Making Sense of Different Types of Residential Window Glass
Things used to be a whole lot simpler a few decades ago. There weren't too many options available to someone looking for a residential window glass. Commonly, home owners could choose between ‘thin' glass and ‘tough' glass. At the most, they could get their glass tinted or painted.
Today, glass counterpanes, glass furniture, glass tiles and glass wall of varying durability and transparency are replacing conventional building materials. Architects select different types of glass for windows with different configurations. The glass used for the window in your house will differ substantially from commercial door glass. The type of glass you select for your window will affect the comfort, energy consumption, insulation, noise level, and security of your home.
Let's take a look at the common types of residential window glass. Each type has its unique qualities. Understanding each type will make it simpler for you choose the right types of glass for your window.
Patterned Glass
Pattered glass is a glass covered with patterns or designs. Usually translucent, this glass can be color or plain. It is perfect for situations where both natural light and privacy are required. The patterns on the glass prohibit anyone from looking through the glass, but enough light escapes through the glass to light the room.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is coated with material that reduces the transmission of light, ensuring that your home doesn't heat up too much during the summers. This type of glass also offers you privacy: you can see through the glass, but people on the other side of the glass cannot see you. Tinted glass is commonly used in cars. You can also avail residential glass tinting services and get your existing glass tinted.
Low Emissivity Glass
This type of glass is coated with a special material comprising metal oxide compounds. The coating reflects a large percentage of harmful UV rays, and it absorbs a lot of the heat energy. The effect of the glass depends on the thickness of the coating, and you can customize the coatings to increase to decrease heat gain. This type of glass is quite durable and is perfect for hot climates.
Double Paned or Insulated Glass
Double paned glass is two sheets of glass separated by air or special gases. This kind of glass offers unparalleled insulation against cold, wind and noise. For extremely cold climates, triple-pane windows are also available. If your house is located in a noisy neighbourhood, or if you live in an extremely cold climate, this is a good option for residential window glass.
Impact-Resistant Glass
As the name suggests, this type of glass doesn't break easily. Impact-resistant glass is made by combining multiple glass sheets with layers of plastic. Even if the glass breaks, the internal layers hold the broken fragments together. If you want to minimize your residential glass repair bills, this is your best option. For areas with high risk of hurricanes, this is the ideal type of glass for windows.
Today, glass counterpanes, glass furniture, glass tiles and glass wall of varying durability and transparency are replacing conventional building materials. Architects select different types of glass for windows with different configurations. The glass used for the window in your house will differ substantially from commercial door glass. The type of glass you select for your window will affect the comfort, energy consumption, insulation, noise level, and security of your home.
Let's take a look at the common types of residential window glass. Each type has its unique qualities. Understanding each type will make it simpler for you choose the right types of glass for your window.
Patterned Glass
Pattered glass is a glass covered with patterns or designs. Usually translucent, this glass can be color or plain. It is perfect for situations where both natural light and privacy are required. The patterns on the glass prohibit anyone from looking through the glass, but enough light escapes through the glass to light the room.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is coated with material that reduces the transmission of light, ensuring that your home doesn't heat up too much during the summers. This type of glass also offers you privacy: you can see through the glass, but people on the other side of the glass cannot see you. Tinted glass is commonly used in cars. You can also avail residential glass tinting services and get your existing glass tinted.
Low Emissivity Glass
This type of glass is coated with a special material comprising metal oxide compounds. The coating reflects a large percentage of harmful UV rays, and it absorbs a lot of the heat energy. The effect of the glass depends on the thickness of the coating, and you can customize the coatings to increase to decrease heat gain. This type of glass is quite durable and is perfect for hot climates.
Double Paned or Insulated Glass
Double paned glass is two sheets of glass separated by air or special gases. This kind of glass offers unparalleled insulation against cold, wind and noise. For extremely cold climates, triple-pane windows are also available. If your house is located in a noisy neighbourhood, or if you live in an extremely cold climate, this is a good option for residential window glass.
Impact-Resistant Glass
As the name suggests, this type of glass doesn't break easily. Impact-resistant glass is made by combining multiple glass sheets with layers of plastic. Even if the glass breaks, the internal layers hold the broken fragments together. If you want to minimize your residential glass repair bills, this is your best option. For areas with high risk of hurricanes, this is the ideal type of glass for windows.