The type of glass you want will probably depend on where it will be going.
- Pane glass is traditionally used for windows and entry doors.
- Acrylic or Plexiglas is sometimes used as a substitute
for doors and sliding doors. While difficult to break, Plexiglas
scratches easily and can look rough and unclear after a relatively
short period of use.
- Glass blocks are generally used for decorative purposes in walls and entry ways.
Thicker glass may provide more insulation in cold weather and may be a bit more resistant to breaking.
Energy-efficient options: Low-E glass has a virtually invisible
metallic coating that reflects heat and protects carpets and furnishings
from fading by reducing damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Even more efficient insulating windows have Argon gas, a natural,
colorless, non-toxic gas that is sealed between glass panes. Insulating
Low-E glass filled with Argon gas has about twice the insulating
qualities of standard dual glazing. Solar bronze and solar gray
tinted glass help keep out unwanted heat and ultraviolet rays. If
there is a possibility of ultraviolet (UV) damage to floors, rugs
and furniture, consider choosing a glazing that resists UV rays.
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