Select Your Glass Type

The type of glass you choose can make a difference in the energy use and comfort of your home.  Before selecting a glass type for your windows, it’s important to consider climate, exposure to sun, noise, window placement, and size.

Choose your glass type:

Clear, single pane glass was once the standard for windows.  But it is the least energy efficient choice.  Clear dual pane insulating glass combines two layers of clear glass designed to prevent heat loss.  Low-E dual pane insulating glass uses a special surface coating that reduces heat transfer through the window.  Low-E windows retain 40-70% of the heat normally transmitted through the glass.  This protects furniture from sun damage and keeps the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Low-E triple pane insulating glass provides maximum insulation for excellent energy efficiency and sound dampening.  Triple pane glass tends to be more expensive and is not readily available for all applications.

Obscure insulating glass has a patterned or swirled surface to ensure privacy while letting ample light indoors.  It’s perfect for bathrooms or other places  where privacy is critical.  It also provides the energy efficiency of standard insulating glass.

Impact resistant glass has a plastic film layer sandwiched between two panes of glass to prevent shattering.  Impact resistant glass is a code-required protection alternative in hurricane-prone regions.

Tempered glass is extra-sturdy safety glass that breaks into tiny pellets on impact.

Argon and krypton gas windows seal a clear and inert gas between two panes to promote energy efficiency.  These gases are available with most low-e windows as an add-on feature.

Ask your professional which glass type is energy star qualified in your region.

Source: Lowe’s