What is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is made by bonding two panes of glass with a strong interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This “invisible glue” holds the glass together if it cracks, preventing it from shattering into dangerous shards.

Unlike toughened glass, which crumbles into small pieces when broken, laminated glass may crack but remains intact. This makes it ideal for large glazed areas like sliding doors or bifold doors, where safety and security matter most.

Here at Express, our revolutionary Advance low-E glass comes as standard, offering the thermal performance of triple glazing at a lighter weight and lower cost. But for those who want even more protection, our Shield Glass upgrade includes a 6.8mm laminated pane that improves energy efficiency, reduces solar gain, cuts noise by up to 32dB, and blocks UV rays to protect interiors from fading. It also meets Secured by Design standards, resisting attempted break-ins thanks to its tough dual-layer construction.

“Laminated glass gives you more than just thermal performance: it makes your home safer, quieter and more secure. That’s why we offer it across our aluminium doors, windows and roof systems. Once homeowners understand how it works, they see it as one of the smartest upgrades they can make.”
— Steve Bromberg, Express Bi-Folding Doors Managing Director

Laminated Glass in Modern Homes

Laminated glass is now used across a wide range of glazing solutions, making it a versatile choice for modern homes. For external patio doors like aluminium bifold doors,  sliding doors, and French doors it provides expansive views and natural light without compromising safety. In aluminium windows and front doors, laminated units not only improve security but also help to reduce outside noise, which is particularly valuable for homes in busy locations.

Roof glazing is another area where laminated glass proves its worth. In exposed or windy settings, or where there is a risk of falling debris such as roof tiles, it is a safer alternative to toughened glass. While toughened units shatter completely under impact, laminated panes may crack but remain intact, continuing to protect the home.

At Express, our Roof Shield laminated glass offers greater strength and security, making it an excellent choice for vulnerable locations. Although laminated units have a slightly lower thermal performance, with a U-value of 1.2 and solar heat gain reduction of 61% compared to 72%, the added safety and resilience make them a highly reliable option.

Key Benefits of Laminated Glass

Security

Because the interlayer holds the glass together, laminated panels are much harder to break through. This makes them an excellent choice for ground-floor windows, doors, and shopfronts where security is a priority. The extra resistance can act as a strong deterrent to intruders.

UV Protection

Another hidden benefit is UV filtering. Laminated glass blocks up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays, helping to protect furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading over time. It’s a simple way to preserve your interior finishes.

Energy Efficiency (Optional Add-On)

When combined with other glazing technologies and thermally broken aluminium frames, laminated glass can also improve thermal performance, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills.