Spanning back almost 2,000 years to ancient Alexandria, glass windows have come a long way. From the stained glass windows of iconic medieval churches to the sleek, modern glass-fronted energy-efficient homes of today, glass windows have certainly evolved quite a lot!
They can be used to create a sense of grandeur and elegance or a sense of privacy and security. With the right design, glass windows can be used to enhance the look of any building, being used for windows, doors, walls and skylights.
Of course, with advances in modern technology and a focus on sustainability and better environmental practices, window glass is ever-evolving.
From climate to aesthetics, and everything else in between, navigating the different types of window glass can be trickier than you first imagine.
To help point you in the right direction and give you a little more clarity, here’s our handy guide on how to choose the right window glass for your home.
Window Glass Considerations
When it comes to choosing the best windows for your property and needs, you’ll want to consider a few important factors first. By answering these few pointers, you’ll find it easier to select windows that check all of the boxes:
Budget: Setting a budget for new windows is important to ensure that you don’t overspend on the project and are able to get the best quality windows to fit both your budget and your property needs.
Climate: When buying new windows, it is important to understand the climate in your area to ensure you purchase the right type of window glass for your home. This helps you choose between single, double and triple glazing, etc.
Energy efficiency: Understanding the energy efficiency ratings of glass can help you make an informed decision when purchasing replacements. Depending on where you live, you may also want windows with bushfire ratings, etc.
Privacy & Security: When purchasing new windows, it is important to ensure that they have adequate privacy and advanced security features to protect your personal space and your home, no matter the window glass type chosen.
Property Location: When buying new windows, it is important to consider the property location, such as whether it is in a noisy town or a more rural location. This will help you decide which type of windows are best suited for your home.
Style & Design: It is important to consider the style and design that will best suit your home, as the right windows can help to enhance the look and feel of your home, while also providing energy efficiency, security, and soundproofing.
Window Size: When buying new windows, it is important to consider the size of the window, as the wrong size window can cause problems with insulation, ventilation, and even the aesthetics of the home
The Different Types of Window Glass
Glass for windows comes in a variety of types, each offering different benefits. From tempered glass to laminated glass and low-emissivity glass to privacy varieties, here are some of the most common types of window glass and their applications.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a special type of safety glass that is composed of two or more glass sheets bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between.
It is much stronger than regular glass and provides superior protection against breakage and weathering, making it an ideal choice for applications such as windows, doors, and skylights in both residential and commercial buildings.
Laminated glass also offers a number of other benefits, including improved insulation, soundproofing, and up to 99% UV protection when compared to non-laminated glass.
This UV protection makes it a great choice for those looking to minimise sun-bleaching to soft furnishings like carpets, curtains and sofas. Lastly, laminated glass also has a greater resistance to fire and explosions, making it a great choice for safety and security.
Energy Efficient Glass Options
Energy efficient window glass is made of a special type of glass that has a low-emissivity coating. This helps to reflect heat back into the room instead of allowing it to escape, keeping rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter — reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the space.
Additionally, the coating helps to reduce the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that enters the room, which can help to reduce fading of carpets, furniture, and other items.
Low emissivity glass (Low e) also helps to reduce noise pollution and can also help to reduce energy costs, as the room will require less heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Furthermore, energy efficient windows can help to reduce the amount of energy used to light the room, as the coating helps to reflect more natural light into the space.
This can help to reduce electricity costs, as well as improve the overall aesthetic of the room. Energy efficient windows are a great way to reduce energy costs and improve the overall comfort of a space.
Toned Glass Windows
VFloat™ Toned and Viridian VFloat™ Supertoned glass offer superior performance and durability in hot climates and west facing orientations, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
VFloat™ Toned glass is a high-performance, low-iron glass that is designed to provide excellent clarity and colour accuracy. It is also highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making it an excellent choice for applications where safety and security are a priority.
Viridian VFloat™ Supertoned glass is a high-performance, low-iron glass that is designed to provide superior clarity and colour accuracy. It is also highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for applications where safety and security are a priority.
Both of these different types of window glass offer superior clarity and colour accuracy, making them ideal for applications such as windows, doors, and skylights. Additionally, VFloat™ Toned and Viridian VFloat™ Supertoned glass are both highly energy efficient, allowing for potential savings on energy bills.
Single, Double & Triple Glazing
Single glazing is the most basic type of glazing and is made up of one layer of glass. This type of glazing is often used in older buildings and is not as energy efficient as the other types of glazing.
Single glazing can be beneficial in reducing noise pollution, but it does not provide much insulation.
Double glazing is made up of two layers of glass with a gap in between them. This gap is filled with air or gas and acts as an insulator.
Double glazing can help to reduce noise pollution, and can also improve the energy efficiency of a building by trapping heat and keeping it inside.
Triple glazing is made up of three layers of glass with two gaps in between them. This type of glazing is the most energy efficient and can provide the best insulation. It can also reduce noise pollution, and can help to keep a building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Noise Reducing Laminated Glass
Viridian VLam Hush™ is a noise reducing laminated glass designed to reduce noise pollution in urban environments. It is made up of two layers of glass with a special acoustic interlayer sandwiched between them.
This interlayer absorbs and dissipates sound waves, reducing the amount of noise that passes through the glass. The result is a quieter and more peaceful environment.
The benefits of using Viridian VLam Hush™ are numerous. It can reduce the amount of noise pollution in urban areas, providing a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.
It also helps to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, as the interlayer helps to keep the temperature inside the building more stable.
Additionally, it can help to reduce the spread of airborne contaminants, as the interlayer acts as a barrier. Finally, it can help to reduce the risk of breakage, as the two layers of glass provide extra protection.
Privacy Window Glass
Viridian LuminaMist and LuminaCloud are two innovative products that provide privacy glass solutions for residential and commercial applications. These products are designed to provide privacy without sacrificing natural light.
The LuminaMist system uses a combination of laminated glass and a special film to create a privacy barrier that allows natural light to pass through.
LuminaCloud system uses a combination of laminated glass and a special film to create a privacy barrier that provides a soft, diffused light that is ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
These privacy glass solutions offer a number of benefits. They help to reduce energy costs by blocking out unwanted heat and light, while still allowing natural light to pass through.
They also provide a sense of privacy and security, as they prevent prying eyes from seeing into the home or office.
Better still, they are low maintenance and easy to install, making them an ideal choice for those who want to add privacy to their space without the hassle of traditional window treatments.
Where to Buy Your New Windows & Doors
Choosing the right glass for your windows can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to consider the style of glass that best suits your home, but you also need to consider the type of glass that will provide the best insulation and energy efficiency.
Wideline Windows & Doors is the perfect place to find the right glass for your windows. We offer a wide selection of glass options, from energy-efficient double-glazed windows to stylish stained glass panels.
At Wideline Windows & Doors, our experienced team of professionals can help you select the best glass for your windows, ensuring that you get the best possible insulation, energy efficiency and value.
We also offer a variety of installation services, making it easy to get the perfect glass for your windows, no matter the style of your property.
View our selection of glass options online, or visit one of our windows and doors showrooms to discuss your specific needs.
