Security glass
What is securit (tempered) glass? A thickness guide
Published 6 min read
In the Egyptian market, “securit” (سيكوريت) means tempered safety glass: ordinary glass that has been heat-treated so it is far stronger and breaks safely.
This guide explains how it works, how thick to go for doors, partitions and façades, and what to ask your supplier.
How it is made
Flat glass is heated and then cooled very quickly. The outer surfaces cool first and lock into compression while the core stays in tension. That built-in stress is what gives tempered glass its strength.
Different sources quote four to six times the strength of ordinary annealed glass of the same thickness. When it does break, it fragments into many small, blunt pieces rather than long, sharp shards.
Thickness guide
| Thickness | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 6 mm | Small partitions, shelves, protected locations |
| 8 mm | Partitions and interior doors |
| 10 mm | Frameless doors and larger partitions |
| 12 mm | Large frameless doors, balustrades and tall glazing |
Typical values for guidance. Final specification is confirmed per project.
Thickness to scale
- Tempered6.0 mm
- Tempered8.0 mm
- Tempered10.0 mm
- Tempered12.0 mm
- Laminated 6 + 0.76 + 612.76 mm
- Double-glazed 6 + 12 + 624.0 mm
Bar lengths are proportional to thickness.
What to plan before you order
Cut, drill and polish first
Tempered glass cannot be cut, drilled or edged after toughening, so every dimension, hole and notch is confirmed before production.
Check the standard
Thermally toughened safety glass is specified to EN 12150. Ask the supplier to confirm compliance.
Consider heat-soak for façades
Rare nickel sulfide inclusions can cause spontaneous breakage in tempered glass. Heat-soak testing to EN 14179 screens them out in the factory and is worth specifying for façades and overhead locations.
Think about what happens when it breaks
Tempered glass breaks completely and leaves an opening. Where fragments must stay in place, such as overhead, use laminated glass.
Frequently asked questions
Is securit glass the same as toughened glass?
Yes. Securit, tempered and toughened all describe glass strengthened by controlled heating and rapid cooling.
Can securit glass be repaired?
No. Once a tempered pane breaks it disintegrates and must be replaced.
Which thickness for a frameless door?
10 mm or 12 mm, depending on door size and hardware. The final choice is confirmed against the drawings.
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