Understanding the Different Kinds of Window Glass

Posted: Jun 11, 2012
Author: G&S Contracting, Inc.

Not all types of glass are created equal, and there are several different options to choose from when selecting windows for your home. The most common type of glass is called sheet glass or float glass, and can be found in the windows and doors of most older homes. Sheet glass is fairly easy to cut and work with, but it is not very energy-efficient. If one of your main goals when installing new windows is to lower your energy costs, you’ll want to buy window grade sheet glass, low-e glass, or tinted glass.

Tempered glass is a type of glass you will typically find in your home’s storm windows and glass doors. You will also often find laminated tempered glass in automobiles. As a safety feature, tempered glass will crumble, instead of shatter, if it is broken. If you tried to cut tempered glass with a normal glass cutter, it would immediately break, so if you are using tempered glass in any windows or doors of your home, make sure the glass is the exact correct size before you begin.

Low-emissivity glass, or low-e glass for short, has a selective coating on it which allows for light to pass through but reflect the heat. This type of window glass is very energy-efficient. You could also opt for tinted glass, which is designed to cut down on the amount of heat it emits; however, it also blocks out the light and obscures your view of the outdoors.

Wire glass is often used in high-security windows and doors. It has a steel wire mesh inside that will keep the pane solid, even if the glass gets broken. It can also help prevent the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire.

Another common option for window glass is patterned glass. A pattern stamped on one side of the glass prevents someone from seeing through it and is used commonly in areas where privacy is an issue.

For more information about the different types of window glass, give us a call at G&S Contracting, Inc..