In addition to choosing the window style that’s best for your home, you may also want to consider the type of window glass you’re installing. There are six options, which all serve different purposes:
Ultimately, you'll want to weigh the pros and cons of each to determine what’s important to you, but in general, one kind stands out as being the best glass window for a home.
Typically, homeowners choose tempered glass over all others because it is essentially a combination of the other glass varieties. Check out some detailed reasons you may want to consider tempered glass for your home:
Glass is known for being dangerous when it breaks because of the many jagged pieces that have the potential to cause injury. Tempered glass breaks off into small, edgeless pebbles, virtually eliminating the risk of bodily harm.
It doesn’t take much to break “normal” glass. Tempered glass is a different story, as it is nearly four times stronger than typical glazing. It’s also scratch resistant, so it keeps its fresh appearance longer.
In general, tempered glass tends to be energy-efficient due to its heat-resistant properties.
The durability of tempered glass allows it to be suitable for unique window styles (e.g., frameless structures). Unlike opaque glass, tempered glass is transparent, making it an ideal choice for those who want a clean, sparkly look for the windows in their home.
Tired of hearing outside noise? Tempered glass blocks out sound well since it’s thick.
While other glass types offer some sound insulation, tempered glass has the versatility to encompass this and many attributes important to making a home comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe.
Choosing the best glass windows for your home doesn’t have to be discouraging if you know what factors matter most to you. Check out the chart below to determine which type of window glass best suits your needs:
Extreme Climate Tolerance
Energy Efficiency
Privacy
Breakability
Design Versatility
Float
X
Not insulated
X
Lets air in and out
✔
Has a tint option
X
Sharp when broken and not as durable
✔
Clear, patterned, or textured
Laminated
X
Insulated but not good for high humidity areas
✔
Keeps heat out
✔
Has a tint option
✔
Cracks when broken but glass stays in frame
✔
Many colors and tones
Obscured
✔
Not insulated but can withstand cold and heat
✔
Blocks the heat
✔
Is partially or fully opaque
X
Shatters when broken (pieces fall out of frame)
✔
Multiple design options
Tempered
✔
Insulated and absorbs heat
✔
Absorbs heat
✔
Has a frosted glass option
✔
Pebble-like when broken
✔
Multiple design options including patterned
Insulated
✔
Insulated with double and triple panes
✔
Prevents heat or cold air from leaving
✔
Has a tint option
✔
Almost impossible to break
X
Few design options
Low-E
✔
Insulated and designed for indoor climate control
✔
Uses glass components for controlling temperature
X
Limited options for privacy
X
Low-E coating does not increase glass durability
X
Few design options
The terms “double-glazed” and “double pane” are usually used interchangeably to refer to the number of glass sheets (or panes) used in the window. Whereas a double uses two panes, a triple uses three. There's usually a type of gas or resin between each layer of glass to encourage bonding and durability.
Triple glazing is not always necessary but can be useful for extra insulation in harsh temperatures and noisy environments. Double glazing may be a better choice if you want to feel isolated, but with some sound and temperature from the outside world.
Both tempered and laminated glass may be used in the construction of double and triple-glazed windows.
Tempered glass is often the best option for home windows due to its strength and energy efficiency. You save money on energy bills and get a sturdy glass that doesn't break into jagged pieces even when tremendous force is applied.
Windows are for insulating your home, securing your things, and blocking out debris. However, the purpose of glass windows varies with the kind of glass you are using. For example, obscured glass is known for giving homeowners privacy, but it doesn’t necessarily allow much natural light to come through. Conversely, tempered windows let natural light in but offer fewer design options than obscured (which can come frosted, ribbed, etc.). Each glass category is designed a little differently for consumers who value specific features.
Generally, the benefits of using glass windows include the following:
Glass Doctor recognizes the significance of your choice in glass windows for your home, which is why we’re determined to help you make the right one. Whether we’re installing tempered glass or another popular glass type, our goal is always to make your home a safe and comfortable space. To have the glass window of your choice installed, call your local Glass Doctor at (833) 974-0209 or set up an appointment online.
You usually start by thinking about color, frame, hardware, and overall appearance when shopping for new windows. But the type of window glass can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, protection, and views.
This guide details six different types of window glass, including the pros, cons, and cost of each, so that you can make the right choice for your home.
Whether you’re looking for replacement windows in your kitchen or want to update the ones in your living room, it’s essential to consider the different window glass options. The below chart breaks down the different types of window glass, complete with some key information to give you an introductory overview.
Type of Window GlassProsConsCost Range per Window*Best ForAnnealed GlassLess expensive, Good visibilityWeaker, breaks in big shards$150 to $350Homeowners on a budgetLaminated GlassStrong material, shatter-resistant glassPricier$255 to $600Homes with skylights, roof glazing, balustrades, or curtain wallsLow-E GlassEnergy-efficient, thermal coating that lasts 10 to 15 yearsRequires a large investment upfront$350 to $840Homeowners looking to increase energy efficiencyTinted GlassPromotes greater privacy, heat transfer resistantReduced visibility for homeowners$250 to $750Homeowners looking for privacy or a colorful aesthetic for the homeTempered GlassDurable enough to withstand storms, safety-conscious materialCan’t be repaired$200 to $650Houses in stormy or windy areasKrypton or Argon GlassLong-lasting, energy-efficientExpensive$250 to $1,100Homeowners looking to invest in durable, energy-efficient windows*These average costs are only rough estimates of standard window installations; these figures are meant to provide a starting point for budgeting window costs, which vary significantly and depend on a variety of factors. Learn more about our Cost Analysis Methodology here.
