Laminated Firehouse Garage Door Glass

May 27, 2016

Firehouse glass garage doors can be fitted with countless glass options. One of the more popular choices  is laminates. Laminate glass offers safety and security while also catering to the custom needs of specific firehouse.

What is Laminated Firehouse Garage Door Glass?

Laminated firehouse door glass is a type of safety glass since it will hold together when shattered. In the event of an impact, the glass is secured in place by an interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), that exists between the two panes of glass. This interlayer keeps the two panes of glass bonded even when broken and its strength prevents the glass from fracturing into large, sharp pieces. Instead, you will see a “spider web” cracking pattern when an impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass.
Some laminated firehouse door glass contains interlayers that are large missile impact tested. This means the glass is considered impact glass which may be required in hurricane prone areas. Impact laminates are typically thicker and heavier than typical ¼” laminates so it is important to be mindful of the door’s overall size when working with impact glass. A door that very heavy can be difficult to spring normally.

Laminated glass comes in clear, tinted, frosted, insulated and non-insulated versions making the glass type very versatile in both the residential and commercial markets.