Frequently asked questions about toughened glass (clear or back-painted) and laminated glass
FAQ
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our toughened glass (clear or back-painted), laminated glass, fitting, delivery, collection from our workshop and our glass partitions. Click on a question to see the answer.
Safety
All our glass is toughened, for your safety every day. Here is what you need to know about glass quality and using glass near a hob.
Are toughened glass and Securit glass the same thing?
In everyday use, Securit glass and toughened glass mean the same thing: Securit is a brand that became the common name for toughened safety glass. Toughened glass, safety glass and Securit glass are therefore used interchangeably. At Plakglass, all the glass we sell is toughened.
Can toughened glass break on its own?
Yes, toughened glass can break with no visible impact, but this is very rare. The cause is a tiny nickel sulphide inclusion, which according to our manufacturer occurs in about 1 m² of glass for every 800 to 1,000 m² produced. The break happens when the temperature rises, in full sun or near a heat source, and the glass shatters into small, blunt pieces.
What quality of glass does Plakglass use?
We only sell SECURIT toughened glass, whatever the product. All our glass is toughened: clear (clear and low-iron), frosted, tinted, granite-textured and fluted, back-painted, enamelled and printed. Our laminated glass is also made of toughened glass. Toughened glass is around five times more impact-resistant than ordinary glass and withstands temperature differences of around 200 °C.
Do you offer the Heat Soak Test on your toughened glass?
Yes, on quotation only: the Heat Soak Test is not available in our configurators. This test consists of reheating the toughened glass in a dedicated oven to weed out panes likely to break spontaneously. The oven has to process a large quantity of glass at once: contact us so we can look at your project.
How can you tell whether a pane broke on its own or because of an impact?
On laminated glass, whose pieces stay in place, a spontaneous break can be recognised by two small touching circles, 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter, at the point where the break started. Without these two circles, the break was caused by an impact. A broken laminated pane may keep crackling for a few moments: its interlayers slow down the fragmentation without stopping it.
Is toughened glass fragile?
No: toughened glass is about five times more impact-resistant than ordinary glass, which is why it is used for doors and shower screens. When it breaks, it is almost always after an impact, most often on a corner or an edge, and not because its internal stresses relax over time.
Can I order a splashback in non-Securit glass?
No. For your safety, we only offer Securit toughened glass: if it breaks, it does not shatter into sharp shards, and it is heat-resistant. We therefore do not sell resin (which cannot withstand heat), laminated board products or standard glass (not to be used behind a hob).
Is a glass coffee table dangerous for children?
A toughened glass coffee table greatly reduces the risk for children: toughened glass is about five times more impact-resistant than ordinary glass and, if it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces. Its edges are polished and not sharp, and rounded corners are recommended for a coffee table.
Can a glass splashback be fitted behind a hob?
Yes, whatever the hob (gas, electric, ceramic or induction), provided you use SECURIT toughened glass, back-painted or not. With a gas hob, the splashback must be at least 10 cm behind the flame.
Is toughened glass heat-resistant?
Toughened glass resists thermal shock: it withstands temperature differences of about 200 °C. A toughened glass splashback at least 6 mm thick can therefore be fitted behind any type of hob, and a toughened glass floor plate protects the floor in front of a stove or fireplace.
Are the corners of glass panels always square?
No. For standard shapes, you choose the finish of each outer corner (the options depend on the type of glass) and you can combine them on the same panel:
• Square corner (90°): offered by default, ideal for a splashback.
• Rounded corner: you choose the radius, from 5 mm; recommended for a coffee table, a desk or a shelf.
• Clipped corner (cut diagonally): also suitable for tables, desks and shelves.
• Angled corner: also available in the configurator.
These options are set at the “Corner customisation” step of the configurator.
Are the corners of glass panels always square?
No. For standard shapes, you choose the finish of each outer corner (the options depend on the type of glass) and you can combine them on the same panel:
- Square corner (90°): offered by default, ideal for a splashback.
- Rounded corner: you choose the radius, from 5 mm; recommended for a coffee table, desk or shelf.
- Clipped corner (cut diagonally): also suitable for tables, desks and shelves.
