Stained and Specialty Glass

Over the past ten years or so, the options for residential glazing have exploded. Where clear glass was the standard used in most applications, now homeowners are able to choose between various types of specialty glass for improved energy efficiency and security, and a huge variety of patterns, shapes, colors, tints and designs.

Low-E glass is most popular new option

The type of glass that has gotten the most attention in the past few years is Low-E glass (which stands for 'slow emissivity'). Low-E glass has a microscopically thin metal oxide coating that reduces heat transfer through the glass by about 40% -70% compared to clear glass. It is more energy-efficient, as it keeps the heat in in the winter (reducing heating costs), and keeps the heat out in the summer (reducing cooling costs). And with Low-E glass, there is no reduction in the amount of light that can pass through the window, yet it blocks or reflects ultra-violet and infrared rays, which can be harmful to your skin and can damage or fade wood, drapes, carpets and furniture.

Tempered glass is a safety glass

Tempered glass is extremely strong - about four to five times harder to break than ordinary annealed glass, but it is not a security glass. Laminated glass is much better for security purposes (see below). Tempered glass is often used for its durability and for its safety characteristics. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into thousands of tiny pieces with dull edges, to reduce the likelihood of injury. It is commonly used in most sliding patio doors and in bathroom enclosures for showers and tubs. Look for a thickness of 4mm, especially for patio and outside doors.

Laminated glass for safety and security

Laminated glass is both a safety and security glass. It is made from two layers of glass which are fused together, with a tough interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The result is a very strong glass, typically about 6.4mm thick. When struck hard enough, the glass may break, but the pieces stick to the interlayer instead of flying off and causing injury. Also, the interlayer is extremely durable, and effective in keeping burglars out, or at least slowing down their progress, if not deterring them altogether.

Varying strengths of laminated glass, containing annealed or heat-strengthened glass, are used for protection in the event of hurricanes - from flying debris and pressure changes - and for resistance to bullets and even bombs.

The extra thickness and the interlayer give laminated glass a slight tint. But it also eliminates 99.9% of ultraviolet rays, giving you and your furniture, carpets and drapes, the highest level of protection from the sun. And laminated glass is highly effective for reducing noise.

Specialty windows to reduce noise penetration

Windows are the main source of entry for external noise to your home. If you live near an airport, railroad tracks, overlook a freeway, or face other frequent types of environmental noise, keeping noise out may be of concern to you. You can buy insulated windows that let in up to 30% less noise than regular windows, and provide better energy efficiency and protection from the elements.

Choose glass to increase privacy or to add beauty

There are many other types of specialty glass, for increased privacy, to protect from the sun, and to add colors and designs. You can also get silk-screening (with a variety of patterns, including your own custom designs), drilling, polishing, sand-blasting, beveling, and pattern cuts for your windows, that can make your windows a dramatic architectural focal point of your home.

Obscure door and window glass allows lots of light to enter the room, while ensuring your privacy. There are many colors and texture patterns to choose from, and varying degrees of obscurity from translucent to semi-opaque. You can get additional shading from direct sunlight and protection from the sun's heat with tinted glass. Choose from a variety of tones and thicknesses to suit your decor and need for shading.

After-market tint and films for existing windows

You can also take advantage of many of the benefits of specialty windows with tints or films applied to your existing windows. Window tints and films can be used to reduce heating and cooling costs, block harmful UV rays, decrease light penetration and glare, and increase security.

After-market laminate films can transform your existing windows into windows that resist burglary, severe weather, bullets and bomb blasts. And you can have films applied to your windows that create the image of etched, frosted, and stained glass at a fraction of the cost of real designer glass. Contrary to common beliefs, good-quality window tints will not distort your view, peel, crack and bubble like tints on car windows. Look for a tint specialist who offers a lifetime warranty against such defects.