Single-Pane Clear Glass

• Single-pane clear glass is the simplest and least expensive type of glass.
• However, it has very little insulating value and provides only a thin barrier to the outside.
• It can be cut to size with simple tools.

Low-E Glass

• Low-E glass, which is also known as low-emissivity glass, is a feature of glass that may be
• combined with other features.
• It has a special coating on the glass that reduces the transfer of heat through the glass.
• It may also be tinted to further reduce heat gain.
• In the summer, the glass lets in visible sunlight and blocks out UV rays, which helps prevent fading on furniture and carpets because of sunrays.
• In the winter, the coating reflects heat back into the room.
• Different window manufacturers may promote their own special glass with high energy efficiency ratings.

Laminated Glass

• Laminated glass consists of multiple layers of glass bonded together with a tough plastic layer in the middle.
• It acts and looks like a single piece of glass, but the layers help improve insulation properties of the glass.
• It eliminates most UV rays, which helps protect home furnishing from the damaging effects of the sun.
• Laminated glass can also help insulate against noise.

Tempered Glass

• Tempered glass is produced by a heat-treating process that makes it very strong and often used for safety.
• When it breaks, it shatters into tiny pebble-like pieces, instead of dangerous shards. This feature makes it ideal for patio doors and glass shower enclosures.
• It cannot be cut in the field, but must be manufactured to size.

Insulating Glass

• Insulating glass has two or three panes of glass with a dead air space between the panes.
• The space is often filled with a low conductance gas like argon, carbon dioxide or krypton.
• The dead-air space and the gas reduce the transfer of heat between the layers.
• This may also be a feature of low-e and/or laminated glass and may be combined with other features.
• Each pane of glass adds R-1 insulation to the assembly. A double-paned glass offers R-2 insulation.
• These inert gases can add as much as R-2 to the window assembly.

Obscure Glass

• Obscure glass allows light to enter the room but blurs the image to protect privacy.
• This is a feature of glass often used in conjunction with other features.
• Obscure glass is most often used for bathrooms or doors where there may be no covering on the window, but where privacy is still desired.
• Various surface texture patterns are available, ranging from translucent to a semi-opaque effect.
  

Q: What is tempered glass and where should I use it?
A: Tempered glass helps cut down on injuries from people falling against glass. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass. It shatters into small pieces rather than shards, reducing the chance of injury. Other types of safety glass are laminate or wire reinforced. Local building codes will dictate where you should use it. Generally, use it along staircases; in swinging, sliding and bifold doors; near bathtubs and showers; and in any window that is within 18 inches of the floor.

Q: What is the difference between plate glass and sheet glass?
A: Plate glass is generally used for large picture windows. It provides a clear view without distortion. It is usually 3/16” thick. Sheet glass is the most common glass. It is usually about 3/32” for single strength glass. Other thicknesses are available.

Q: Is there a way to get the effect of window tinting without replacing all the glass?
A: There are window films that achieve some of the same effects as tinting without having to replace the windows. These come in a roll and you can apply them to any window in the home. Films are best in areas where direct sunlight is a problem. They can help block UV rays, heat and offer privacy.