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A window would hardly be a window without glass. A few decades ago, windows all consisted of a single, thin pane of standard glass. However, window manufacturers have created many new, innovative glass options to make your replacement windows more efficient and functional than ever. What should you look for in window glass for your Cincinnati home? What types of glass are best? Keep reading to find out.
Double-Pane Glass
“Double pane” does not refer to the quality of the glass itself, but rather how the glass is mounted within the window sash. Instead of having just one pane of glass, double-pane windows have two panes of glass, mounted one inside the other. The prime benefit of this window arrangement is energy efficiency. Heat travels through plain glass quite easily. However, using two panes of glass allows window manufacturers to trap a layer of air between the two pieces of glass. As it turns out, air is a great insulator — so double-pane windows trap a lot more heat inside your home than single-pane windows.
When choosing replacement windows for your home, double-pane glass is an absolute must. Don’t let the low price of low-end, single-pane windows from a home improvement store tempt you. You’ll pay a lot less for heating and cooling with double-pane windows, making them well worth the extra cost.
Low-E Glass
Low-e glass is standard glass that has been treated with a special metallic coating. This coating is not visible when you look at the glass; it is very thin. What the coating does is cause heat waves to bounce off the glass, rather than pass right through it. Plain glass has a high emissivity — which means most heat passes right through it. Low-e glass has, as the name suggests, a low emissivity, which means most heat bounces off of it.
You might assume that low-e glass, like Renewal by Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass, is best-suited for hot climates. But in fact, it’s a smart choice for Cincinnati home owners and others in moderate climates, too. In the winter, the glass keep heat from leaving your home, and in the summer, it keeps heat from entering your home. With low-e glass, you enjoy year-round energy efficiency.
Security Glass
If you are worried about break-ins and don’t want to place unattractive bars over your windows, security glass is a good alternative. Much like the glass in your car’s windshield, security glass features a thick, plastic-like coating. If the window shatters, all of the shattered pieces will remain attached to the plastic coating. This makes it very difficult for an intruder to break in, and it also reduces the amount of glass you’d need to clean up after a break-in.
Etched Privacy Glass
Do you want to let some light into the bathroom without giving up your privacy? Etched privacy glass is perfect for large bathroom windows. It has a somewhat cloudy appearance, so you cannot see through it clearly, but light waves can still pass through. Etched glass comes in an array of patterns; you can select the one that best fits your decor.
Are you looking for the best window glass options for your replacement windows? Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation with our knowledgeable technicians. We can assess your needs and recommend excellent windows for your Cincinnati home.