The use of glass in residential settings has become increasingly popular over the years. While glass can offer a wide range of benefits — from increased natural light and energy efficiency to enhanced aesthetics — it is important to understand the different types of glass that are available before making your selection.
Below, this residential glass replacement company in Lisle, Illinois is going to review some of the most common types of glass that are used in homes today. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type, and we’ll also provide some tips for choosing the best option for your needs.
Float Glass
Float glass is a type of flat, smooth glass that is produced by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal. This process produces uniform thickness and excellent optical clarity. It’s a great choice for windows, mirrors, doors, partitions, and more. Additionally, it’s easy for a residential glass replacement company in Lisle, Illinois to customize it with various types of coatings or treatments.
- Pros: Float glass offers superior optical clarity and strength.
- Cons: Float glass is prone to breakage from thermal stress or pressure applied directly onto the surface of the glass.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is a type of glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and resistance to shattering. It’s highly resistant to thermal shock, making it an ideal choice for applications where there is a risk of breakage due to sudden temperature changes.
- Pros: Tempered glass is incredibly strong, making it a great choice for safety applications. It’s also four times more resistant to breakage than regular glass.
- Cons: Tempered glass cannot be cut or drilled after it has been tempered, so any modifications must be made prior to the tempering process. Additionally, if the tempered glass does break, it will shatter into small pieces instead of larger shards like regular glass.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer. This type of glass is highly impact-resistant and provides superior noise-reduction capabilities. It’s an excellent choice for windows, doors, windshields, skylights, and railings.
- Pros: Laminated glass offers unparalleled safety and security due to its increased strength and resistance to shattering. Additionally, it greatly reduces sound transmission and can provide UV protection when combined with special coatings or films.
- Cons: Laminated glass is typically more expensive than other types of glass due to the additional materials required in its construction. Additionally, it cannot be cut or drilled after the lamination process has been completed, so any modifications must be made prior to lamination.
By understanding the different types of glass available, you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right type for your home. With this knowledge, you can ensure that the final product meets both your functional and aesthetic needs. If you have other questions, you can always get in touch with a residential glass replacement company in Lisle, Illinois.
Which Type of Glass Is Eco-Friendly?
Eco-friendly glass options include recycled glass, thermally efficient Low-E glass, and insulated glass units. Recycled glass is made from post-consumer waste glass that has been collected and melted down to create new pieces of glass.
Low-E glass is coated with a thin film that reduces the amount of heat transfer between indoors and outdoors, resulting in improved energy efficiency.
Insulated glass units consist of two or more panes of glass that are sealed together with a spacer filled with air or gas for added insulation. All three types are excellent options for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying the benefits of beautifully crafted windows and doors.
Looking for a Residential Glass Replacement Company in Lisle, Illinois?
Do you need to have a piece of glass replaced at your home? If so, and if you’re looking for the top-rated residential glass replacement company in Lisle, Illinois, look no further than the team at Glass & Mirror America. We offer a variety of custom-cut and standard-sized glass products in various types, including float, tempered, and laminated glass.
Contact us today at (800) 411-2801 to discuss your project.
