Types of window glass: Options for energy efficiency, comfort & performance

Have you heard window glass called insulated or tempered? You might wonder what they are or why the difference is important. Each glass type is manufactured with different capabilities and features, making one type better than another in a particular spot. Learn common types of window glass and what they do best.

Infinity windows typically feature two panes of insulated annealed glass with a metallic coating and gas fill for energy efficiency. We offer a variety of tinted glass and decorative glass that feature designs to provide privacy and style. For peace of mind and better living, we offer tempered or laminated glass that can reduce outdoor noise, offer safety, and meet building code compliance. All our glass options come with your choice of metallic, or also known as Low-E, coating best suited for your climate.

Infinity uses two panes of glass and fills the space between the panes with argon gas to provide insulation. Argon gas is a non-toxic, colorless, and odorless gas that is heavier than air. Argon reduces heat transfer to serve as an insulator. The spacer bar keeps the glass panes separated and seals in the gas.

We have tempered glass, commonly referred to as safety glass, because it breaks into small, dull pieces. Tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness. Tempered glass commonly gets used for home windows, patio doors, and many other places, like stove tops and smartphones.

The International Residential Code requires tempered glass in hazardous locations, like:

Infinity also offers laminated glass, which is a type of safety glass that holds together if shattered. A thin polymer layer applied to the glass holds the glass together if broken. Laminated glass can appear in patio doors.

Our Low-E glass has a microscopically thin, transparent metallic coating to help keep your home comfortable year-round. E stands for emissivity, which is a material’s ability to radiate energy. The number following the “E” indicates the number of metallic layers. Infinity windows and doors have four choices of Low E coatings. The metallic coatings can appear on annealed, tempered, laminated, and our tinted glass.

Infinity Low-E glass options are below:

Tempered glass and Low-E glass are two different types of glass, but they can co-exist as well. Tempered glass is annealed, or standard glass, that has undergone tempering to strengthen it. Tempering involves heating and cooling the glass to make it stronger. Low-E glass refers to low emissivity glass, which aids in energy efficiency. Low-E glass receives a thin, metallic coating designed to reflect heat. You can choose tempered glass with a Low-E coating to enjoy the benefits of stronger glass with energy efficiency properties.