Menu Close

A Contractor’s Guide to the Different Types of Window Glass

The average lifespan of high-quality, well-maintained glass windows is around 20 years. However, such longevity also depends on other related factors, such as the kind of material used when setting up the window. As a contractor, you want to build a strong reputation with your clients by offering them high-quality solutions to their glass window-related needs. 

In any construction project, windows rank high among the most critical components. As such, you need to understand the different types of window glass when dealing with varying clients. 

Most contractors only know a few types of glass windows. This can be limiting when dealing with clients who are keen on variety.

If you are interested in learning the different kinds of glass windows, you are in the right place. The following are the most common types of glass windows for all your construction needs. 

Insulated Glass Units

These types of glass units are windows that have two or more panels. The panes have an inherent spacer, which helps keep the panes separate. When setting up this kind of glass panes, the designer uses air of gas to ensure adequate insulation. 

In most cases, krypton or argon is the main gas used to act as an insulator. If you’re looking for glass windows that can help reduce energy transfer between the outdoors and the indoors, then insulated glass units are the best options. Insulated glass units come in handy during winter or cooler summers. 

Double panel windows are among the most common options when considering insulated glass units. When advising clients about energy efficiency, it’s important to mention that insulated glass windows are the most effective option when conserving energy. 

Float Glass

When trying to understand the different types of windows, float glass should rank at the top of your list. This type of glass comes from molten and is often useful when setting up large glass panels. When preparing for glass-related projects, it’s important to understand that the process of setting up glass panels usually starts with preparing large sizes of float glass. 

One of the greatest advantages of float glass is that they are highly transparent. This means that if the main goal is to ensure high levels of light into the building or house, this option is always the best. Float glass windows are common in buildings where privacy is not a concern due to the ability to offer high clarity and light penetration.  

Low-Emissivity Glass

When thinking about the different types of glass windows, you should consider the low-E glass. These window glass types have a coating, which is transparent, but that helps control the amount of light entering the glass. 

When you meet clients who need window panes solutions to the sun’s annoying glare, then these types of glass windows are the best solutions. This company offers the best option if you’re looking to add various coats to glass windows using automated ion-assisted coating process technologies. 

Low – E glass reflects the sun rays away from the panes, which minimizes the sun’s impact on the building. The main advantage of this option is that it reduces the extent of sun rays into the building. Consequently, it becomes easy to regulate the amount of heat that enters the building.

Most buildings that are in high-temperature settings opt for this option when sourcing for different types of glass windows. The best thing about low-E glass coatings is that you can add them to existing windows to get that additional layer of protection against sun rays. If you are installing windows that are west or south-facing, then this option should rank first. 

Tempered Glass

Are you thinking about the various types of glass for your next building project? Some types of glass windows go beyond the floating processing through the tempering method. The process of tempering allows the glass to undergo hardening through a heated furnace. 

Compared to normal glass, tempered glass windows are stronger and more durable. As a contractor, you can recommend this option to clients putting up buildings in areas prone to strong winds and above-average rainfall. 

The extent of compression forced on the outer surface is one of the main aspects that make these glass types highly durable. With this option, you’ll be able to offer guarantees about the safety of the glass windows you install. Buildings that are set in busy areas or that have low lying glass windows can benefit from this option. 

Obscured Glass 

When considering the different types of glass, obscured glasses are among the options you can consider. Buildings that require a high level of privacy often opt for this option when installing or replacing glass windows. Obscured glass windows either have an etched or bevel shape. 

This type of glass makes it hard for light to penetrate through. People inside a building with obscured glass can see from the inside everything that’s happening outside. However, no one outside can see what’s going on inside. 

This makes obscure glass window types a favorite for builders who are keen on privacy. The option is also helpful when trying to protect assets from the glare of the sun. 

Impact-Resistant Glass 

The impacts of hurricanes on buildings and property have led to the design of impact-resistant glasses over the years. These types of glasses can help property owners survive the financial impacts of hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. 

You no longer have to worry about broken glasses. The inner layer of the glass can survive any force or impact and keep people and property safe. As a contractor, you can recommend this option to clients in hurricane zones. 

These Are the Most Common Types of Window Glass

Windows are an important part of any building. Whether it’s residential or commercial buildings, getting the types of window glass right really matters. As a contractor, going ahead of the clients regarding knowledge on the best glass types for windows is important. 

Have you been wondering what types of window glass you can recommend to clients? These are some of the most common types of glass for windows in the market today. Depending on the underlying needs, you could always consider any of the options. 

Our blog has much more great content on practice exams, free practice quiz and recommended tools. Keep reading to learn more.