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Welcome back to our series on understanding the components of your windows and doors! In this article, we’ll explore the wide array of glass options available for your windows and how each type contributes to energy efficiency, safety, UV protection, privacy, and aesthetics. By the end, you’ll have the insights needed to make an informed choice for your home.
Before diving into specific glass options, it’s important to understand the concept of glazing surfaces and how they affect the performance of your windows. In insulated glass units, each pane of glass has multiple surfaces, numbered from the exterior to the interior. For instance:
These surfaces play a crucial role in determining the placement of Low-E coatings and other treatments, influencing energy efficiency, UV protection, and light transmission.
Visible Transmittance (VT) is another critical factor to consider. VT measures how much natural light passes through the glass, rated on a scale from 0 to 1. Higher VT values allow more light into your home, which is ideal for colder climates, while lower VT values help reduce glare and heat in warmer regions.
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s explore the various glass options and their benefits.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass features a special coating that reflects heat while allowing natural light to pass through. Depending on where the coating is applied—on different glazing surfaces—the performance can be tailored to your climate needs.
Ideal for colder regions, it allows passive solar heating while blocking 55% of UV rays.
Dual Pane: (VT: 0.66*)
Tri-Pane: (VT: 0.60*)
A balanced option suitable for various climates, it blocks 70%+ of UV rays.
Dual Pane: (VT: 0.58*)
Tri-Pane: (VT: 0.53*)
Designed for sunnier climates, it blocks over 90% of UV rays while keeping interiors cool.
Dual Pane: (VT: 0.54*)
Tri-Pane: (VT: 0.49*)
Available only in tri-pane configurations, this coating reflects heat back indoors, enhancing comfort in colder climates.
Tri-Pane Only: Adds a coating on surface 6
Tempered glass is heat-treated to be stronger and safer than standard glass. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.
Tinted glass offers subtle coloration to reduce glare and improve privacy while maintaining natural light transmission.
The right glass can significantly impact your energy consumption. For colder climates, opt for Low-E coatings like SunFlow™ or HeatSave™ to maximize heat retention. In sunnier regions, SunResist™ Low-E glass helps reflect solar heat and reduce cooling costs.
In areas where safety is a concern—such as near floors, staircases, or bathrooms—tempered glass is essential to meet building codes and provide added protection.
If privacy is a priority, consider tinted or obscured glass options like sandblasted or rain glass. These styles also add a decorative touch to your windows, enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal.
When selecting glass for your windows, consider your climate, energy goals, safety needs, and aesthetic preferences. Products like the JWC8500 series offer customizable solutions that combine advanced Low-E coatings, tempered safety options, and stylish privacy glass to meet your specific requirements.
By understanding the benefits of different glass types and how glazing surfaces and VT influence performance, you can ensure your windows provide the perfect blend of energy efficiency, comfort, and style.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll explore the sash and its impact on window functionality and performance!
