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Window glass faces three hazards in its fight against the weather. It has to withstand strong winds and flying storm debris. It must resist conduction, a process that transfers heat from your warm rooms to the cold outdoors. It has to deal with sunlight causing glare and overheating your rooms.
Fortunately, the simple sheet of glass has learned some new tricks. Modern window panes have options to help reduce your energy costs while also making your home safer and more comfortable.
Insulated Glass
Also known as double- or triple-glazed windows, insulated glass consists of two or more panes arranged like the bread in a sandwich, with spacers to keep them apart. The sandwich filling is simply air. This air gap prevents the loss of heat from conduction. It’s a simple and very effective way to cut energy costs.
Gas-Filled Glass
In this style of insulated window, an inert gas replaces the air, offering even better thermal protection.
Low-emissivity Coatings
Emissivity refers to the ability of glass to transmit heat. Low-e coatings added to insulated glass reflect heat energy back toward its source. Heat from the sun stays outside, and warmth from your room stays inside.
Reflective Coatings
A popular choice in hot, sunny climates, reflective coatings reduce glare and block heat transfer.
Heat-absorbing Tints
Tinted glazing absorbs much of the incoming solar radiation. It reduces glare and cuts down on heat transfer. Window tints also provide light control by blocking part of the visible light spectrum.
Spectrally Selective Coatings
Unlike tinted glass, windows with spectrally selective coatings can block heat while still allowing full visible light to enter the room. These coatings work by blocking just part of the spectrum, such as UV or infrared radiation. The result is a bright, sunny room that doesn’t get too warm.
Impact-resistant Glass
Impact-resistant windows are a popular choice in hurricane countries. These windows provide extra safety from flying debris during tornado weather, too. With layers of glass bonded to a flexible membrane, this glass resists breaking. If it does break, the inner layer holds the window together. Storefronts, picture windows, or any windows that are at risk from vandals or burglars are good candidates for impact-resistant glass.
Put It All Together
These types of glass aren’t just either-or options. Most coatings work with window systems that use air or gas as an insulating layer. There are several things to consider when choosing the type of glass to use. Is heat loss during winter a concern, or do you need to worry about the cost of air conditioning? Does one side of the house get too much light? Are hail storms and gusty winds frequent occurrences? Do you worry about privacy?
Of course, the best window glass made won’t do any good if it’s in the wrong frame. When you make the investment in new or replacement windows for your home, make sure your contractor uses high-quality window frames.
For help selecting the best type of window for your Indiana home, contact us at Hoosier Windows & Siding. Our experts will find the ideal solutions to keep your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. We’re a family-owned business dedicated to unsurpassed quality and service.
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