Homeowners have many options to consider when searching for their ideal window system. You may live in an area with lots of bright sun and high temperatures and need some extra shade and cooling. Or, you may live in a colder climate and need to make sure your heat stays in your home. Read on for more information about window glass and window glass replacement.
Gas-Filled Windows
Because of their high thermal performance, gas-filled windows are a great option for your window glass replacement. In gas-filled windows, manufacturers insert colorless, odorless gas, most often argon, krypton, or xenon, between the panes. The gas acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer between your home's interior and the outside world. These types of windows are a great window glass replacement option for homeowners with energy efficiency concerns.
Insulated Windows
Windows containing two or more glass panes are known as insulated windows. The panes are spaced out and sealed hermetically, giving the windows air space for insulation. Also known as a “double-paned” or “triple-paned” window, an insulated window glass replacement is much more energy efficient than a single-paned window. Many different region's building codes require insulated windows.
Heat Absorbing Tinted Glass
Heat absorbing glass utilizes a glaze made up of chemicals that react to heat and change the color of the glass. This chemical reaction causes the glass to absorb energy rather than to reflect or transmit energy into your home, creating more shade for your home and reducing glare. The most common types of tinted glass are gray and bronze-tinted, both of which reduce the amount of light and heat that can enter the home through its windows.
Low-Emissivity Coatings
Low-emissivity (or low-e) coatings are glazed specifically to control heat flow, reducing heat loss by 30% to 50%. While slightly more expensive than other window glass replacement options, windows with low-emissivity coatings significantly reduce energy costs for your home. There are two main types of low-e coated glass: passive and solar control. Passive low-e coatings are preferable in colder climates, while a solar control window glass replacement fares better in higher temperatures.
Spectrally Selective Coatings
A low-e window glass replacement with spectrally selective coatings filter out up to 70% of the normal amount of heat while still allowing plenty of light into your home. A window glass replacement with spectrally selective coatings is especially beneficial for homeowners living in warmer climates, because they help keep the home cool without blocking out any of the beautiful natural light.
Tempered Glass
About four times stronger than regular glass, tempered glass is produced through a thermal treatment. This kind of window glass replacement will protect your home from very strong winds, foreign objects, or thermal stresses. Tempered glass also crumbles, rather than shatters, when broken, which can protect residents inside your home from serious injury.
Reflective Coatings
Reflective coated glass is popular for window glass replacement in commercial buildings with larger windows. Because this kind of glass reduces the transmission of solar radiation, it is often used in warm, sunny regions.
