There are 3 main areas to consider when thinking about windows and glazing for your project: natural light, solar heat gain and thermal conductivity. These areas determine the type of glass to be installed. NFO Glass suggests some:
GLASS TYPES
Clear Float Glass (Annealed)
Float Glass also referred to as Annealed is a visually colourless and distortion free glass which provides high light transmission (daylight) and clarity. Clear Float glass is the core base product for most of performance glass products and is commonly used in windows and doors
Additional Info:
- Float glass offers no additional performance benefits in terms of insulation or reduction in solar heat gain
- Float glass will shatter and may produce dangerous shards of glass if broken
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is produced by adding metal oxides to float glass during manufacture. Tinted glass absorbs and re-radiates solar energy reducing heat and in can provide cost efficient climate control. Tinted glass also reduces sun glare and is aesthetically appealing.
Tinted glass is available most commonly in colours such as Grey, Green, Bronze & Blue.
Additional Info
- Tinted glass may be used to control solar heat gain but typically provides limited insulation benefit
- Tinted glass will shatter and may produce dangerous shards of glass if broken.
Reflective Glass
Reflective Glass achieves offers greater solar control than standard tinted float glass and can be used to create a specific visual appearance in a building.
A metallic coating is applied during the manufacturing process and creates a highly reflective appearance.
Additional Info:
- Tinted glass may be used to control solar heat gain but typically provides limited insulation benefit
- Reflective glass is typically available in Clear, Neutral, Green, Grey, Bronze and Blue colours.
Toughened/Tempered Glass
Toughened/Tempered Glass is extremely strong and often used for safety features. If this glass breaks, it will break into small pieces like stone. This Glass is ideal for reducing the chance of injury in the event of breakage.
Most popular glass types can be toughened/tempered and they are available in Clear, Tinted, Reflective and Low E glass types.
Additional Info:
- Toughened glass will shatter into small relatively harmless pieces if broken
- Toughened glass is stronger than annealed glass
- Various forms of glass including performance glass can be toughened
Laminated Glass
Laminated Glass is made up of two or more layers of glass permanently bonded together with an interlayer. The lamination process results in the glass panels holding together in the event of breakage, reducing the risk of harm. This Glass is the best for reducing noise. It also resists ultraviolet rays providing the highest degree of protection from the sun.
Most popular glass types can be laminated and are available in Clear, Tinted, Reflective and Low E glass types. Laminated glass is a popular choice for residential and commercial windows and doors.
Additional Info:
- Laminated glass will hold together if broken reducing the risk of danger from broken glass
- Various performance qualities can be added to laminated glass using a specially selected interlayer
LowE glass
Low Emissivity glass has a thin metallic coating on the glass that reflects thermal radiation or inhibits its emission reducing heat transfer through the glass.This glass provides an excellent option to increase your comfort and save energy.
LowE glass is available in a range of colours including, Clear, Neutral, Blue, Green and Grey
Additional Info:
- LowE glass provides improved insulation properties and is a good choice in all weather situations
Double Glazing
Double glazing referred to Insulated Glass Units consist of two panes of glass bonded to both sides of an spacer to create one unit. The space between the panes of glass may be filled with Argon gas to increase the insulating properties of the double glazing units.
Double glazing can be made up of various types of glass including LowE, Laminated, Toughened, Tinted or reflective glass