Grades of Glass

Knowing your window options is the first important step, when shopping windows. The next step is contemplating the variety of glass choices available to you. Consider your energy efficiency goals. Once you have a clear idea of your goals, take a moment to review the different grades of glass. Our next section will take you through an overview of the four basic types.

Clear Glass is the most popular choice among homeowners. However, you may find that you enjoy the unique style and flair of windows, which feature newer techniques in cutting, glazing and custom fitting. These techniques provide you with the option of customizing your window's appearance, and a few enhancements, such as glazing, can actually work to control condensation and heat loss.

Heat-Absorbing Glass features special tints, which help to absorb up to 45% of solar energy and reduce heat gain. It is important to note; however, that a percentage of absorbed heat will still pass through via re-radiation or simple conduction. Low-Emissivity Glass (Low-E)

(Low-E) has a surface coating that helps to reduce any heat transfer coming back through your window. Surprisingly, this unique coating reflects 40% to 70% of transmitted heat. Most people are happy to learn that this type of glass, while very efficient, does not hinder the normal amount of light that passes through the glass and into your home.

Reflective Glass is popular among homeowners, who wish to control their solar heat gain in the summer. Reflective glass helps them accomplish their goals because it is coated with a film that is reflective, thus its name. This grade of glass also helps to reduce the passage of light, as well as solar transmittance.