Modern kitchens of today are likely to include a backsplash or splashback feature – a protective covering on the wall in key areas such as behind sinks, stoves, and worktops.
From tiles to glass to acrylic to vinyl, there are many different materials that you can use to protect your kitchen walls or even your bathroom walls from messy splatters.
Of course, whether you install a splashback in a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll want to know that it’s capable of withstanding the moisture, heat, and frequent use of these spaces.
Glass splashbacks are one of the most popular selections when it comes to stylish kitchen or bathroom features – but just how durable is this material? Is it really suitable for these settings?
If you have any qualms about their safety, read on to discover why splashbacks made from toughened glass are not just fashionable, but totally safe and functional, too.
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Do glass splashbacks break easily?
Sometimes, you might want to install a splashback for purely decorative reasons – for example, a mirror splashback that makes your kitchen or bathroom wall look bright and trendy.
However, standard mirror glass is not toughened – so this, just like any other non-toughened glass product, will be more vulnerable to cracks, chips, and breakage.
That’s why most glass splashbacks will be made from toughened glass, which undergoes a heating and cooling process known as tempering to make it several times stronger.
Toughened glass splashbacks are much more resistant to stains, scratches, knocks, and high temperatures. Alongside their non-porous nature making them more hygienic, this means they don’t break easily and function very well in kitchen environments.
As long as you opt for a toughened glass splashback that’s at least 6mm thick, it should be stylish and lightweight enough to look great in your kitchen or bathroom, while remaining strong enough to protect your walls from splashes for a long time to come.
Will a glass splashback crack under heat?
While bathrooms may not reach excessive temperatures, there’s no doubt that kitchens can get hot – with various cooking appliances acting as heat sources around the room.
If you’re installing a glass splashback behind your hob and oven – or behind counters with toasters, microwaves, or air fryers on them, for example – then you’ll want to be confident that the glass won’t crack when exposed to heat.
As mentioned above, non-toughened glass can be fragile, so extensive exposure to heat could cause it to crack and shatter. However, toughened glass is highly heat-resistant, making it an ideal material for kitchen splashbacks.
Heat sources such as hobs can reach temperatures of up to 250°C, but toughened glass can withstand them with ease – holding up against hot water or food splashes and steam where less resilient materials like acrylic would melt.
That said, toughened glass splashbacks can still warp over time from temperature fluctuations if they’re installed too close to a heat source. That’s why it’s advised to leave a gap of at least 100mm between a splashback and a hob.
As long as you install it correctly, a heat-resistant glass splashback will look stunning behind your cooker without warping or cracking.
How long can a glass splashback last?
Unlike other splashback materials that are likely to discolour, crack, or come loose over time – especially tiles with grout – toughened glass is well-known for its longevity.
Splashbacks made from toughened glass can last for up to ten years or more, but it’s all about the installation and maintenance. They must be fixed to the wall securely, an appropriate distance from heat sources, and cleaned regularly to maintain their shine.
Conveniently, glass splashbacks are also known for being low-maintenance, as cleaning them is quick and easy. No vigorous scrubbing or specialist products needed – in fact, you should steer clear of chemical cleaning agents and abrasive brushes.
To avoid scratching the glass and dulling its polished look, stick to soft cloths and mild cleaning solutions like soap and warm water to restore a glass splashback to its former beauty.
Proper installation and regular cleaning will help your glass backsplash to remain functional and maintain its aesthetic appeal for many years.
Order a durable custom glass splashback
Ultimately, toughened glass is an optimal material for kitchen or bathroom splashbacks. Not only does it offer heat resistance and durability, but also a sophisticated appearance – enhancing your space and giving you peace of mind at the same time.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective splashback solution, you can be sure that splashbacks from toughened glass suppliers are a safe bet. Customisable to your required size, shape, and thickness, there is also a wide selection of designs to choose from!
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