6 Common Types of Glass for Windows

To fully understand the various types of glass, you need to first understand float glass. Float glass is just regular fragile glass, and it is made from molten glass. The molten glass is poured into a tin, which allows it to take the shape of large glass panels.

This float glass is then used to create different types of glass for windows, because by itself float glass is weak and may easily break into large dangerous shards.

Your car's windshield is made from laminated glass, because this type of glass is strong enough to add structural integrity. Laminated glass is made with two pieces of float glass with a thin layer of PVB resin pressed between the glass panes.

This adds strength, and also prevents the window from shattering if it breaks. Instead, all the pieces stay stuck to the PVB resin sheet. This quality makes laminated glass great for hurricane windows or business windows.

Obscured glass uses certain designs and features, such as etched or beveled glass that is impossible to actually see through. Light still penetrates the glass, and you can see shadows through the window, but no one can actually see you or the inside of your home.

These are great for bathrooms, or any other room where you need lots of privacy. If you only want a little obscuring to block some light or visibility, however, tinted glass is also an option.

After the float glass is made, it usually goes through a process called annealing, which slowly cools the glass to keep it strong. However, some windows undergo an additional process: tempering. This process makes the annealed glass even stronger.

Tempered glass is too strong to be cut, but it can still break if it is hit hard enough. If the window does break, however, the pieces are smaller and less dangerous than they would be with float glass or another weak type glass. Tempered glass may be necessary if your windows are low, big or near a busy area.

Insulated glass is used in double-pane and triple-pane windows. The panes of glass are separated by a space bar. This space is perfect for adding argon or krypton gasses, which offer insulation between the glass panes.

The inclusion of these gases boosts the windows U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient. These are two indicators that measure the windows' ability to block heat rays from the sun. If one pane breaks, however, you will lose some gasses, and therefore some protection.

Low-e glass or low emissivity glass is designed to block certain waves of light from the sun. In particular, they block the UV rays that cause damage to skin and fade materials like furniture and clothing. At the same time, during the winter, the low-E glass will help keep the heat inside your home.

You can purchase low-E glass coatings to add to existing windows, but having brand new low-E glass windows installed is the best way to block UV rays. These windows are great on west and south-facing windows, which get a lot of direct sunlight.

Since your home and family may have specific needs, choosing the right glass for your windows is important. While some types of glass may be cheaper, these may also be dangerous, especially when they shatter. Upgrading your window glass can help offer better protection and energy savings. For more information about glass and windows, contact us at Bob's Glass today.