Debunking the Myth: Laminated Glass is Not the Only Safe Option
When people think about walking on glass, there’s often an immediate concern about safety. Will the glass break? Can it hold up to daily wear and tear? These concerns are natural, but they are largely rooted in outdated assumptions. The idea that glass stair treads must be laminated to be safe is one of the biggest myths in the industry.
Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass with an interlayer, usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), sandwiched between them. While this method does offer a certain level of safety, it’s not the only way to ensure that glass stair treads are safe and durable.
In fact, laminated glass may not always be the best solution. Over time, the interlayer can deteriorate, especially when exposed to environmental factors like heat, moisture, and UV radiation. This can lead to clouding, yellowing, or even delamination, where the layers start to separate. So, while laminated glass can work, it comes with its own set of drawbacks, particularly in the long term.
The Advantages of Fused Glass Technology
At ThinkGlass, we use fused glass technology, which eliminates the need for lamination while providing even greater strength and durability. Fused glass is created by heating multiple layers of glass to a point where they fuse together into a single, solid piece. This process ensures that the glass becomes a unified, robust material, without the potential issues associated with laminated glass.
Here are the key advantages of fused glass stair treads over laminated glass:
1. Superior Strength
Fused glass stair treads are incredibly strong and can support significant weight and daily foot traffic. The fusing process ensures that the glass layers become a single, uniform piece, resulting in exceptional durability. Unlike laminated glass, there’s no interlayer that can degrade over time, so the strength of fused glass remains consistent throughout the lifespan of the stair treads.
2. Safety Tested Across Hundreds of Projects
At ThinkGlass, we’ve completed hundreds of projects involving glass stair treads, all without the need for lamination. Our fused glass stair treads are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they meet and exceed safety standards. From high-traffic commercial spaces to luxurious residential homes, fused glass treads have proven themselves to be a safe and reliable option.
3. Non-Slip Surface
Safety on stairs goes beyond just the material’s strength; it also includes preventing slips and falls. Our fused glass stair treads can be treated with various textures to create a non-slip surface, ensuring a safe walking experience for everyone. Textured glass not only enhances safety but also adds a unique aesthetic dimension to your design, blending functionality with beauty.
4. No Risk of Delamination
As mentioned earlier, one of the major issues with laminated glass is the risk of delamination, where the layers of glass start to separate over time. This is especially common in environments with high humidity or temperature fluctuations. With fused glass, this issue is entirely eliminated because there is no interlayer. The glass is a single, solid piece, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
5. Clarity and Aesthetics
Laminated glass can sometimes develop a cloudy or yellowish appearance due to the degradation of the interlayer, which can ruin the visual appeal of glass stair treads, making them look old and worn. Fused glass, however, maintains its beauty over time. With options in textured finishes, fused glass retains its pristine appearance without the risk of discoloration.
6. Customizable Designs
One of the standout features of fused glass is its versatility in design. At ThinkGlass, we offer a variety of textures, patterns and thickness that can be applied to glass stair treads, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your space. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern design or a more natural, organic texture, fused glass can achieve the desired effect without sacrificing safety.
Case Studies: Proven Safety in Action
We’ve completed numerous projects using fused glass stair treads in a variety of settings, from high-traffic commercial environments to private luxury homes. These real-world applications prove that fused glass is not only a safe choice but also a superior one. Here are a few examples:
1. Florida Residence Staircase
In a beautiful residence in Florida, we installed a series of glass stair treads in the main staircase, which serves as a focal point of the home. Despite regular use by family and guests, the fused glass has remained as stunning and resilient as the day it was installed. Homeowners have reported no issues with safety, and visitors often compliment the unique and elegant design.
2. Private Residence in Arizona
For a private residence in Arizona, the homeowner wanted a unique, impressive staircase as the centerpiece of the home. We used our fused glass technology to create stair treads with our custom Granula texture, mimicking the look of the surrounding rocks. Despite the intricate design, the stair treads are incredibly strong and safe for daily use, and the homeowner has been thrilled with the result. See full project here.
3. Mercedes Dealership Staircase
In a Mercedes dealership, we installed elegant glass stair treads in a central staircase connecting the showroom to the offices. These treads have remained pristine and durable for many years, standing up to daily customer traffic with ease. See full project here.
Fused Glass: The Future of Glass Stair Treads
In conclusion, the idea that glass stair treads must be laminated for safety is a myth that no longer holds true. Thanks to innovations in fused glass technology, we’ve proven that laminated glass is not the only solution. Fused glass stair treads are strong, safe, durable, and visually stunning, without the risks associated with lamination, such as delamination or discoloration.
At ThinkGlass, we’ve successfully completed hundreds of projects using fused glass, providing our clients with a safe, elegant, and long-lasting solution for their staircases. If you’re considering glass stair treads for your next project, fused glass is a proven choice that offers superior performance and aesthetic appeal.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
If you’re ready to learn more about how fused glass stair treads can enhance the safety and beauty of your space, contact us at ThinkGlass today. We’ll help you design and implement a solution that meets your safety needs while creating a stunning visual impact.
At ThinkGlass, we think that your safety and design don’t have to compromise each other—fused glass makes it possible!