If you are thinking about adding shelves to your home in Oak Lawn, glass is a great option. It is simple, sleek, and goes with just about any type of interior design. But not all glass is the same. Some kinds are stronger, some are easier to shape, and some are safer if they break. So, before you place an order, it’s important that you know the basics.
Below, this residential glass replacement company in Oak Lawn, Illinois is going to explain the two main types of glass: tempered and annealed. Knowing the difference will help you choose the right glass for your home.
What is annealed glass?
Annealed glass is the standard type. It is cooled slowly during manufacturing, which makes it easier to cut and shape. This makes it a good choice for small or decorative shelves, like one in a guest room or hallway, where it will not be bumped into or hold much weight.
It is also more affordable, which is why some people choose it for low-use areas. And since it is easy to customize, it gives you more flexibility if you want a specific shape or design.
But there is a downside. If annealed glass breaks, it can crack into sharp pieces. That is a safety concern, especially in spots where people walk by frequently or where kids might be around. For those areas, you may want to look at tempered glass instead.
Why should you choose tempered glass?
Tempered glass is built to be much stronger. It is heated and cooled in a special way that makes it about four times tougher than regular glass. If it does break, it crumbles into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury.
If you are adding shelves near heat, moisture, or in busy parts of your home, tempered is the better choice. It can handle more weight, resist heat, and will not crack as easily if someone bumps into it.
Every experienced residential glass replacement company in Oak Lawn, Illinois will tell you the same thing. If the shelf is going in a spot where it might get wet, hot, or hit, get tempered glass.
Choose the right type of glass for your shelves.
Both tempered and annealed glass can look great. You can also add details like tints, texture, or polished edges to match your style. But looks are not everything. Where and how you plan to use the shelf is just as important, maybe more.
For example, do you want to hang a shelf over your bathroom sink? That is an area with steam, moisture, and daily use. So tempered glass would be the right choice for that area. But if you are adding glass inserts to cabinet doors in a quiet hallway or a display shelf in a dry spot, annealed glass might be fine.
An experienced residential glass replacement company in Oak Lawn, Illinois will ask the right questions before taking your order. They will want to know where the shelf is going, how big it is, and how you will use it. That helps them match you with the right glass material.
Looking for a Residential Glass Replacement Company in Oak Lawn, Illinois?
If you are thinking about adding glass shelves, cabinet doors, or mirrors to your home, now is the time to reach out to a residential glass replacement company in Oak Lawn, Illinois — like Glass & Mirror America. Contact us at (800) 411-2801 to request a free estimate.
