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I basically want to avoid putting up MS rods or MS Grill around the windows and door shutters, for aesthetical reasons.

Any suggestions on using toughened glass for windows and french doors?

My contractor suggesting to go for 2 layers of 4mm glass one toughened and one plain (with air gap).
Is toughened glass readily available or the glass dealer will make it to order?
how much would it cost per s.ft...for 4mm toughened glass (e.g., from Saint Gobain)

DOn't know about cost, but toughened glass is quite easily available.

But one word of caution, if you 2 layers of glass with an air gap, you could have issues later (with condensation between the layers, and if the installation is not done right, you can have permanent dust / prints on the glass which you can never clean).

Toughened or tempered glass can also be broken, the only difference between the regular glass and tempered glass is in the way it would break (i.e toughened glass will break in rounded pieces with no sharp or jagged edges, while regular glass will have sharp edges). So be cautioned that you may not get all the security you expect with just toughened glass (and no grill). I understand that they are used a lot in the US and perhaps in other countries as well - but the safety requirement (in terms of break ins are lower), even in the US, in cities (like NY, Miami, and high crime areas), people install grills on their windows.

Hi ,
Like blrsiteseeker said toughened glass is more a safety concern than security.Laminated glass is just like your car glass in case it breaks the glass pieces will be intact.
For security reasons you end up spending huge amounts unless you are very specific about it don't go for only glass.Security glass cost not less than 600- 800/- per sft, where as regular window glass costs less than 45- 60 per sft .


Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com

Thanks Praveen, blrsiteseeker. I realise, Toughended glass is bit vague term.

I checked Laminated glass prices in BVK Iyengar road and found that "4mm+ PVB layer + 4mm" glass sandwitch price starts from ~200 per sft.
one can choose any other combination (thickness,tempered, tint, thermal, acoustic) as well....the Glass shop person will order from factory (unbranded), lead time of one week.

Even AIS SecurityGlas brand should be around 375 to 400 per sft. as per their website.

It is almost 3 times the cost of regular glass+grill, assuming 4mm glass comes for Rs.30 per sft. and MS Grill costs Rs.80 per sft. on cheaper side.

I am thinking to purchase a sample laminated glass (PVB) and do break tests before deciding !

Moreover, I am keeping provision (frames & shutters) for adding MS grill later on, if it is unavoidable in windows and doors.

Hello Thank you for your information on Defcet liability period and payment terms. I am planning to construct a house in a year or 2 . Your contractor seems to be very good . Could you give the contact nos of your contractor .

Ramesh