When choosing building materials, many people wonder: should I go with laminated glass or insulating glass? Although they may sound similar, their applications and performance are quite different. Let’s take a closer look at the differences and how to choose between the two, based on professional knowledge and real-life cases.
- What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of PVB (polyvinyl butyral), EVA, or SGP film between two or more sheets of glass, then bonding them under high temperature and pressure. Even if the glass breaks under impact, the fragments remain stuck to the film, preventing them from scattering. That’s why it’s often referred to as “safety glass.”
Common Specifications:
Thickness: 6+0.76PVB+6 mm, 8+1.14PVB+8 mm
Impact resistance: 3–5 times stronger than ordinary glass
UV blocking rate: ≥99%
Sound insulation: 35–40 dB
Typical Applications:
High-rise curtain walls
Balcony railings and stair handrails
Banks, shopping malls, and other high-security areas
Skylights and roof glazing
My first hands-on experience with laminated glass was during the design of a large urban complex. The client was worried about falling glass fragments, so we specified 8+1.52PVB+8 laminated glass. After installation, it not only provided excellent safety but also noticeably reduced noise—inside the building you could hardly hear car horns outside. That’s when I truly understood the value of laminated glass.
- What Is Insulating Glass?
Insulating glass, also called double glazing, is made of two or more panes separated by an aluminum spacer, creating a sealed cavity filled with air or argon gas, then sealed with edge sealant. Its main advantages are thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
Common Specifications:
Configurations: 5+12A+5 mm, 6+9A+6 mm
Thermal transmittance (U-value): 2.0–2.8 W/㎡·K (down to 1.6 W/㎡·K with argon fill)
Sound insulation: 30–35 dB
Service life: 15–25 years (depending on sealing quality)
Typical Applications:
Residential windows and doors
Office building facades
Energy-efficient curtain walls
At my own home, winter temperatures often drop below –10°C. After replacing the windows with 5+12A+5 insulating glass, the indoor temperature became far more stable. Before, I could always feel cold drafts near the windows; now it’s much more comfortable, and heating costs have dropped. That’s the real-world impact of insulating glass.
- Key Differences Between Laminated Glass and Insulating Glass
Although their names sound alike, laminated glass and insulating glass differ greatly in performance. Here are the main points:
- Safety
Laminated glass:Shards remain stuck to the film after breaking, offering excellent safety.
Insulating glass:Fragments can fall out if broken, making it less safe.
For balconies or exterior curtain walls, laminated glass is the safer choice.
- Thermal Insulation & Energy Savings
Insulating glass:The air or argon cavity significantly reduces heat transfer.
Laminated glass:Limited thermal performance unless combined with Low-E coating.
For cooler summers and warmer winters, insulating glass is more effective.
- Sound Insulation
Laminated glass:The interlayer blocks high-frequency noise.
Insulating glass:Better at reducing low-frequency noise, like engine sounds.
If you live downtown, laminated glass is quieter; near a highway, insulating glass works better.
- Service Life
Laminated glass:Very durable, lasting 30+ years.
Insulating glass:Sealant may age and leak, leading to fogging; typical lifespan 15–20 years.
- Cost & Weight
Laminated glass:Heavier and more expensive to install.
Insulating glass:More economical and lighter, making it ideal for residential use.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can laminated glass also provide thermal insulation?
Yes, but usually only when combined with Low-E coated glass. Standard laminated glass alone has limited insulation.
Does insulating glass eventually leak?
It can. Aging sealants may cause gas leakage and fogging, which is why a reliable manufacturer and good installation are essential.
Can laminated glass and insulating glass be combined?
Absolutely. For example, Low-E laminated insulating glass combines safety with energy efficiency and is widely used in luxury villas and large curtain walls.
Which is better for home use?
High-rise apartments with safety concerns → Laminated glass
Cold regions with high heating bills → Insulating glass
Higher budgets → Laminated + insulating combination
- Final Thoughts
Laminated glass and insulating glass are not substitutes, but complements.
Laminated glass excels in safety, durability, and noise reduction, making it ideal for public buildings.
Insulating glass offers better comfort and energy savings, making it the go-to for homes.
Personally, I prefer combining the two in the form of laminated insulating glass. Although more expensive, it balances both safety and comfort. If your budget is limited, focus on your main need: for safety, choose laminated; for energy savings, choose insulating.
The difference between laminated glass and insulating glass can be summed up in one sentence:
Laminated glass = Safety + Soundproofing + Durability
Insulating glass = Energy saving + Thermal insulation + Affordability
In practical use:
Public buildings & curtain walls → Laminated glass
Residential windows & doors → Insulating glass
Luxury homes & villas → Laminated insulating glass
Choosing the right glass not only improves comfort but also enhances overall building quality.
