8 Common Types of Glass for Windows
Whenever we pass by a home with excellent curb appeal, we mentally record the tempting designs in our minds. After all, we need to keep track of the best designs so we can build the perfect home for ourselves.
The ideal dream home– who wouldn’t want it? Big antique front door, colourful lawn filled with beautiful flowers, dream-like designful windows, etc.
What we do not consider are the materials required for the construction of the ideal home- Which type of concrete should be used? Are the building materials earth-quake proof? If I want large windows in my house, which type of glass should I be using? The questions are endless!
We have to agree that the placement of windows along with the types of glass used for windows is so important for the curb appeal of your home. To help you decide on certain window glass types, Agency21 International is here to guide you all the way through!
Windows– An Adornment For Houses
Design trends of houses are constantly changing, and people are jumping on the same bandwagon continuously. Big and classy windows are topping the trending list, giving a quick and luxurious look to the overall appearance of the house.
Increased use of windows can be seen in most trending houses nowadays. People put a lot of effort into their possible home’s windows, whether they are tiny and decorative or larger ones so that more sunlight may shine through!
While you do not need to be an expert, you should be familiar with basic window terms and how many distinct types are obtainable. After all, one must be aware of the quality of glass or other materials in which they are investing.
8 Types Of Glass Windows
Windows have the power to improve or worsen a home’s temperature and energy efficiency. Wrongly used glass can overheat rooms during the summer season and lose heat in the winter. Consequently, these can raise your heating and cooling utility costs all year and make your home less than comfortable.
Hold on while we list down a few glass types used to construct windows!
1. Float Glass
Let’s begin with the basics first– float glass is a type of glass that is in its most basic form. It is widely used for construction in residential and commercial buildings. It’s a piece of glass that hasn’t been treated or cut yet.
Float glass can go through a variety of procedures to produce a better glass. This type of glass, in its original form, is colourless and inexpensive, but it isn’t very robust. The components of float glass include sand, followed by dolomite lime, soda sulfate, and cullet.
2. Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is much stronger if we compare it to float glass, however, it is still breakable. It is used in various areas of construction and buildings. Tempered glass is also widely known as safety glass; people commonly use it to construct windows in their homes and for other glass structures within the house.
Tempered glass, during its manufacturing process, is properly heated and immediately cooled down, making it 4 times stronger than untreated glass. Unlike untreated glass, when tempered glass breaks, it shatters into pieces that are not as sharp and harsh.
3. Low-E Glass
During the glass manufacturing process, a light coating of metal called a low-emittance (Low-E) coating is applied to one side of the glass. It is important to know that the thin metal coating is almost invisible, but works well enough to reduce the rate at which heat travels through the glass.
This type of glass prevents dangerous Sunlight rays from passing through which may be harmful to your skin and other furniture at home. Low-E glass has the potential to reduce your electricity bills as well, due to its quality of reducing thermal radiation. Although it’s a comparatively expensive investment, it will reduce other costs in the longer run.
4. Laminated Safety Glass
If you are confused about what laminated glass is, have a look at your car’s windshield. Commonly, the windshields of vehicles are made up of laminated safety glass. One of the reasons laminated glass is used for windshields is because they are strong and reliable.
Two pieces of float glass are laminated together with a small coating of PVB resin pushed between them. This is the reason why laminated safety glass is strong and durable.
5. Obscured Glass
You’ve probably observed difficult-to-look-through glass windows. These have a variety of textures and designs that prevent them from being seen through. If you need privacy, this sort of window glass is ideal, and it’s also frequent in restrooms.
It’s worth noting that light does get through these windows, but nothing else is visible.
6. Insulated Glass
Another common type of glass window is insulated glass which can be conveniently found at home. Insulating glass is made up of two or more glass window panes separated by a space that helps to limit heat transmission across a section of a building.
Double glazing or a double-paned window, triple glazing, or a triple-paned window are all terms for a window with insulating glass. Insulated glass is used in windows to block excess sun rays from entering the premises.
7. Mirrored Glass
Everyone is undoubtedly aware of mirrored glass for windows. A thin layer of the metal coating is instilled on one side of the glass. The mirror seems to be reflective on one side, however, it is visibly transparent on the other side.
Mirrored glass is used as windows as well as for decorative purposes too.
8. Wired Glass
Wired glass for windows is being used in universities, colleges, and schools commonly. The reason for this is that wired glass windows are cost-friendly and are also fire-resistant. Wired glass has been used as safety glass for many years because it prevents the glass from collapsing during a fire.
What Window Type Should You Opt For?
Well, the answer is totally up to your requirements. Different types of glass are used for different types of windows required for construction, therefore, it is best to perform your research before opting for a specific type of glass.
We mentioned 8 types of glasses that are commonly used for construction and decorative purposes. For better understanding, it is best to refer to professionals rather than solely relying on your research.
As stated previously, windows have the power to improve or worsen a home’s temperature and energy efficiency, therefore, it is highly recommended that you focus well on your window glass decisions as it is certainly a long-term investment.
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