You may want to replace your window glass to match your style and preferences. Choosing the right glass option is crucial for replacement window installation to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. However, choosing the right type of glass can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available. Here, we present common types of glass you can install in home windows.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is a hardened type made through a complex heating and cooling process, rendering it stronger than regular glass but prone to shattering into tiny pieces upon impact. Once manufactured, it cannot be cut or adjusted easily; any defects discovered post-production typically result in the entire panel being discarded and replaced. Suitable for both small and large windows, tempered glass is recommended for high-traffic areas due to its enhanced strength and safety features, as it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces when broken.

Safety-Laminated Glass

Safety-laminated glass is created by fusing at least two panes around a PVB inner layer using high temperatures and pressure. This type of glass offers several advantages: it does not shatter upon breaking, making it suitable for hurricane-prone areas and enhancing security. Additionally, it reduces noise pollution and is highly durable, reducing the need for frequent window replacements. Another type of safety and security glass, hurricane-rated impact glass, consists of two sheets of glass bonded with a protective interlayer that resists impact from projectiles. This glass sticks together when shattered, making it difficult for intruders to breach, although it may break under heavy impact. While more expensive, these impact-resistant windows blend seamlessly with regular windows and are increasingly popular among homeowners seeking enhanced durability and security.

Low Emissivity Glass

Low emissivity (Low-E) glass has a unique coating that reflects the sun’s heat while allowing ample light into your home and helps retain heat indoors, reducing heating and cooling costs. Additionally, it blocks UV rays, protecting furniture and decor from fading. Though initially expensive, the investment in Low-E glass is worthwhile; alternatively, a Low-E coating can be applied to existing windows for similar benefits. This type of glass is widely favored for its significant energy efficiency, featuring coatings on each pane that reflect heat in summer and retain it in winter, often paired with argon or krypton gas for enhanced insulation in double-pane windows, further reducing energy consumption.

Insulated Glass

Insulated glass, also known as double- or triple-glazing glass, is a popular choice for home use due to its enhanced insulation properties. These units consist of two or more bonded glass sheets with a space in between, ideal for infusing insulating gases like krypton or argon. However, they require careful handling as accidental breakage can release these gases, compromising their insulation effectiveness. Insulated glass units (IGUs) typically include double or triple panes separated by spacers filled with desiccant to eliminate moisture. The space between panes, often filled with gases that reduce heat transfer, provides the primary insulation. After assembly, a high-grade sealant is applied to the perimeter to maintain gas retention and prevent moisture ingress, ensuring long-term performance.

Float Glass

Float glass is the fundamental form of glass before undergoing any cutting or treatment. It is produced by pouring molten glass onto a tin surface where it cools, forming large, thin, and clear panels. Typically used as a base for other types of window glass, float glass requires cutting by a glazier to fit specific sizes and shapes. It is relatively fragile and can break into sharp pieces, posing a risk of injury.