When placing an order for tempered glass windows, it’s crucial to distinguish between those built for residential use and those meant for commercial buildings. Another point of contention is usually if these windows can actually meet local safety standards - ASTM/ANSI, the EN 12150 or other local GB/IS codes.

If you’re looking for quality, safety, and style all rolled into one, our list of the 3 best tempered glass window suppliers might be the answer. Read on for details on make, available designs/style, and price points.

Tempered glass windows have been tempered between 600°C–700°C (about 1,100–1,300°F) to give them 4-5x the tensile strength of regular glass. When heated at such high temperatures and then rapidly cooled on the outside, the inner glass structure becomes confined. As a result, they form closer and more tightly packed bonds, giving tempered glass its strength point.

However, the downside of this is that it becomes harder to shape post tempering. This is why glass is designed before the tempering process – contributing to the higher cost. Safety certification can also raise costs by a fraction.

Tempered glass is synonymous with safety. Multiple countries have specific guidelines and safety codes for types of tempered glass that can be sold in their region. These include :

· American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) C1048 for the USA

· American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z97.1 in the US

· The EN 12150 code for Europe

· GB 15763.2-2005 and GB/T 9963-1998 for China

· IS 2553 (Part 2):2019 and IS 2553 (Part 1):1990 in India

It’s always advised to order your safety glass from suppliers who are up to local code when it comes to the quality of tempered glass produced.

Tempered glass is not a must for every window you need covered. Ultimately, the decision boils down to two questions: 1) do you need it for residential or commercial purposes? 2) is it for high-traffic use, or do you need added safety?

Common uses of tempered glass windows are :

When we look at residential use, it’s common to see tempered glass used in any areas deemed “hazardous” by Sections R308.4.1 through R308.4.7 within the 2018 International Residential Code. These could be :

· Kids’ rooms or play areas – this is mainly to reduce cuts from breakage.

· Balcony or patio windows where annealed glass could cause falls or injuries.

· Gym or game rooms that need glass able to withstand substantial impact.

· Areas with direct sunlight that can create thermal cracks in common glass.

For commercial applications, you’ll see tempered glass where there is high traffic or a larger potential for wear. Thermal and wind damage can also be factors. Common building guidelines place tempered glass use at :

· Strong wind exposure or impact zones, especially for high-rise buildings.

· Where larger, more durable glass panels are needed – usually those > 9 square feet or with a bottom edge < 18 inches off the floor.

· Skylights and overhead glazing, mostly to avoid breakage due to pressure and thermal wear.

· Any additional areas deemed “hazardous” under local safety code outlines.

You can never be too careful – opt for the right type of glass from reliable suppliers. While price point can be a compeller, adherence to tempered glass safety regulations is of utmost importance.

In the market, raw tempered glass costs between US$5–US$35 per square foot. However, the final finished piece can set you back hundreds, even thousands. The trick to that? – our list of 5 best tempered glass suppliers across the globe.

Not only are they pocket-friendly, you’re also getting the best out of your buck with your orders made to match global glass and glazing safety standards – here they are.

Evermade has 25+ years in glassmaking, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across three continents, and 1,200 skilled, certified glassmakers. Their business serves over 42 countries worldwide, making them one of the leaders of tempered glass innovation.

· Custom tempered glass and annealed glass fabrication

· ISO 9001-compliant glass production processes

· Closely documented ASTM/CE compliance for global projects

· Global shipping

· Wide range of construction glass

· ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 accordant, eco-friendly production and waste management

Price : Evermade is one of the lowest-priced suppliers globally, especially for tempered and insulated glass. Their wide range of commercial and residential glass options makes it perfect for solo home builders and contractors alike. Speak to a representative for a quote today.

Xinyi is one of the largest worldwide glass suppliers with plants in China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, producing for over 160 regions across the globe. Their core expertise is in the production of float, automotive, and energy-efficient architectural glass.

· Wide range of glass thicknesses and tints

· ASTM, ANSI, and EN compliance

· Global logistics to over 160 countries

· Expertise in energy-savvy tempered glass production

· Bulk order / volume-based discounts

Price : Falls in the low-mid tier, considering their compliance factor and years in the industry. However, there is a high minimum order quantity – this may not be suitable for small projects.

CSG Holding—formerly China Southern Glass Holding—is China’s largest, most diverse architectural glass maker. Operating since 1984, they have over 200 distributors across the globe to supply 11 million tons of glass per year.

· Wide portfolio of float, architectural, automotive, laminated, tempered, and energy-efficient glass solutions

· 15% reduced emissions in glass production, alongside extensive R&D efforts in energy-saving and smart glass technologies

· ISO 9001 certification and strong quality controls ensure accurately tempered glass for maximal safety.

Price : This supplier also falls in the low-mid category when it comes to general price points. For architectural and tempered glass panels, they do offer a cost-competitive edge.

Choosing budget tempered glass windows for your residence or new commercial building doesn’t have to discount the safety factor. And we at Evermade pride ourselves on being the lowest price point for code-safe tempered glass globally – reach out for a quote.