A big question we get quite a bit is when your windows must be tempered based on code. Tempered Glass is the most affordable type of safety glass. Tempered Glass is created by heating the glass up to approximately 1200 degrees and then cooling it down rapidly. This process causes the glass to be 4 to 5 times stronger, and when it breaks, it will shatter into a million pieces, making it safer than large shards of glass. Learn more about Tempered vs Annealed
This is a building code that we unfortunately can not get around, they are designed for the safety of you and your family.
So, when discussing your replacement windows: when do they need to be tempered?
Glass in fixed or operable panels that meets all of the following conditions:
* Bottom edge is less than 18” above floor
* Top edge is greater than 36” above floor
* Total area of glass is greater than 9 sq. ft. (1296 sq.in.)
* One or more walking surfaces within 36” horizontally of the glazing;
The other time that we see is when your window is over a bathtub.
When it is within 24″ of a moving door on an adjacent wall.
