5 Common Types of Glass You Can Install in a Home Window
After buying a home, you may want to replace your glass windows to fit your style and preference. Replacing window glass also helps improve your home's aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
However, choosing the type of glass to install on your window can be an overwhelming task due to the various options available in the market. This article highlights five common types of glass you can install in a home window.
1. Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is hardened glass made through a complex heating and cooling procedure, making it stronger than regular glass. However, the glass can break into tiny pieces when hit hard.
Once this glass is made, you cannot cut it into other shapes. Additionally, drilling this glass can be difficult. Therefore, you cannot adjust the glass after the manufacturer finishes making the panel. Should the manufacturers discover any issue with the panel after finishing the production process, they will usually throw the panel away and start making a new one.
This type of glass is suitable for low or big windows. Additionally, if you live in a busy area, you can install this glass.
2. Low Emissivity Glass
This glass type has a unique coating that helps to reflect away the sun's heat while letting enough light into your house. Moreover, the coating can help you retain heat inside your home, especially during the cold months. As a result, this glass can help you save on heating and cooling energy costs.
Besides blocking heat from entering or leaving your home, low emissivity glass can help block UV rays from entering your home. This property helps to protect your household items like furniture from fading.
Low emissivity glass is quite expensive. However, the investment is worth every penny. Nevertheless, if you cannot afford to buy the glass, you can buy a low-E glass coating and apply it to your existing windows.
3. Safety-Laminated Glass
Safety-laminated glass is made by fusing at least two panes around a PVB inner layer. The process involves using high temperatures and pressure.
Safety-laminated glass offers several perks. First, the glass does not shatter when it breaks, reducing the risk of injuries. This property makes the glass suitable for areas that experience hurricanes or places with security issues. Another advantage of this glass is that it offers a sound reduction feature, reducing noise pollution in your home. Finally, the glass is durable, saving you the cost of regularly replacing your glass windows.
4. Float Glass
Float glass is the most basic type of glass that has not yet been cut or undergone any treatment. This glass is made through floating molten glass. During the process, manufacturers pour molten glass into a tin, allowing it to cool, forming large, thin, and clear glass panels.
Often, people use float glass as the foundation for other window glass types. However, you need to first cut the glass into the appropriate size and shape using a glazier. Float glass is also not as strong. This glass can easily break into tiny sharp pieces, increasing your risk of injuries.
5. Insulated Glass
Insulated glass, also known as double- or triple-glazing glass, is one glass type that people prefer using in their homes. This glass feature two or more strongly bonded sheets, with a space between. This space is ideal for infusing gases such as krypton and argon, offering insulation properties.
However, insulated glass needs extra care. If any panes break accidentally, the gases may escape, affecting the insulation properties.
When looking for glass to install on your window, you need to consider the type that best suits your needs. Should you need to spruce up your window with new glass, contact Palmetto Glass & Mirror.
