When choosing a rooflight, skylight, or roof window, the type of glass you select is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Beyond looks, the glass determines how safe, durable, and comfortable your living space will be. Two of the most popular options are laminated glass and toughened glass – each offering unique benefits depending on your needs.
At The Rooflight Centre, we use only premium-quality glazing designed to meet strict safety and performance standards. Whether you’re upgrading your home or designing a new extension, understanding the difference between laminated and toughened glass will help you make the right choice.
Explore our full range of Flat Roof Windows to see how the right glazing can enhance your home.
Understanding the Difference Between Laminated and Toughened Glass
Before looking at the benefits, it helps to understand how each type is made and why that matters.
Toughened glass (also known as tempered glass) is produced by heating standard glass to extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it. This process changes the internal structure of the glass, making it around five times stronger than standard float glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards – reducing the risk of serious injury.
Laminated glass, on the other hand, is made by bonding two panes of glass together with a thin polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) interlayer. If it breaks, the interlayer holds the fragments in place, preventing them from falling or scattering. This makes laminated glass particularly safe for overhead installations such as rooflights and skylights.
In short:
– Toughened glass = strong and shatters safely.
– Laminated glass = holds together even when broken.
The Safety Benefits of Laminated Glass
When it comes to safety, laminated glass provides an extra level of protection. Because the glass remains bonded to its interlayer, it won’t fall into the room if damaged – a key advantage for overhead glazing applications.
This makes laminated glass ideal for:
– Rooflights positioned above living areas or stairwells
– Homes with children or pets
– Commercial buildings or high-traffic environments
It’s also the reason why building regulations often require laminated glass on the inner pane of rooflight systems. Even if the outer pane breaks due to impact, the laminated inner layer ensures that the interior remains safe and secure.
The Strength and Durability of Toughened Glass
While laminated glass is best for safety, toughened glass excels in strength and durability. The toughening process makes it far more resistant to impacts, scratches, and temperature changes than standard glass.
This makes it ideal for:
– Rooflights exposed to extreme weather conditions
– Large glass panels that need structural strength
– Situations where cost-effectiveness is important
Because of its ability to handle sudden temperature shifts, toughened glass is often used as the outer pane of double-glazed rooflight units. It can withstand rain, wind, and direct sunlight without risk of cracking due to thermal stress.
Acoustic, UV, and Security Benefits of Laminated Glass
In addition to safety, laminated glass provides a range of secondary benefits that make it a smart investment for many homeowners.
Sound insulation:
The interlayer between the glass panes helps absorb sound vibrations, significantly reducing outside noise. This makes laminated glass ideal for properties near busy roads, flight paths, or city centres.
UV protection:
Laminated glass blocks up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays, protecting your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading over time.
Security:
Because laminated glass stays intact when cracked, it’s much harder for intruders to penetrate. The interlayer acts as a barrier, adding valuable resistance against forced entry.
These features make laminated glass a popular choice for homeowners who want both safety and comfort in their living spaces.
Which Type Is Right for You?
Both laminated and toughened glass have valuable qualities – the right choice depends on your priorities.
– Choose toughened glass if you want a cost-effective, durable, and strong glazing solution that offers excellent impact resistance and thermal stability. It’s the go-to option for most standard rooflights and outer panes. – Choose laminated glass if you prioritise safety, sound insulation, UV protection, and security. It’s especially suited for areas directly above occupied rooms or where peace of mind is essential.
In fact, many high-performance rooflight systems – including those available at The Rooflight Centre – combine toughened glass on the outside with laminated glass on the inside. This hybrid design offers the best of both worlds: durability and safety.
If you’re unsure which glazing option best suits your project, our expert team is always on hand to provide honest, practical advice based on your needs and budget.
Why Choose The Rooflight Centre?
When investing in a skylight or roof window, choosing the right supplier is just as important as the product itself. At The Rooflight Centre (RLC), we’re more than just an online retailer – we’re the e-commerce division of Lonsdale Metal Company (LMC), a fourth-generation family business founded in 1954. With decades of experience behind us, we’ve built a reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and outstanding service.
Our rooflights have been trusted on some of the UK’s most iconic buildings, including Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, and 10 Downing Street. We’ve also supplied household names like Rod Stewart, Lord Alan Sugar, and Tracey Emin – proof that our products are chosen by both leading architects and discerning homeowners alike.
But our focus isn’t just on prestige projects. Since 2020, we’ve worked hard to make the same exceptional quality available to homeowners looking to brighten and modernise their living spaces. Every rooflight in our range is handpicked to meet exacting standards for performance, design, and durability.
When you choose The Rooflight Centre, here’s what you can expect:
– Beautiful, high-performance rooflights that enhance your home
– Fair pricing without compromising on quality
– Fast delivery and easy ordering from our online store
– Dedicated support from a team that genuinely cares about your project
This combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and personal service makes us a trusted choice for homeowners who want a roof window that truly delivers on its promise.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Rooflight Glass?
Whether you’re upgrading an existing space or planning a new extension, choosing the right glass is key to safety, comfort, and performance. Laminated and toughened glass both have their strengths – and The Rooflight Centre can help you find the perfect balance between them.
Explore our full range of Flat Roof Windows here and discover why so many homeowners trust us for quality, expertise, and a brighter future for their homes.
