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Expert Glass RepairRepair & Installation -- Arlington, VA

DMV's most trusted glass experts since 2004. Premium residential & commercial glass repair, replacement, and installation serving Washington DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia.

(703) 679-7741

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Glass Thickness Advisor

HomeToolsGlass Thickness Advisor

Free Interactive Tool

Glass Thickness
Advisor

Answer a few questions about your project and we will recommend the right glass thickness, type, and code requirements. Works for windows, shower doors, railings, table tops, partitions, shelves, and floor panels.

Step 1 of 40%

What type of glass project is this?

Select the application to determine the right glass specifications.

Reference Guide

Common Glass Thicknesses

A quick reference for standard glass thicknesses and their typical applications in residential and commercial projects.

1/8"

3mm

Picture frames, small windows, interior sidelights, cabinet inserts

Lightest standard thickness. Not suitable for large unsupported spans.

3/16"

5mm

Standard windows, small shelves, display cases, interior partitions

Common for residential window replacements under 12 sq ft.

1/4"

6mm

Large windows, table tops, interior doors, commercial glazing

The most versatile thickness. Required for larger window panels.

3/8"

10mm

Shower doors, railings, heavy shelves, large partitions

Standard for frameless shower enclosures and glass railings.

1/2"

12mm

Large shower panels, exterior railings, heavy table tops, storefronts

Premium frameless applications and high-load structural glazing.

5/8"

16mm

Bullet-resistant laminates, aquarium panels, specialty structural glass

Specialty thickness, typically laminated for specific performance requirements.

3/4"

19mm

Glass floors, staircases, bridges, high-load structural applications

Structural-grade. Always laminated. Requires engineering.

1"+

25mm+

Multi-ply floor panels, blast-resistant glass, security glazing

Custom-engineered assemblies for extreme load or security requirements.

FAQ

Common Questions

How do I know if my glass needs to be tempered?
Virginia building code (based on the IRC) requires tempered or safety glass in several situations: within 24 inches of a door, in bathrooms and wet areas, within 60 inches of a pool or hot tub water edge, glass panels with a bottom edge less than 18 inches from the floor, and in all shower and bathtub enclosures. When in doubt, tempered glass is always the safer choice.
What is the difference between tempered and laminated glass?
Tempered glass is heat-treated to be 4-5x stronger than annealed glass and breaks into small, relatively harmless granular pieces. Laminated glass consists of two or more glass layers bonded with a plastic interlayer (PVB or SGP) -- if it breaks, the interlayer holds the fragments in place. Laminated glass is required for overhead glazing, glass floors, and is recommended for exterior railings where post-breakage retention is critical.
Can I use thinner glass to save money?
Glass thickness is determined by a combination of structural requirements (wind load, span, expected loads), safety code requirements, and practical performance (deflection, rigidity). Using glass that is too thin can result in code violations, excessive flexing, or safety hazards. We always recommend meeting or exceeding the minimum specification. During your free estimate, we can discuss options that balance cost and performance.
What is an insulated glass unit (IGU)?
An IGU consists of two or more panes of glass separated by a sealed spacer filled with argon or krypton gas. The gas fill and spacer create an insulating barrier that dramatically reduces heat transfer compared to single-pane glass. Low-E coatings on one or more surfaces further improve energy efficiency. IGUs are required for all exterior windows in new construction and major renovations per Virginia Energy Conservation Code.
Do you handle permits and code compliance?
Yes. Expert Glass Repair handles all necessary permits and ensures every installation meets or exceeds Virginia building code, the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Building Code (IBC). Our team is fully insured and familiar with local jurisdiction requirements throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.
How accurate is this tool?
This tool provides general guidance based on common industry standards and building code requirements. Every project is unique -- factors like specific support conditions, local wind maps, building height, and frame type can affect the final specification. We recommend using this tool as a starting point and confirming the specification during your free on-site estimate with our team.