- Angled corner: also available in the configurator.
These options are set at the “Corner customisation” step of the configurator.
Plakglass quality
Edges, weight and cutting accuracy: answers about the finish of our glass and our manufacturing tolerances.
Is your toughened glass marked?
No, our toughened glass does not carry a toughening mark: it is mainly used for decoration and interior fittings, such as tabletops, shelves, splashbacks or doors. It is nonetheless all toughened: the type of glass and the thickness appear in your configuration summary and on your order.
Are the edges of glass panels sharp?
No: all our toughened, back-painted, enamelled and laminated glass is delivered with non-sharp edges. By default, the outer edges are flat polished (JPP): ground, polished and glossy. A chamfer is available as an option on rectangular glass. All the details are on the Edgework page.
How much does glass weigh?
The weight depends on the type of glass and its thickness. All the values are on the Glass thickness and weight page.
What are the cutting tolerances?
The glass is first cut to your dimensions, then toughened: it is heated to a high temperature and then cooled suddenly, which can cause slight variations:
- lengths, heights, cut-outs and cut-out positions: +1 / −1 mm up to 2,000 mm, +1 / −2 mm above;
- flatness: 3 mm per metre overall flatness, 0.5 mm over 300 mm local flatness, as stated in the configurator.
Is it normal to see slight waviness or iridescent reflections on toughened glass?
Yes. Toughening can leave slight waviness, visible mainly in reflections. Under polarised light (daylight at certain angles, polarised sunglasses), iridescent patches may also appear: this is anisotropy. Described by the EN 12150 standard, these effects inherent to toughening are not defects. Our overall flatness is within 3 mm per metre.
Transparent glass
Clear, extra clear, tinted, frosted or textured: how to choose a glass that lets light through, and how to fix it.
What are the differences between clear, extra-clear, tinted, frosted and textured glass?
What are the differences between clear, extra-clear, tinted, frosted and textured glass?
- Clear glass: slight green/blue tint, visible mainly on the edge. See clear glass
- Extra-clear glass: made from a raw material very low in iron oxide, it has almost none of this green tint. See extra-clear glass
- Grey, bronze, blue, green or black (dark grey) tinted glass: body-tinted, it remains transparent. See tinted glass
- Acid-etched frosted glass (clear or extra-clear): satin, translucent surface that lets light through but blurs the view; you can make out shapes without seeing details. See frosted glass
- Textured glass: slightly grainy front face that blurs the view, smooth and glossy back face. See textured glass
These glasses let light through: they are not glued (see the next question).
Can transparent glass be glued to a wall?
No: the adhesive would be visible through it. Transparent glass is fixed with screws, using the “Drilling for fixing” option in the configurator.
Which glass lets light in without being seen?
Frosted glass blurs the view evenly, with a satin look. Textured glass obscures it thanks to its patterned face, and fluted glass thanks to its vertical reeds. To hide only the lower part, choose the printed frosted effect. All of them let light through; for complete opacity, go for back-painted glass instead.
Does frosted glass become transparent when wet?
No. When wet, the frosted face looks less matt and shapes show through a little more, then it regains its even appearance as it dries: it is a temporary effect. For cleaning and to avoid marks, follow our advice on cleaning frosted glass, without abrasive products or scrapers.
Can you see through tinted glass?
Yes. Body-tinted, grey, bronze, blue, green or black (dark grey) tinted glass remains transparent: it darkens the view and the light. The darker the tint, the stronger the effect, black (dark grey) being the darkest. It limits views without blocking them: for privacy, choose frosted glass.
Back-painted toughened glass
Back-painted glass carries its colour on the back, protected by a film. Here is how to choose its colour, and why this film must never be removed.
Is back-painted toughened glass opaque?
Yes, completely: it is a transparent toughened glass whose back face is painted in the chosen colour. It is delivered with an opaque protective film stuck to the paint layer: never remove it, as you would tear off the paint layer.
How do I choose the colour of back-painted toughened glass?
Colours on screen vary from one device to another. We follow colour charts (RAL in particular): to see a colour for real, look at a RAL colour chart in the paint department of a shop.
