Florida Home Inspector Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Tempered glass is considered safer than regular glass primarily because when it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards. This characteristic significantly reduces the risk of injury, as the smaller pieces are less likely to cause serious cuts. In contrast, regular glass tends to break into sharp, jagged edges that can lead to more severe injuries upon impact.

While factors like thickness, thermal resistance, and scratch resistance relate to the overall durability and performance of glass, they do not directly enhance the safety aspect in the context of how the glass breaks upon such stress. The main safety feature that sets tempered glass apart is its behavior when broken, making it a preferred choice in applications where safety is a concern, such as in doors, shower enclosures, and glass railings.