When it comes to bathroom upgrades, most homeowners focus on style, space, and function—but one of the most important (and overlooked) factors is safety. Your shower is one of the most used—and potentially slippery—areas in the home, so choosing the right materials matters more than you might think.
That’s why every shower door we install is made with tempered safety glass. It’s not just a premium feature—it’s a critical safety standard. In this post, we’ll break down what tempered glass really is, why it’s the go-to choice for frameless shower doors, and how it helps protect you and your family every single day.
What Is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass—sometimes called “toughened glass”—is a type of safety glass that’s been heat-treated to increase its strength. It undergoes a controlled process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, making it about four to five times stronger than standard, annealed glass. But its strength isn’t the only advantage.
The real safety feature of tempered glass is how it breaks. Unlike regular glass, which shatters into sharp, dangerous shards, tempered glass breaks into small, blunt pebble-like pieces that are far less likely to cause injury. That’s why it’s used in everything from car side windows to oven doors—and of course, shower enclosures.
🚿 How Tempered Glass Became the Safety Standard in Showers
The shift toward tempered glass in residential and commercial bathrooms wasn’t just a design trend—it was driven by safety concerns and formalized through national building codes.
Before the 1970s, many older homes had shower enclosures made of regular glass, which posed a serious hazard if someone slipped or fell into it. Reports of severe injuries—even fatalities—began to push regulators to take action.
By the early 1970s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began issuing safety standards for architectural glass, including requirements for glazing used in hazardous locations like showers and bathtubs. These rules were later incorporated into the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC), which mandate that any glass used in or around bathing areas must be safety glass—either tempered or laminated.
Today, tempered glass is required by code in virtually all shower and bath installations in the U.S., and rightly so. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about protecting people from injury in the one place they’re most likely to slip and fall.
Why It’s the Industry Standard for Shower Doors
There’s a reason tempered glass isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the required material for shower enclosures in virtually every building code across the country. But beyond regulations, tempered glass has earned its place as the gold standard because of its unmatched blend of safety, durability, and aesthetics.
✅ Meets Building Code Requirements
As we touched on earlier, the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) require tempered or laminated safety glass in all areas where there’s a risk of human impact—like bathtubs, shower doors, or glass near floors. If you’re replacing an old door or building a new bathroom, using tempered glass isn’t optional—it’s law.
🔒 Keeps You and Your Family Safe
Bathrooms can be slippery. Whether it’s a child, an older adult, or just a rushed morning, accidents happen—and tempered glass is designed to handle impact safely. If it ever breaks (a rare occurrence), it won’t create sharp, dangerous shards. Instead, it crumbles into dull, bead-like pieces that are far less likely to cause injury.
💪 Strong Enough for Daily Use
Tempered glass isn’t just safer—it’s also stronger. That matters when your shower door is opening and closing multiple times a day, getting hit with steam, soap, water spots, and the occasional accidental bump. It holds up beautifully over time without warping, flexing, or cracking under pressure.
✨ Perfect for Frameless, Modern Design
Because tempered glass is so strong, it doesn’t need bulky metal framing to support it. That’s what allows for the sleek, clean lines of frameless shower doors. So, when homeowners choose a modern, spa-like look, it’s tempered glass that makes it possible—both structurally and safely.
Common Myths About Tempered Glass
Tempered glass has become the standard in modern shower enclosures, but like anything safety-related, it comes with a few lingering myths. Let’s clear those up:
❌ Myth 1: “Tempered glass randomly explodes.”
You might’ve seen viral videos or heard stories about shower doors “shattering out of nowhere.” While tempered glass can break spontaneously, it’s extremely rare—and usually caused by one of the following:
- Tiny manufacturing defects (like nickel sulfide inclusions)
- Improper installation, where the glass is under stress
- Physical damage over time (like hard slams, chips, or impact)
Reputable installers (like us!) use high-quality glass from trusted suppliers and ensure it’s installed with precision to minimize stress points. We also inspect each panel thoroughly to help prevent potential issues before they happen.
❌ Myth 2: “Tempered glass scratches more easily.”
Tempered glass has the same surface hardness as standard glass—its heat treatment increases strength, not softness. It resists scratches well under normal conditions, especially if you:
- Use non-abrasive cleaners
- Avoid sharp metal objects in direct contact
- Squeegee or wipe down water spots regularly
Bonus: many shower glass panels come with optional protective coatings that further guard against stains, soap scum, and micro-scratches.
❌ Myth 3: “Laminated glass is always safer.”
Laminated glass (two sheets of glass bonded with a plastic layer) is often used in windshields and skylights because it stays intact when shattered—but that doesn’t always make it better for showers. Why?
- It’s heavier, harder to install in frameless designs
- It can discolor over time
- It doesn’t offer the same sleek clarity as tempered glass
Tempered glass is the preferred choice for durability, appearance, and ease of maintenance in wet, enclosed environments like showers.
Our Commitment to Safety
When it comes to glass shower doors, safety isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundation. At Affordable Frameless Shower Door Inc., we take that seriously.
Every door we install is made from certified tempered safety glass, sourced from reputable U.S.-based suppliers who meet strict quality and safety standards. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t offer lower-grade alternatives—because your peace of mind is worth more than a discount.
🛠️ Installed with Care, Inspected for Quality
Even the best glass needs proper installation. Our team of experienced technicians is trained to:
- Inspect every panel before installation
- Avoid over-tightening brackets and hinges, which can stress the glass
- Use precise measurements and leveling for a clean, secure fit
- Follow all local building codes and safety best practices
The result? A shower door that looks beautiful, performs flawlessly, and holds up to daily use for years to come.
🔍 Optional Safety Add-Ons
For customers who want an extra layer of protection, we also offer:
- Shatter-resistant safety film (holds pieces in place if breakage occurs)
- Thicker glass panels for additional strength and a luxury feel
- Protective coatings that reduce mineral deposits and make cleaning easier
These options aren’t just about aesthetics—they enhance durability and safety too.
Final Thoughts
When you’re remodeling a bathroom or choosing a new shower door, it’s easy to focus on style, finish, and layout—but safety should always be part of the decision.
Tempered glass may not be something you think about every day, but it’s quietly doing its job every time you step into the shower. It’s stronger, safer, and smarter—and that’s why it’s the only kind of glass we use.
At Affordable Frameless Shower Door Inc., we believe every shower should feel like a luxury—without compromising on safety.
💬 Let’s Make Your Bathroom Safer and Sleeker
Not sure which glass style is right for your space? Want help designing a shower that’s both stunning and secure?
👉 Schedule a free consultation today or reach out with your questions—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
HELPING TO IMPROVE SPACES
Affordable Frameless Shower Doors team of professionals brings decades of construction and home remodel experience to you living spaces. Attention to detail is vital for shower glass and we pride our selves on consistent and professional fabrication and install every time.