As with any coloured decoration, slight variations may exist between two orders, depending on the thickness (a 12 mm pane may differ slightly from a 6 mm pane of the same colour), the size of the panel and the lighting.
The configurator offers a selection of Plakglass colours and the RAL, NCS and Pantone charts. On white or a light colour, extra clear glass renders the colour more faithfully.
How is back-painted toughened glass protected?
The back of all our back-painted splashbacks is protected by an opaque film stuck to the paint layer: it makes fitting easier and ensures the final appearance, the protection of the paint layer and safety. This film must never be peeled off.
Laminated toughened glass
Laminated glass combines two toughened panes with safety interlayers. Here is how to read its references and where to use it.
Toughened or laminated glass: which should I choose?
Choose toughened glass for a tabletop, a shelf, a splashback or a screen, and laminated glass whenever there is a risk of falling, as with a balustrade: its interlayers hold the pieces together if it breaks. For a balustrade, have the glass make-up approved by a qualified professional.
What is laminated glass?
Two sheets of glass bonded by one or more very strong interlayers. Its “XX.Y” designation gives the thickness of the sheets (XX) and the number of interlayers (Y): a 55.2 combines two 5 mm panes and two interlayers.
At Plakglass, laminated glass is made of toughened panes and hydrophobic EVA interlayers: it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Configure a laminated toughened glass
We offer it from 44.2 to 1212.4, in clear, extra clear, frosted or tinted. The full list of references is in the configurator.
Thickness, weight and use of glass panels
The right thickness depends on the use. Here are our guidelines, and the projects for which a professional must size the glass.
Which toughened glass can be used outdoors?
Plakglass enamelled glass and laminated glass can be used outdoors, but not back-painted glass, which is for indoor use only. For coloured glass outdoors, we recommend enamelled glass, whose colour is fired into the glass. Laminated glass is assembled with EVA interlayers that resist moisture. For the thickness, see the next question.
Which material or solution do you recommend for my made-to-measure project?
As we cannot see your setup, we are not in a position to recommend a material or a technical solution (glass partition, floor slab, balustrade…), especially for large installations where safety and strength are at stake: please consult a qualified professional.
For the thickness, see our thickness guide; all other information is in the configurator and its information points.
Which thickness should I choose for outdoor use (screen, privacy panel, garden divider)?
Outdoors, the main constraint is wind load: the larger and less supported the panel, the thicker it must be. As a guide, for vertical installation:
- up to 1.20 m high: 8 mm;
- from 1.20 to 1.80 m: 10 mm;
- above 1.80 or 2 m, or in very windy areas (seaside, exposed height): 12 mm, or even laminated glass.
The final sizing depends on the exact size, the wind zone and the fixing system: have it approved by your installer or an engineering firm. We supply the glass but do not carry out installation studies.
Which thickness should I choose for roof glazing (hatch, rooflight, roof lantern, smoke vent)?
We do not give a standard thickness: on a roof, the glazing may be walked on and there is a risk of falling through it if it breaks. These uses require laminated toughened glass, which we offer, but its thickness and make-up must be defined by an engineering firm or a qualified professional (span, snow, wind, whether it is walked on).
Do you offer a glass slab to cover a well or a pit, or to walk on?
No. A slab laid over a void and intended to be walked on requires specific, multi-layer, certified structural glazing, which we do not manufacture: we do not take on this type of project.
Fixing holes
To fix glass to a wall, the drill holes are planned when you order, in the configurator.
Do you drill holes for fixings?
Yes. When configuring a toughened glass panel, back-painted or not, choose the "Fixing holes" option and the distance between the centre of the holes and the edge. This is the recommended solution for fixing clear glass; the holes appear immediately on the drawing. The possible distances depend on the thickness and on any rounded corners. Configure a toughened glass panel
Edgework for edges, corners and angles
Edges, corners and cut-outs are worked before toughening. Here is what the edgework of your glass covers.
What is edgework?
It is the way the edges and corners of the panel and its cut-outs are finished. A standard edgework is applied by default, with options depending on the type of glass, the edge concerned and the size of the cut-outs. Full details are on the Edgework page.
