How to Choose the Best Glass for Windows

In the Bay Area, most of the glass on the market is double-paned glass. Compared to single-paned glass, double-paned glass has better insulation and soundproofing effects. According to its functions, window glass can be divided into Clear Glass, Low E Glass, Obscure Glass, and Tempered Glass. Here's a detailed introduction to these four types of glass.

1️ Clear Glass

Clear Glass is ordinary white glass, characterized by good light transmission, some insulation effect, and low cost.

2️ Low E Glass (Low-E Coated Glass)

Low E Glass is coated with multiple layers of metal silver coating on the glass surface. This coating has a high transmittance of visible light and a high reflectivity of infrared rays, and has good insulation performance. At the same time, it also blocks ultraviolet rays, preventing indoor furniture from aging and fading. The heat passing through the glass is two-way, and the heat can be transmitted from inside to outside, and vice versa. In winter, the indoor temperature is higher than the outdoor temperature and requires insulation. In summer, the indoor temperature is lower than the outdoor temperature and requires insulation. Low E glass can meet the requirements of winter and summer, both insulation and heat insulation, thus reducing the use of heating and air conditioning and achieving energy-saving and environmental protection effects. According to energy efficiency, Low E glass has many series, and the Low E glass applied to windows and doors mainly has two series: Low E 2 and Low E 3. Low E 2 has two metal silver coatings, and Low E 3 has three layers. The energy-saving effect of Lo（3 is better than Low E 2, but the light transmission is slightly worse. For cases where the energy-saving requirements cannot be met with Low E 3, filling argon (a dry inert gas) in the hollow glass can further improve the insulation performance of windows and doors, and also enhance the sealing performance of hollow glass and extend the service life of windows and doors. About the choice of Low E 2 and Low E 3, if it is an old window renovation, the energy-saving effect of Low E 2 has already been sufficient. If it is a new window, it is recommended to choose Low E 3 to achieve better energy-saving performance.

3️ Obscure Glass

Obscure Glass is a glass with a frosted or patterned surface. It is mainly used in bathroom windows, balconies, and other places where privacy is required. Obscure glass is also divided into different grades, such as sandblasted glass, acid-etched glass, and patterned glass, which are selected according to the requirements of use and aesthetics.

4️ Tempered Glass

Tempered Glass is a type of safety glass. It is made by heating the glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. The process makes the glass surface and the internal stress balanced, so that the glass becomes harder and more impact-resistant. If tempered glass is broken, it will break into small fragments, which are less likely to cause injury. Tempered glass is commonly used in shower stalls, sliding doors, and other places where safety is a concern."