Toughened glass and laminated glass
Toughened glass (ESG) breaks into smaller fragments. This reduces the risk of cuts compared with ordinary annealed glass, but does not make the fragments harmless. A broken pane may fall out of its frame and leave an open aperture.
Laminated glass (VSG, also known as triplex) consists of glass sheets bonded with a polymer interlayer. Fragments generally remain attached to that layer after breakage. Whether the damaged pane stays in place depends on its make-up, supports and loads.
These terms are not mutually exclusive: laminated glass can incorporate toughened sheets. The word “laminated” alone does not establish a protection class or suitability for a balustrade. The properties of the actual product are needed.
Define what the glazing needs to do
- Doors, circulation areas and low windows. Assess accidental human impact and the way the glass breaks.
- Balustrades and changes in level. Check supports, loads and post-breakage behaviour separately. Replacing ordinary glass with an arbitrary laminated make-up is not a sufficient safety assessment.
- Overhead glazing. Consider people below the pane, its supports and the possibility of falling fragments.
- Specialist threats. Burglary-, bullet- and blast-resistant solutions require a separate technical brief and documented performance.
Understanding test standards
Different standards assess different properties. Passing one test does not replace another.
| Standard | What is tested | What it does not establish on its own |
|---|---|---|
| EN 12600 | Glass behaviour under a pendulum impact simulating human impact | Bullet or blast resistance |
| EN 356 | Resistance of security glazing to manual attack under defined test conditions | Burglary resistance of the complete window, hardware and installation |
| EN 1063 | Bullet resistance of the tested glazing | Protection against any weapon or a blast wave |
| EN 13541 | Security glazing under defined blast-pressure test conditions | Blast resistance of an arbitrary frame, fixing or building |
On a narrow screen, swipe the table sideways.
For example, P2A is an EN 356 classification, not a blast-resistance rating. Manufacturers distinguish products for different threats and refer to the corresponding tests.
Complete window and door assemblies can also be tested, including under the EN 13123/EN 13124 series. Evidence applies to the tested system and its permitted configurations, not every product from the same brand.
These references explain the differences between tests. They are not a list of BIFORIUM certifications or a declaration of conformity for a particular building. Applicable regulations, document editions and evidence must be established for each project.
Applied film or laminated insulating glass?
These are different approaches. A protective film is applied to the glass surface; a laminated glass interlayer sits between glass sheets.
Some film systems may reduce flying fragments under specified conditions. Performance depends on the product, glass, frame condition and edge attachment. For certain protective applications, 3M requires a specific attachment system and states the limits of protection.
Compare specific configurations and manufacturer documentation. The term “security film” without a specification does not establish protective performance. This page does not confirm a film installation service from BIFORIUM.
Frames, hardware and installation matter
When selecting an insulating glass unit, check its thickness and mass, the profile system's capabilities, permitted hardware loads, supports and fixings to the building.
There is no universal percentage increase in weight for a “safety glass unit”: it depends on the actual make-up. Solar control, light transmission and thermal performance also need coordination. Ug describes the insulating glass unit; Uw describes the window, including its frame and glass-edge contribution.
Read more about large-format glazing and weight, window thermal performance and installation junctions.
Questions before ordering
Does any laminated glass protect against a blast wave?
No. Laminated glass alone does not establish blast resistance. This requires a defined loading scenario, documented glazing performance and a suitable assembly with its fixings. An ordinary panoramic window should not be treated as a protective shelter.
Can only the glass unit in an existing window be replaced?
It depends on compatibility. First check the glazing dimensions, permitted thickness and weight, frame condition, hardware and installation. Being able to fit thicker glass is not sufficient.
What affects the price?
Dimensions, glass make-up and processing, interlayers, coatings, testing requirements, the profile system, delivery and installation. Quotations are comparable only when the specification and scope of work are equivalent.
Discuss your project
Send drawings or opening dimensions, photographs, the project location and a description of the task. For existing windows, include the system name if known. If specialist protection is required, provide the relevant requirements and available documentation.