Can I order made-to-measure glass in a special shape?
Yes. The toughened glass configurator offers 26 shapes: round, oval, trapezium, cut corner, quarter circle, L, T or U shape, stepped… The corners are set one by one: square, rounded, clipped or angled. For a shape not on the list or from a drawing, the configurator assistant sets the shape, dimensions and cut-outs for you.
Chamfer or bevelled edge: what is the difference?
The chamfer replaces the sharp edge with a small flat face angled at 20 to 45°, on rectangular glass. The bevelled edge, more decorative, is a wide angled and polished band around the face, 15 to 30 mm wide depending on the thickness. Both are chosen at the Edgework step; otherwise the edges are flat polished (JPP).
Installation and cleaning
A few tips for fitting your glass in good conditions, then caring for it without damaging it.
Any tips for fitting a splashback?
- On delivery, check that the splashback has not been damaged in transit.
- Only bond onto a perfectly clean, degreased surface.
- Have at least two people for a splashback over 1.20 m.
- Read the Fitting a splashback page before you start.
- Do not remove the white protective film on the back of back-painted glass: it protects the paint.
How long does DOWSIL™ 799 adhesive take to cure?
Generally allow 24 hours before removing the supports, but always check that the adhesive has set properly before taking a support away.
Should I leave a gap between the splashback, the worktop and the wall units?
Yes, allow 1 to 2 mm at the bottom (worktop) and at the top (wall units): this makes positioning easier. Then fill these gaps with neutral-cure silicone; the joints also protect the glass if something knocks against the worktop.
How do I clean a glass panel?
Securit toughened glass is very strong and not easily scratched: a simple microfibre cloth is all you need.
Do you supply the fixings for mounting a glass top on a base (barrel, leg, pedestal)?
No, we only supply the made-to-measure top. Seals, pads and fixing parts can be bought from a hardware or furniture fittings supplier.
Glass partitions
Can your glass partitions be installed outdoors?
No. Our glass partitions (aluminium, wood, steel) are designed for indoor use only, not for outdoors nor for a bathroom or shower (humidity). For a bathroom, choose our shower screen, designed to withstand humidity.
What dimensions should I give you for the glass partition?
Simply those of your opening, with no calculation needed. Measure in three places across the width and three places up the height, and each time give the smallest measurement: we will make a glass partition that fits perfectly.
Can I order a glass partition without the glazing, just the frame?
No, the frame and the glazing are always sold together, as a kit.
Are there wall end profiles for types of partition wall other than plasterboard?
We offer a single model of wall end profile, designed for 75 mm plasterboard partition walls.
For a given width, what height should I choose for my glass partition?
It depends on your space and the intended use: we cannot recommend a standard height. The configurator will stop you if the height requested is not feasible with the width chosen.
How do I know which end profiles I need depending on whether the sides touch a wall or not?
Simply indicate in the configurator whether the glass partition is fixed to the wall on the left and on the right: a side that is not fixed automatically receives finishing brackets.
Can you add fixings to the glass partition for shelves or accessories?
No, our glass partitions are sold as they are. You can add your own fixings after installation, but the guarantee only covers an unmodified product.
Does an aluminium glass partition need to be earthed?
No: it has no electrical appliances on it and its accessories are not electrical, such as a shower shelf for example.
Do you offer U-profiles to compensate for an uneven height?
Yes: our wall end profiles can compensate for this type of unevenness for a perfectly level installation.
Delivery
Our glass travels in packaging suited to each product. Here is how the costs are calculated, which option to choose and what to check on delivery.
What happens if something breaks in transit?
Our packaging is designed for each product and over 99% of orders arrive in perfect condition. If a product arrives damaged, our transport insurance allows it to be remade in full, provided you follow the checks described in "What should I check before signing the delivery note?".
Why do packing charges appear on my order?
Large sizes and orders of several products are shipped in a wooden crate, on an A-frame or on a pallet with a backrest so that they travel safely. These charges are shown once the items have been added to the basket, before the order is confirmed.
How do you calculate delivery charges?
