Window Glass Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Glass?

Published on: 12 April 2021 Last Updated on: 27 December 2024

Windowpanes are important parts of your house that contribute to aesthetics as well as energy efficiency. Good quality window glass allows light to enter your home and blocks the heat.

Also, it prevents the cooling of your air conditioning system from escaping from your house to improve its energy efficiency. A window glass should be strong enough to tolerate strong winds and extreme temperatures without getting cracked or damaged.

However, there are many types of glass available in the market. It can be challenging for some people to choose the right glass for their windows.

Whether you want to install window glass or want a glass window replacement, this post shares some tips for choosing the best window glass for your home. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

Different Types Of Window Glass Options

The following are some of the major window glass options you must consider for your home:

1. Clear Float Glass Or Annealed Glass:

Float glass is formed by floating the molten glass on the molten tin to produce thin glass panels. The clear float glass allows 100 percent penetration of natural light into the house and offers viewing clarity to see the outdoors.

However, it is not good for heat and sound insulation. If natural light and outdoor views are your priority, you can install clear float glass on your windows. These glasses are quite affordable and a good option for people who want to design their windows on a low budget.

2. Toughened Glass:

As the name suggests, the toughened glass is made strong to withstand strong winds and extreme temperatures. It is more expensive than clear float glass and is available in reflective, clear, and tinted forms. You can get them in green, blue, grey, and bronze colors.

When a toughened glass is broken, it usually splits into small fragments that are harmless. Window glasses made of toughened glass are excellent for French windows and front doors as they offer enhanced safety and enhance the aesthetics of your entrance.

3. Tinted and Reflective Glass:

Tinted glasses are formed by adding metal oxides to glass. Reflected glasses are made by applying a metallic coating on the glass. If you want tinted light and outdoor views, you can use tinted glass, but it is not very energy efficient.

If energy efficiency is your goal, you can use reflective glass as they reflect most of the heat back into the outdoors, keeping your interiors cool.

Stained glass is also an option if protection from harmful ultraviolet rays is a priority for the owner or his family. The common standard is to use tinted glass in skylights, vehicles, or decorative panels, but you can also use them for outdoor windows.

4. Obscured Glass:

Obscured glass refers to any glass that allows light to pass through, but the material is not completely transparent like normal glass. The customized options include a design in which a gaze can see more than the shadow behind the fuzzy glass window.

This property makes it an ideal choice for bathroom windows or shower doors that require privacy. It can also be used to bring more natural light into the home.

5. Double Or Triple-Glazing Windows:

Residential window glass is a thing of the past. With energy efficiency being the primary concern of home builders and homeowners today, most windows now have at least double glazing – meaning that each window has two glass panels connected by a spacer, with space between the two. The space between them is filled with an insulating gas.

Window glasses can also have triple glazing – in other words, an additional glass is added to the window. Triple-glazed glasses are costlier than double-glazed glasses and offer you a significant return on your investment, whether you want to sell your house or save on utility bills.

6. Tempered Glass

These are also called safety glasses. Actually, manufacturers heat and cold them simultaneously to perform the process quickly. Hence, this makes tempered glass four times stronger than untreated glass.

Aussie Aluminum Enterprise offers a variety of aluminum doors and windows in Australia. They have been offering aluminum doors and windows for more than 20 years in Australia. If you have a property in Australia, you can hire them for the installation of windows at your home or office.

How To Choose Window Glass For Your Home?

When you choose the best window glass for your home, the following are some of the major factors to consider:

1. Noise Reduction

Choose a window glass that is thicker and can help you reduce noise. For instance, you can use laminated or double-pane windows with thicker glass.

2. UV-Ray Protection

If you want your window glasses to block harmful UV rays from the sun, you can choose low-E glass. This is a great option if you live in an area with hot weather.

3. Energy Efficiency

The best glass for energy efficiency is insulated glass. Generally, these have two layers of glass with an inert gas in between.

4. Safety

To ensure safety, you must use tempered glass. These glasses are four times stronger than untreated glass.

5. Privacy

Tinted glass is the best option if you want privacy. However, it allows natural light during the day.

