Strong Glass

Laminated Glass (Image 1)
Clear plastic bonded between layers of glass produces a very strong product. If it does break, the plastic prevents shards from flying.

Tempered Glass (Image 2)
This glass is strengthened against impact, and shatters into granules rather than shards. It is commonly used in glazed doors.

Wired Glass (Image 3)
The wire stops glass from shattering in high temperatures, so it is used in fire doors.

Fire-Resistant Glass (Image 4)
New fire-resistant glass is not strengthened by wire but is just as strong, although expensive.

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© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Speciality Glass

Mirror Glass (Image 1)
To make household mirrors, normal float glass is "silvered." A reflective layer is applied to the back of the glass.

Self-Cleaning Glass (Image 2)
This glass has a special coating on its exterior surface that makes sunlight break down dirt. Rainwater washes any debris away.

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© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Reduced Visibility Glass

Privacy Glass (Image 1)
Allows light in but distorts the view through the glass. Commonly used in bathroom windows and front doors.

Etched Glass (Image 2)
Also known as "frosted" glass, this is similar to privacy glass, but does not distort outlines. Patterns can be etched, instead of the whole surface.

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© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

© 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Buying New Glass

Selecting the type of glass in your windows is an important decision. Depending on what part of the country you live, your windows may need to protect you from hurricane-force winds or from excessive heat. Often you can select windows with lower U-values for north-facing windows and low e-coatings for the other sides of the house. The U-value lets you know the window’s ability to insulate. There are two organizations that can help you choose windows and decide what type of glass is best in your region.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a nonprofit collaboration of window manufacturers, government agencies, and building trade associations founded to establish a fair, accurate, and credible energy rating system for windows, doors, and skylights. If a window has the NFRC label, it has been rated by NFRC-approved testing laboratories and certified by independent inspection agencies. The label includes window U-factor and SHGC and additional performance ratings that include air leakage. Visit www.nfrc.org.

ENERGY STAR provides help for specific climate zones. Windows, doors, and skylights that have the Energy Star label have met requirements for the country’s four broad climate regions: northern, north/central, south/central, and southern. In addition, each Energy Star window must have the NFRC label, allowing comparisons of qualified products on specific performance characteristics such as infiltration. Visit www.energystar.gov.