When you are remodeling your home or business, windows are always important factors to consider. If the ones in your building need to be replaced, it is vital to know what type of glass to replace them with. Glass comes in a variety of types and styles, and different materials are all designed to meet distinct needs in your home or facility. At its core, glass is a product that is made from molten sand and various additives like soda ash and lime. Depending on the type of additive used and the ratio of molten sand to additive, the glass can be extra durable, more energy efficient, or easier to cut and work with. Windows are only as good as the glass that they are made out of. One of the stronger types of glass out there is tempered. This type is heat treated for durability and safety. It is primarily used in storm doors and windows, and it is generally very energy efficient. One main problem with this product, however, is that it cannot be cut with a normal glasscutter. Doing so will cause it to shatter. For this reason, if you are planning on using it, you must make sure to order it at the exact size you need, because any attempt at alteration will be futile. Another popular type of glass for the home is sheet glass. This product is traditionally seen in the windows and doors of older homes. The great thing about this glass is that it is relatively easy to work with. The bad thing is that it is not very energy efficient. Low-e, or low emissivity, glass is a popular home-use product that contains a special coating on one side. This coating allows some things to pass through, but restricts others. The coating reflects heat and ultraviolet light, while non-ultraviolet light is allowed to pass through. Because of this, low emissivity products are gaining steam as a popular energy saving alternative to the more traditional varieties. If your home is in a rough area, you may consider installing windows with wired glass. This product contains a steel wire safety mesh within it that will help keep the pane's integrity even if the glass is broken. One very cool feature of this product is that the wire mesh actually makes it a fire-rated material. This means that in the event of a fire, it will actually help stop the spread of smoke and flames. Tinted glass is a popular choice for skylights in homes. The tinting is designed to cut down on the amount of heat that is allowed to pass into the home from the sun's rays. Unfortunately, along with heat, this product also reduces the amount of light allowed into the home. On cloudy or rainy days, this could make the home appear dark and dreary. The final type of glass available is the patterned variety. It is most often found in bathrooms, and it is designed to allow light in, while distorting or completely blocking views into the home. Thinking about installing new windows? Detroit, MI homeowners can learn about the options they have by talking with a professional at Siding World. Visit the following to learn more: http://sidingworld.com.
Related Articles -
windows, livonia, mi,
|