Whether you are purchasing brand new windows for your home or you’re replacing old or broken glass in existing windows, figuring out which type of window glass to buy can be more complicated than expected. Many homeowners don’t realize just how many options are on the market! There are a few key things you should know about window glass to make the shopping process easier. You will learn about these as you read the rest of this guide.
The importance of R-values and U-values.
If you’ve ever purchased installation for your home, you are probably already familiar with R-values. They function similarly in windows, helping you understand how well a particular sort of window glass will resist outside heat and, ultimately, insulate your home. Windows, of course, have significantly lower R-values than insulation, with the best dual-glazed models having R-values of R-2 or R-3. This is still, however, very good for a pane of glass.
U-values are intended to help you understand the amount of heat a given pane of window glass will lose every hour. Most windows have two U-values. One rating is specifically for the glass, and the other is for the window as a whole, frame included. The lower a U-value is, the more energy efficient you can expect a window to be once it is installed in your home.
Learn about the sorts of window glass.
There are several different kinds of window glass available to today’s shoppers. Dual-glazed windows, which generally have an R-value of R-2, are the modern standard, with triple-glazed, R-3 windows becoming increasingly popular. There are, however, other choices to consider as well.
Insulating glass panes have nearly imperceptible metallic layers that eliminate heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler during balmy Carolina summers. The best insulating or Low-E windows have R-values or R-8, which is astounding for windows! Furthermore, this sort of window glass protects from UV rays that could damage your furniture, artwork, or carpeting.
Tinted glass, as in automobiles, is darker than conventional clear window panes. Homeowners who invest in this sort of glass are typically worried about excessive glare or about privacy. While very few people use tinted glass on all of the windows in their homes, it is an excellent option for highly visible first-floor bathrooms or for bedroom windows that need to be darker than normal.
Safety glass is necessary in certain situations when there is a high risk of someone falling through a particular pane of glass. Although it’s a good idea to contact your North Carolina or South Carolina municipality to find out what local regulations are, safety glass is generally required for any window that is within 24 inches of a floor, situated along a staircase or bathtub, or installed in a sliding or swinging door. Again, your City Hall will be able to provide you with any additional building codes you should be aware of before you begin your renovation.
If you are interested in learning more about the various types of windows glass that are currently available, someone at Hatch Homes would enjoy speaking with you at your earliest convenience. Our team believes that the right windows can truly make a difference in how much you enjoy your home, so we sincerely look forward to working with you on your upcoming window installation project.