Windows have become far more advanced and specialized over the years.
There are now many different types of glass available, and choosing the right type for your window is an important decision.
Each type of glass has different properties that may make it more suitable for one particular function over another.
Here are some of the more common types of window glass and the qualities of each.
Sheet Glass Also known as float glass, this type of glass is common in many older homes.
It is often used for window and door glazing.
Sheet glass is very thin and brittle, and shatters easily.
This type of glass is not energy efficient.
Tempered Glass This type of glass is heat-treated and shatterproof.
When broken, it crumbles into blunt pieces to reduce the chance of injury.
It is also known as tough glass and is commonly used for door glass, storm windows, and screen doors.
Despite its other advantages, tempered glass is not an energy efficient option.
Low Emissivity Glass Low emissivity, or low-E, glass is energy efficient, coated on one side with a thin metal coating to reflect transmitted heat and reduce heat transfer.
Although it can reduce heat transfer by up to 70%, low-E glass does not reduce the amount of light that passes into the room.
Tinted Glass Tinted glass is an energy efficient type of glass that is coated to reduce heat transfer and prevent harmful UV rays from passing through.
There are a variety of shades and styles to choose from.
Opaque tinted glass reduces the amount of light that passes through, while reflective tinted glass improves privacy by appearing transparent from the inside and reflective from the outside.
Patterned Glass This type of glass is usually clear and has a pattern on one side so that it allows light to pass while preventing anyone from seeing through to the other side.
It is used in circumstances where both privacy and natural light are desired, such as bathroom windows or privacy walls.
Choosing the right glass for your windows can help you improve or control natural light as well as make your home more energy efficient.
If energy efficiency is an important factor for you, you may also want to opt for windows that are double or triple glazed.
Before changing your windows, become familiar with the different types of window glass as well as their capabilities.
A professional can guide you through the process and help you make the right decisions.
There are now many different types of glass available, and choosing the right type for your window is an important decision.
Each type of glass has different properties that may make it more suitable for one particular function over another.
Here are some of the more common types of window glass and the qualities of each.
Sheet Glass Also known as float glass, this type of glass is common in many older homes.
It is often used for window and door glazing.
Sheet glass is very thin and brittle, and shatters easily.
This type of glass is not energy efficient.
Tempered Glass This type of glass is heat-treated and shatterproof.
When broken, it crumbles into blunt pieces to reduce the chance of injury.
It is also known as tough glass and is commonly used for door glass, storm windows, and screen doors.
Despite its other advantages, tempered glass is not an energy efficient option.
Low Emissivity Glass Low emissivity, or low-E, glass is energy efficient, coated on one side with a thin metal coating to reflect transmitted heat and reduce heat transfer.
Although it can reduce heat transfer by up to 70%, low-E glass does not reduce the amount of light that passes into the room.
Tinted Glass Tinted glass is an energy efficient type of glass that is coated to reduce heat transfer and prevent harmful UV rays from passing through.
There are a variety of shades and styles to choose from.
Opaque tinted glass reduces the amount of light that passes through, while reflective tinted glass improves privacy by appearing transparent from the inside and reflective from the outside.
Patterned Glass This type of glass is usually clear and has a pattern on one side so that it allows light to pass while preventing anyone from seeing through to the other side.
It is used in circumstances where both privacy and natural light are desired, such as bathroom windows or privacy walls.
Choosing the right glass for your windows can help you improve or control natural light as well as make your home more energy efficient.
If energy efficiency is an important factor for you, you may also want to opt for windows that are double or triple glazed.
Before changing your windows, become familiar with the different types of window glass as well as their capabilities.
A professional can guide you through the process and help you make the right decisions.
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