6. Complying With Building Codes

Find out what the building codes in your area are. Depending on the coeds, you have to choose your type of window and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Window Glass

The following are some of the most common questions you will find about window glass:

What Is The Cost Of A Window Glass?

The cost of window glass replacement ranges from $180 to $409. Here, the average cost of replacement is $279. However, depending on your location, type of glass, and size of the glass, the price can change.

What Is The Best Quality Window Glass?

Generally, toughened glass or tempered glass are some of the best quality glasses you can buy for your windows.

Which Glasses Are The Best For Windows?

Toughened laminated Glass is the best option for house windows. This is because they not only reduce the risk of injuries, but they are also shatterproof. Moreover, they offer additional sound insulation and UV protection.

Final Words:

These are the major options to choose window glass for residential and commercial properties. The first step is to analyze your requirements and budget to choose the best available option.

For example, double or triple-glazed windows are best for energy efficiency. Float glass windows are best for natural light and outdoor views. Once you come to know your requirements, it will be convenient to choose the right window glass for your property.

Do you have more suggestions on how to choose window glass for homes? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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Disinfection and Cleaning Strategies for Reopening Commercial Buildings

Cleaning and Disinfection have never been more important than amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And, with quarantine restrictions beginning to loosen, many businesses that were shuttered during lockdown will start resuming operations. As this happens, the biggest challenge for commercial building owners is being able and ready to return buildings to use swiftly and safely. Reducing the risk of exposure by cleaning and disinfecting is an integral part of reopening commercial buildings as the safety of occupants remains a key priority. With this rising demand for clean environments, commercial buildings will have to come up with safe and effective cleaning strategies that will assure occupants of their safety even as the threat of the virus continues to linger in our minds. With so much uncertainty surrounding the spread of the coronavirus and how people can protect against it, it's not worth it to take any risks. You can find professional cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting services at www.excelpestservices.com. Cleaning and disinfecting commercial buildings for reopening will involve developing a plan, implementing the plan, as well as maintaining and revising the plan. Develop Your Disinfection Plan: There's no one-size-fits-all cleaning and disinfection plan as commercial buildings are structured differently and for different purposes. You will need to evaluate your building to determine the surfaces and materials that make up that area. This will guide you in choosing the appropriate cleaning and disinfection method suitable for each. Implement Your Plan: Once you have the right cleaning and disinfection plan for your building, it's time to put it into action. We have mapped out a few key strategies that will help you navigate this issue and ensure optimal cleaning and disinfection service. Without further ado, let's get started: Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment): Whether you are contracting a cleaning service or using in-house janitorial staff, the cleaning crew must wear appropriate PPEs like gloves, masks, goggles, and so on. That's because they are at a higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19 (given that it can stay on surfaces for days) and the toxicity of cleaning/disinfecting products. Not wearing PPEs also means asymptomatic carriers could spread pathogens to clean areas. It's also important for the cleaning crew to receive training on the proper use of PPEs, cleaning equipment, and cleaning products to ensure efficiency. Apply normal routine cleaning on visibly dirty surfaces: It's important to clean surfaces and objects with soap and water before disinfecting. And, be sure to clean soft and porous materials according to the manufacturer's instructions. Determine what you need to disinfect: While some surfaces and materials are cleaned with just soap and water, others must be disinfected. Scientists have proven that coronavirus can also live on various surfaces for up to a couple of days. People can contract it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. Start by disinfecting high-touch surfaces as they are the main source of spreading pathogens. This includes doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, restroom facilities, trash can lids, faucet handles, floor surfaces, light switches, tables/countertops/desks, handrails, and so on. Additionally, areas unique to your building may also require disinfecting. For instance, retail occupancy will require disinfecting shopping cart handles and payment touchpads while offices will need to disinfect computer monitors, keyboards, conference tables, etc. Soft and porous materials in high-traffic areas like carpets, upholstery, and curtains can be germ reservoirs and will need to be disinfected as well. Use EPA-Approved cleaning/disinfectant products: Not all cleaning products are suitable for removing pathogens, particularly traces of COVID-19, from building surfaces. It's important to look at EPA's suggested products as they are both effective and non-toxic. If EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, you can use a diluted solution of household bleach or 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). Use products effectively: It's important to follow the directions on the label with regards to the application method (concentration and dilution), contact time, as well as any other precautions to take when applying like good ventilation and appropriate PPE to wear. This will ensure the effective and safe use of cleaning and disinfecting products. Avoid mixing cleaning and disinfection products as this can result in very dangerous fumes that could cause serious injury or even death. Avoid over-disinfection: It is possible to over-disinfect surfaces while trying to ensure no pathogens are left behind. And although these products are great at removing pathogens, their overuse can have serious side effects in humans. Disinfectants can pose an immediate risk to some people, including those who are asthmatic or suffer from migraines, allergies, suppressed immune systems, or immune disorders. They may experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting, irritability, difficulty breathing, mood swings, memory loss, seizures, etc. Outdoor areas require normal routine cleaning: Many outdoor surfaces will not be touched; as such, disinfecting them is a waste of supplies. However, some areas like bars and restaurants will require disinfecting. Pools and other water play areas must also be well-maintained, for example disinfecting with chlorine or bromine. What about an unoccupied building? Properties that have not been occupied for over 7 days will do with normal routine cleaning, meaning there's no need for disinfecting. That's because the coronavirus cannot survive on surfaces for longer than this time. But once you reopen, you will have to develop and implement a disinfection plan to keep everyone safe. Work in zones: It's important to separate areas in the building by how likely they are to contain pathogens. Then start with low-risk zones moving into high-risk areas to help avoid cross-contamination. Maintain and Revise the Plan: Once you reopen, it's important to maintain the above disinfection strategies to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other pathogens. This should be done in conjunction with other safe practices like social distancing, wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and more. Be sure to revise and update your cleaning and disinfection plan based on the current circumstances (level of COVID-19 exposure in your building) and updated guidance by the local and federal governments. Read also: 10 Tactics To Maintain Clear Windows 5 Hotel Housekeeping Tricks You Need To Clean Your Bathroom How Cleaning Helps Us Feel Better and Why We Don’t Do It