Annealed glass is also known as standard glass, float glass, or strengthened glass. Annealed glass is formed through annealing, which is the process of heating glass to a very high temperature and then cooling it slowly to reduce the internal stress on the glass unit.
This heat-strengthened glass is usually less expensive than other types of glass since it often goes through less processing. However, it’s a weaker material, putting it at a higher risk of breaking (which it does in large, jagged shards).
Annealed glass is more fragile than other types of glass, so it’s best used in low-traffic areas protected from wind and storms.
Annealed glass is inexpensive and typically costs between $150 and $300 per window.
Low cost
Good visibility
Not as strong as other types of glass
Leaves big, sharp pieces of glass when broken
Laminated glass, also known as safety glass, is an excellent choice if you want to fortify your home with a stronger type of glass.
This type of glass is created by fusing two panes around a layer of polyvinyl butyral with high heat and strong pressure. The result is a solid, shatter-resistant glass that’s often used in vehicles to minimize the risk of the window breaking from flying objects.
Laminated glass is ideal for roof glazing, curtain walls, skylights, and balustrades because it’s less likely to break, reducing the risk of falling glass on residents in the home.
Laminated glass costs $255 to $600 on average per window replacement.
Impact-resistant
Less prone to shattering and falling
Noise-reducing due to thick glass
More expensive than other choices
Low-E glass is a reliable type of window glass that will help improve your home’s energy efficiency. These windows have a special type of Low-E coating on the glass that reflects thermal radiation and UV rays. This coating reflects heat during summer and keeps heat from escaping during winter. Over time, Low-E glass can lead to lower energy bills.
Additionally, it can effectively reduce outside noise, providing a quieter and more serene living environment. Low-E glass allows ample natural light to enter while reducing glare, creating well-lit and inviting living spaces.
In summary, Low-E glass is a smart and sustainable choice, contributing to improved energy savings, interior preservation, noise reduction, and overall comfort in homes and buildings.
For a better understanding, we suggest you refer to our comprehensive guide outlining the benefits of Low-E glass.
Low-E glass is ideal for windows that receive a lot of sunlight since it can keep your home cooler during summer and warmer during winter, thanks to its thermal coating.
Low-E glass costs $350 to $840 per window replacement, putting it on the more expensive side when it comes to window glass.
Reflects thermal radiation
Energy-efficient
Coating lasts 10 to 15 years
Requires a significant investment upfront
Any type of glass with added color is considered tinted. Typically, the tinting process adds metal oxides to the window, creating colorful tints in shades like green, blue, gray, or bronze.
Tinted glass is an excellent option if you seek privacy from neighbors and traffic around the home. Some darker tints can also protect your home from heat transfer.
Tinted glass windows are ideal for areas that receive a lot of sunlight or face high foot traffic because the tint protects from the sun and offers privacy. Skylights and decorative panels are just a couple of the places you can install this type of glass.
Tinted glass costs $250 to $750 per window replacement.
Increases privacy
Protects against harmful UV rays
Aesthetically pleasing, colorful look
Reduces homeowners’ ability to see outside, especially when it’s dark
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that can be four times stronger than untreated glass types. This type of glass is ideal if you worry about broken glass, as tempered glass shatters into rounded pieces, which reduces the risk of injury. Additionally, some areas require tempered glass to meet building codes or specific safety standards.
Tempered glass windows are durable options that are optimal for homes in climates with strong winds or big storms, as well as high-traffic areas of the house.
Tempered glass is a strong safety glass that costs between $200 to $650 per window.
Extremely durable
Strong enough to withstand high winds and big storms
Thermal shock and heat resistant
Can’t be repaired
Gas-filled glass types like argon or krypton glass are insulated windows with space between the panes. This space helps to minimize heat transfer because the krypton or argon gas in this gap is denser than the air surrounding the window, leading to better heat dissipation.
If possible, opt for a triple-pane, gas-filled glass over a double-pane option because this can minimize the risk of gas leaks. We also recommend looking for a no-leak guarantee when shopping for these types of windows.
Homeowners usually opt for krypton or argon window glass when looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency, so anywhere that’s regularly hit by sunlight is a great location for these windows.
Gas-filled glass costs between $250 to $1,100 per window.
Energy-efficient
Lasts up to 20 years before gas needs to be refilled
Keeps the window’s temperature close to room temperature
Failed seal could eventually lead to condensation
One of the most expensive types of window glass
Gas can leak from the window
The best type of energy-efficient window glass is a window with double or even triple-panes, argon or krypton gas filling, and a low emissivity glass coating. This combination helps reduce energy bills, making the initial higher price point worthwhile in the long run for many homeowners.
Now that you know all about the most common window glass types, you can weigh your options by assessing your budget and needs. We recommend collecting quotes from multiple trusted window experts like Champion, Renewal by Anderson, and Window World before you commit to one window brand. These trusted window experts offer the best window selections and top-notch customer service.
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The most commonly used window glass is tempered glass. This is because it’s exceptionally durable, strong enough to withstand high winds, and is one of the more energy-efficient options.
Laminated glass, or safety glass, is one of the strongest types of glass that doesn’t break easily. It’s shatterproof and recommended for areas with strong winds or big storms because of its durability.
Annealed glass is the standard type of glass for residential windows. It’s created using the standard float glass process, including a heat treatment, and is more affordable than different types of glass. Unfortunately, it can break into sharp, dangerous shards of glass, making it a possible safety concern.