In today’s market, there are a number of different glass options that have been designed for different environmental conditions and home designs. As a homeowner, you can choose anything from clear glass to Low-E glass to obscure glass. Below is a glossary of terms you may find useful when considering which windows and doors will work best for your home.
Clear Glass –
This glass is completely transparent, without any color added.
Low-E Glass –
Low-E glass is designed to provide year-round savings and comfort by optimizing both the sun’s heat and a home’s heating and cooling system. In the summer, Low-E keeps a home cool and comfortable by reflecting the sun’s heat and damaging rays. In the winter, Low-E glass helps a home stay warm by reflecting heat back into the room. Additionally, Low-E glass is virtually invisible to the eye, so it’s just like looking through clear glass with no haze, bronze or smoke-colored tints.
Dual Low-E Glass -
A glazing option which combines Cardinal LoE 366 soft coat on the inside surface of the exterior pane with Pilkington Energy AdvantageTM Low-E hard coat on the inside surface of the interior pane. The Pilkington Energy AdvantageTM Low-E hard coat is a very thin pyrolitic coating that is integral to the interior glass surface. This hard, durable, low emissivity coating gives the product improved thermal insulation performance compared to clear insulated glass or standard Low-E insulated glass. For more details, click here.
Tinted Glass –
A material is added to give the glass a consistent color throughout which will not chip or peel. The tinting also reduces glare and absorbs heat, keeping your home cooler. Colors offered usually include bronze and gray.
Obscure Glass –
Any textured glass that lets light through but is not completely transparent is termed obscure. It is most often used for privacy, light diffusion or decorative effects. Some styles include Rain glass, Glue Chip glass, Reed glass, etc.