Most people would love to install beautiful windows in their homes. However, with so many types of glass available on the market today, it can be difficult to choose which type of glass and windows are best for your home. If you’re planning to install new windows or replace your old ones but don’t have much knowledge about glass, read on to discover the six most popular types of glass used for windows.

1. Types of Glass: Laminated Glass

A great example of laminated glass is the windshield on your car. This type of glass is quite strong and enhances structural integrity. It is made of two pieces of float glass with a thin layer of PVB resin inserted between the panes.

With its added strength, laminated glass prevents the window from shattering if it breaks. Instead, the glass pieces remain attached to the PVB resin sheet. This makes laminated glass ideal for business windows or hurricane-resistant windows.

2. Types of Glass: Float Glass

To fully understand the different types of glass, it’s important to know what float glass is. Float glass is a standard, fragile glass created from molten glass. It’s produced by pouring molten glass onto a tin bath, allowing it to form large glass panels. These panels are then used to create various types of glass for windows. However, float glass on its own is weak and can easily break into dangerous shards.

3. Types of Glass: Obscured Glass

Obscured glass is typically used for specific features and designs, such as beveled or etched glass that is difficult to see through. While shadows and sunlight can still pass through, it prevents anyone from seeing clearly inside. This makes it a perfect choice for bathrooms or any other areas where privacy is needed. For partial obscurity and reduced visibility, tinted glass is another great option.

4. Types of Glass: Insulated Glass

Insulated glass is commonly used in triple-pane and double-pane windows. A spacer separates the panes of glass, and this space can be filled with krypton or argon gases to provide insulation between the panes.

Adding these gases helps improve the window’s solar heat gain coefficient and U-factor. These two indicators determine the window’s ability to block heat from the sun. However, if one pane breaks, some gas may escape, reducing the window’s insulation and protection.

5. Tempered Glass

After float glass is created, it typically goes through an annealing process, where the glass cools slowly, making it stronger. Some windows undergo an additional process called tempering, which further strengthens the annealed glass.

While tempered glass is extremely durable and difficult to cut, it can still break if hit hard enough. When it does break, it shatters into smaller, less dangerous pieces compared to float glass or other weaker types. Tempered glass is ideal for large, low, or high-traffic area windows.

6. Low Emissivity Glass

Low emissivity glass, or Low-E glass, is designed to block specific wavelengths of sunlight, especially harmful UV rays that can damage skin and cause furniture and clothing to fade. Additionally, Low-E glass helps retain heat inside the house during the winter.

If you already have windows, you can purchase and apply Low-E glass coatings. However, installing new low-e glass windows is the most effective way to block UV rays. This type of glass is perfect for south- and west-facing windows, which receive the most direct sunlight.

How to Choose the Best Type of Glass for Your Windows

Selecting the right type of glass for your windows is crucial, as every family and home has its own specific needs. While some types of glass may be cheaper, they could be dangerous, especially if they shatter. For better energy savings and improved safety, upgrading your window glass is ideal.

What are the Best Energy-Efficient Windows?

Energy efficiency can make a significant difference in reducing your utility bills. Energy-efficient windows help lower energy consumption during both hot and cold temperatures. Each window is made from different coatings and materials, offering various levels of efficiency.

It’s important to note that approximately 25% to 30% of heat loss and heat gain occurs through inefficient windows. Therefore, choosing energy-efficient windows will not only help reduce your utility bills but also conserve energy.

Below are three types of energy-efficient windows that can make your home more comfortable while reducing strain on your HVAC system.

Tinted Windows

Tinted windows tend to lower the solar heat gain coefficient and visibility while increasing insulation properties. Additionally, they prevent infrared rays that produce heat from penetrating your windows.

As a result, less heat enters your home, reducing strain on your cooling system. With less energy-efficient windows, heat can escape from your home, especially during winter.

However, using tinted windows helps keep the heat indoors, keeping your home warm. This means you use less electricity for heating, allowing you to save more on your energy bills.

Low-E Windows

Emissivity refers to the amount of thermal energy that can be absorbed or reflected by your windows. Low-E windows reflect heat rather than absorbing it, preventing unwanted heat from entering your home. Some windows are made with low-E materials during production, but if you already have existing windows, low-E coatings can be applied.

These coatings can be placed on the outside, inside, or both sides of your windows. Exterior films reflect outside cold and heat away, while interior coatings reflect indoor heat back inside.

Multiple Pane Windows

Heat can escape from your home through your windows via radiation or conduction. However, multiple pane windows help slow down heat transfer in and out of your home. ‘This minimizes indoor heat loss in winter and improves heat retention in summer.

Multiple pane windows come in either double or triple panes, with gas, such as argon or krypton, inserted between the panes to serve as insulation. Air, while commonly used, is not as effective an insulator compared to these gases. Filling your windows with gas makes them even more energy-efficient.

If you need assistance with window installation, you can contact Hurricane Glass & Mirror at 281-487-6438.