Glass windows are not only beautiful and decorative but also serve a functional purpose in the home. Choosing the right type of window glass for your home will help you create a beautiful structure that provides the right amount of safety and security for members of your household. Let’s take a look at the most popular types of glass for your windows and their features.
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass is a “softer” type of glass for windows. It is sometimes referred to as standard glass because it is so common. It is treated thermally and cooled slowly to eliminate internal stresses. It does, however, break and it does so by forming long and jagged shards. It is not as strong as other types of glass but is generally the most affordable.
Float Glass
Float glass is considered the most basic type of window glass. It is preferred by many builders and homeowners because it is smooth and free of distortion. It can also be modified. If you already have float glass windows, for example, you could add heat-absorbing tint or laminated glass for enhancement. Float glass undergoes the process of annealing, in that it is polished using fire before the glass panel is heated in an oven. This process eliminates all internal stresses present, allowing the glass to become stronger and more durable.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is built stronger than annealed glass. It will not shatter to form sharp or jagged shards in case it is broken. Instead, it will break into small pieces that are generally harmless. If safety is an issue, tempered glass is an excellent choice. This is why it is the type of glass used for cars, shower enclosures, skylights, entrance doors, and microwave ovens.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made up of two glass panels that are bonded together using interlayers. These interlayers provide strong and uniform support to create a glass panel that is durable, strong, and has better insulating capacity. Laminated glass varies in thickness and often comes in different coatings and combinations of glass types to produce a product that has specific qualities. It is highly durable, which makes it difficult to break. It also helps reduce noise pollution and emissions.
Types of Frames for Windows
Window frames not only create structural stability to glass panes but also provide a decorative element. Here are some of the most popular types of frames for your windows:
Wood
Wood is attractive due to its classical charm. Although these are found mostly in older homes, they also appear in newer structures, thanks to better manufacturing standards. Wooden frames are classy and they can last long, provided they are treated and processed correctly, and maintained properly.
Aluminum
Aluminium window frames are light, long-lasting, and quite sturdy. Unlike wood, they do not readily fade in the sunlight or rot because of exposure to water. They exhibit clean and modern lines, although they do not have a high energy-efficient rating. This can be fixed by installing insulating plastic strips along the sash.
PVC
PVC or polyvinyl chloride is actually a type of plastic but it does exhibit reasonable durability and insulation ability. It is also versatile. You can find PVC window frames in various sizes, shapes, and colors. If you are looking for a budget option, PVC is a good choice. It also comes in UV-treated varieties that will withstand long or constant exposure to sunlight. PVC frames also offer good insulation and resistance to moisture.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass frames are not as popular in the U.S. but they are actually a good option for your home. They are durable, capable of withstanding stress, and low-maintenance. If you have large windows, fiberglass is a sturdy option you can consider. They are stronger than PVC and can withstand sudden temperature changes and extreme weather.
Always remember the dangers of glass and get a qualified glazier to install windows for you. The risk of dealing with glass is too high to do it yourself.