During the course of a home renovation or construction project, hardly do people spare a thought for the kind of glass that needs to be installed in the windows. However, if you want an energy-efficient and secure home, you must ensure that the glasses on the windowpanes are of the highest quality. Here’s an overview of the different kinds and specifications of glasses that can be used for glass windows.
Clear Glass
Clear toughened glass is most commonly used in different kinds of settings. It is widely available and used in windows to provide a clear view of the outside as well as inside. This kind of glass is available in different thicknesses and as such highly recommended for use in residential buildings for better safety.
Frosted Glass
These come in a translucent finish and thus offer a blurring effect. They are mostly used in homes to ensure better visual privacy while keeping the transmission of light uninterrupted. These glasses in the double-glazing format are not only ideal for homes but also for offices, especially in spaces like conference rooms, cabins, etc.
Tinted Glass
These are mostly used to reduce the direct glare of the sunlight while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the home. The depth of the tinting determines the intensity of the light passing through them. While in modern homes these are mostly used in black or grey colour, earlier different colours like red, green, blue, etc., were used in glass windows to create a dramatic play of colours.
Reflective Glass
Mostly used in high rises and modern commercial buildings, these glasses are treated with advanced coatings to reflect the heat and radiation while ensuring the uninterrupted transmission of light. These glasses must also be used in a double-glazed format for better longevity. These are highly preferred in modern buildings as they help in substantially cutting down heat and radiation, thus making the building more energy-efficient.
Laminated Glass
These are mostly used in places where security is extremely important. These are made by gluing two or more layers of glass with polyvinyl butyral. With the different layers of glass glued together, the whole structure does not become very sturdy. Also, if at all shattered, the glass pieces do not crumble but adhere to the PVB layer, creating a web-like structure.