transfer easily across its surface. Automotive glass provides a layer of insulation, allowing the vehicle to remain climate-controlled. For more information about all of the different types of glass that are available to you, be sure to contact your local glass company.