What type of glass is often used for shower enclosures?

Tempered glass is the most suitable choice for shower enclosures due to its strength and safety features. This glass type undergoes a special heating and cooling process which increases its strength compared to regular glass. Because of this treatment, tempered glass is more resistant to breakage and can withstand the thermal stresses that a shower environment can generate, such as rapid temperature changes.

In the event that tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury. This safety aspect is particularly important in areas like bathrooms, which often require materials that can endure high humidity and potential impacts.

While annealed glass can be used for some applications due to its lower cost, it does not meet the safety and durability requirements for high-moisture environments like shower enclosures. Laminated glass is typically used for applications requiring soundproofing or additional security, and while frosted glass provides privacy, it does not offer the same level of safety and strength as tempered glass for shower enclosures. Therefore, tempered glass is the industry standard for this application.