SafetyGlass
Peace of mind, built into every pane
In certain locations, the building code requires glass that won't shatter into dangerous shards if it breaks. Safety glass is engineered to do exactly that, and in many situations it's simply the right choice regardless of what the code requires.
How safety glass works
Safety glass comes in two forms, each engineered to behave differently from standard glass when it breaks.
Toughened glass
Has been heat-treated to make it up to five times stronger than standard glass of the same thickness. If it does break, it fractures into thousands of small, relatively blunt fragments rather than large dangerous shards. It's the most common safety glazing choice for residential windows and doors.
Laminated glass
Has a plastic interlayer bonded between two or more panes. If the glass breaks, the interlayer holds the fragments in place. The pane may crack but it stays intact, which also provides additional acoustic and security benefits.
Where safety glass is required
New Zealand's building code specifies where safety glazing must be used. Common locations include glass in and beside doors, low-level glazing within 500mm of floor level, and glass in wet areas like bathrooms and shower enclosures. Your local Fairview fabricator can advise on the specific requirements for your project.
Want to know if safety glass is right for your project?
Your local Fairview experts can advise on where safety glazing is required and help you choose the right option.