Step 3: Selecting the Glass
INSULATED GLASS
Insulated glass
is a standard feature with new windows and provides more
energy efficiency than traditional single pane glass
windows. It consists of two sealed lites of glass joined
with an aluminum spacer to create an insulating
airspace.
GLASS OPTIONS
Clear Glass
allows natural colors to show without distortion,
provides maximum light transmission and can be tempered
for use where safety glass is required.
Low Emissivity (Low-E)
Glass reduces wintertime heat loss from inside
your home due to a thin, nearly colorless metallic
coating that reflects heat back into your home. It also
allows moderate solar heat gain while reducing harmful
ultraviolet light which can damage drapes, furniture and
carpets. Additionally, the Low-E coating reduces
summertime air conditioning loads by reflecting radiated
heat outside your home.
Tinted Glass
is a combination of trace metal particles and glass that
softens internal glare, increases privacy and reduces
internal heat gain. In addition, tinted glass blends
with exterior wall treatment to soften its overall
appearance.
Solar Cool Reflective Glass
reduces heat and light with a metal oxide coating that
provides a mirrored effect. In addition to daytime
privacy and minimized ultraviolet damage, Solar Cool
Reflective Glass provides a dramatic visual impact and
is often used as an architectural design element.
Obscure Glass
adds privacy where window coverings are not practical or
undesirable. Various colors and texture patterns provide
a translucent or semi-opaque effect that can also be
tempered for use where safety glass is required.
Tempered
Safety Glass
is heat treated to strengthen glass and resist breakage
from impact or windload, resist abrasion and chemical
damage and reduce likelihood of breakage from severe
temperature changes. In addition, tempered safety glass
fractures into small, dull pieces if breakage occurs.
Laminated Safety Glass
combines sheets of glass with a clear adhesive plastic
film sandwiched between the panes to keep glass in place
should breakage occur. In addition, laminated safety
glass reduces sound transmission due to the dampening
effect of plastic film and reduces 99% of dangerous
ultraviolet rays.
Argon Gas
is a colorless, odorless, nontoxic gas that is injected
between panes of glass creating a greater energy
efficiency because of the natural insulating properties
of the gas