On the actual theoretical weight of your order: glass removed by cut-outs or rounded corners is not counted. You only pay for what you order.
Can I book a delivery appointment?
Yes. Before confirming your order, you can replace the economy option (default) with delivery on a day of your choice or within a half-day slot. If the parcel allows, delivery to a pick-up point is also offered.
Why do the delivery options vary from one order to another?
Each of our carriers has its own size, weight and destination limits: the contents of the order determine which carriers and delivery methods are available.
What should I check before signing the delivery note?
Check the products before signing (on paper or on an electronic device): undamaged packaging does not guarantee an undamaged product. If a product is damaged, refuse the delivery and describe the damage on the delivery note, and if possible send us photos by message from your customer account. We will open a claim with the carrier and remake your products.
Please note: remarks such as "subject to unpacking" or "packaging intact" do not allow the insurance to be claimed. Also avoid standing or storing a glass panel on its edge.
How will my order be delivered?
- Collection from our workshop in Pacé (35740), Ikea area: storage fee of €7.40.
- Economy option: no appointment, within 2 to 4 days of dispatch.
- Choice of day: the carrier calls you to arrange the day, Monday to Friday.
- Half-day appointment, Monday to Saturday (Saturday subject to availability): an extra 4 to 6 days of logistics.
- 2-hour slot appointment, Monday to Saturday (Saturday subject to availability): an extra 2 to 5 days of logistics.
- Premium – room of choice / upper floors: delivery to the room of your choice in a 2-hour slot, an extra 2 to 5 days of logistics.
- Delivery on an A-frame for bulky orders.
Our carriers include Geodis, DPD, Agediss and Cargomatic; the carrier depends on the delivery option and the order, and this list may change.
Do you deliver to Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Corsica?
Yes. In addition to mainland France, we deliver our made-to-measure glass to Corsica, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium. Shipping costs are calculated on the theoretical actual weight of your order, and the delivery options offered depend on your address and your order: you see them before confirming.
Paiement
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Click and collect: collection from our workshop
How does collection of my order from the workshop work?
As soon as your order is ready, contact us by phone or email to arrange the day and time of collection. Address: Boulevard de l'Odet, 35740 Pacé.
What are the collection times?
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm; on Fridays, collection before 4 pm.
What do I need to bring for collection?
The products are not packed for transport: bring a blanket or some cardboard to protect them during the journey.
How do I find the workshop?
See the workshop on Google Maps
- Take the dual carriageway towards Saint-Brieuc, exit Pacé Centre.
- At the roundabout, go straight on towards the D29 (Montgermont / Saint-Grégoire).
- At the next roundabout, turn right towards "Rive Ouest", then at the small roundabout, turn left.
- Follow the boulevard, go past BST (on the left), turn right in front of Glas Ren and then right again into the car park that goes uphill.
- The car park leads to the Creazin' company: carry on to the end, our workshop is the last building on the right.
Can't find the answer to your question?
If you have a customer account, log in and click on the "envelope" icon at the top of the screen to write to us. Without a customer account, use our contact form. You can also reach us by phone or via live chat.
Can you advise me on installing or maintaining an aquarium, terrarium or technical greenhouse?
We are solely a supplier of made-to-measure Securit toughened glass: for these highly technical uses, please consult a specialist in the field.
Do you sell the sliding door kit (track) on its own, without the glass?
No, the sliding door kit is only available with the glass, as part of a complete order. Configure a sliding door
Do you supply the hardware (profiles, fixings) for the shower screen?
No, on Plakglass we only supply the glass for the shower screen. To configure glass and hardware together, visit the website of our partner Shower&co.
Made-to-measure quotation: design and preview your panel
Choose the dimensions, the type of glass, a gloss or matt finish, customise the corners and position cut-outs: try as many options as you like, with no obligation. With every change, the price is recalculated and the drawing is updated.
Why do some options disappear on the quotation page?
Depending on the settings already chosen (type of glass, thickness, shape, cut-outs…), some combinations are technically impossible: the configurator takes this into account immediately, which is why options appear or disappear as you configure.
Our made-to-measure quotation pages: