How much should I budget for toughened safety glass in Plymouth?
As a guide, toughened safety glass costs £114 to £414 including VAT (£95 to £345 plus VAT) per pane. Because work in Plymouth is arranged individually, we confirm the full price, including any travel, in writing first.
Toughened safety glass is ordinary glass that has been heated and rapidly cooled so its surface is held in compression, making it four to five times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness. If it does break, it shatters into small, relatively blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, which is why it is used in doors, low-level panes and frameless partitions.
What goes into toughened safety glass
- Holes, notches and polished edges for frameless fittings
- Heat-soaked option for large and overhead panes
- Clear, tinted, obscure, low-iron and sandblasted finishes
- Breaks into small blunt fragments
- Made to measure for each opening
- Made to BS EN 12150 and marked for identification
Fitting in Plymouth
Work in Plymouth (PL1) is arranged individually. Send your postcode, sizes and a photo, and we will confirm what is possible and when.
Devon spans Exeter's Georgian and post-war centre, Plymouth's rebuilt 1950s shopping streets and waterfront offices, and seaside towns where sea air is hard on window frames and seals.
Common uses:
- Balustrades in a laminated toughened makeup
- Panes below 800 mm in homes and offices
- Glazed doors and side panels
- Shower screens and splashbacks
What to think about first
Barriers and balustrades
Glass that acts as a barrier usually needs a laminated toughened makeup so it stays in place if one ply breaks.
Heat soaking
Rare nickel sulphide inclusions can make toughened glass break without warning. Heat soaking reduces the risk and is worth specifying for large, high or overhead panes.
Consents and safety: England
Replacing glass in an existing frame
Replacing only the glass or sealed unit in an existing frame is generally treated as a repair in England rather than notifiable building work. Replacing a whole window or door is notifiable and is normally certified through a competent person scheme or approved by building control. Either way, new glass in a critical location should still be safety glass.
Fire-rated glass is different
Glass in fire doors, fire screens and protected escape routes has to be fire-rated glass tested as part of that door or screen system, under Approved Document B and the fire safety duties of the building's responsible person. Laminated and security glass are not fire-rated unless the product says so. Where a pane needs both fire and security performance, it must be a product tested for both.
How it works
- Send sizes, photos and your postcode
- We confirm what is possible and when
- Fixed price in writing
- Glass made, delivered and fitted
Toughened safety glass in Plymouth: questions
Can you work in Plymouth?
Work in Plymouth is arranged individually because of travel. Send your postcode and details and we will confirm what is possible.
Can toughened glass be cut to fit?
No. Cutting or drilling toughened glass makes it shatter, so every pane, hole and notch is made to size before toughening.
How can I tell if glass is toughened?
Look for a permanent mark etched in a corner naming the standard. Polarised sunglasses can also show faint patterns in toughened glass. We can check during the survey.
Is toughened glass a security glass?
No. Toughened glass is strong and breaks safely, but once broken the pane falls out and leaves the opening clear. For security, choose laminated glass or a unit with a laminated pane.
Other glazing in Plymouth
- Display case security glass
- Misted unit replacement with laminated glass
- Laminated roof and conservatory glass
- Patio and bifold door security glass
- Bullet-resistant glass
- Security window film
Send sizes and photos with the form, or call 0800 088 6248.