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Glass Windows & Doors

Making Sense of Different Types of Glass

 

 

Decades ago, it really seemed like everything was a lot simpler. Not many options were available for those who were in the market for residential window glass. Homeowners would only have been able to choose between two different types of glass: thin or tough. At most, these types of glass could get either painted or tinted as well.

 

Nowadays, however, furniture, glass counterpanes, tiles, and even walls that have different types of durability are replacing more conventional building materials. One material that may be used a window in your home may be significantly different than one that is used on your door. The glass type that you choose for your windows will affect various aspects such as insulation, comfort, energy consumption, and security.

 

Here are some of the most common types of residential windows that will help you to select the right type for your home.

 

Patterned Glass

This type of glass is typically covered with different designs and patterns. It’s also translucent, yet it can be either plain or colored. If you are someone who values privacy and enjoys natural light, this kind of glass would be perfect for you and your home. Thanks to all of the different patterns, no one will be able to look inside your home, but at the same time, enough natural light will be able to fill any room.

 

Tinted Glass

This glass is coated with a material that helps reduce the overall transmission of light, which helps to make sure that your home doesn’t heat up too much during the summer season. It’s also a type of glass that offers you privacy, as you will be able to see through it, but those on the other side of it can’t see you. This is the same kind of glass that is most commonly used in automobiles.

 

Low Emissivity Glass

This is glass that has been coated with a material that is comprised of metal oxide compounds. A large amount of harmful ultraviolet rays will be reflected, and this glass can also absorb a great deal of heat energy; however, the overall effect depends on the actual thickness of the coating itself, which you can completely customize to help decrease heat gain. This is perfect for hotter climates thanks to its durability.

 

Double Paned/Insulated Glass

Double paned glass is two sheets of glass that have been separated by either air or special types of gases. This glass is also perfect to help insulate against such aspects as noise, cold, and wind. All in all, this glass is perfect for more residential-type windows.

 

Impact-Resistant Glass

This is a type of glass that is not able to be easily broken. It’s made by combining together multiple sheets of glass with layers of plastic. Even if the glass were to break, the broken fragments are able to be held together with all of the internal layers. This is the best option for you to utilize if you are looking to reduce your glass repair bills. It’s also best for those who live in areas that are prone to hurricanes.