5 Great Reasons Your Home Needs a Wood-burning Stove

When autumn begins to fade into winter, the temperature starts to reduce and gets even colder. The need to keep the house warm also arises. You definitely have some other form of heating your home since this won’t be your first winter. But your being here means that you are considering an alternative heating method. The efficiency of wood-burning stoves is one of the many reasons one should be the alternative on your mind. But there are also so many other reasons and they would all be discussed in this article. But first, what are wood-burning stoves? What Are Wood-burning Stoves? Wood-burning stoves are home appliances that are made of metals like steel or cast iron and are used for heating the house. As the name implies, wood is the fuel for the stove and it is burnt inside a fire chamber that is usually enclosed. The gases and fumes they produce have to be taken out of the room either through a flue or a chimney just like a traditional fireplace. Although these stoves have existed for a long time, they only just rose in popularity. And this is because more people have begun to appreciate their benefits. But what are these benefits? Let’s find out below. Reasons You Should Get a Wood-burning Stove The following are the major reasons a wood-burning stove is a great heating system for the home… 1. Efficiency The heat that this heating system produces is very impressive. Your home gets to enjoy a great form of heat output with one of these burner stoves. This means that the house will get warm effectively and a lot more quickly. They come in various sizes and energy levels, this way you can select one that will adequately suit your home’s size 2. Stylish and Decorative They not only get your house adequately warm, but they also provide aesthetics as they look so great. When one is placed in a room in the home, it is sure to become a new point of attraction by adding style and character to the room. There are a lot of styles to choose from like contemporary or classic and so much more. You simply need to be deliberate when you shop for the burner and ensure you get one that will match the home’s décor. 3. Gives Your House a Homely Ambiance When the weather is chilly and bent on making everyone miserable, one way to beat the weather is to get cozy at home. And a wood burner is sure to provide that homely ambiance that is much needed during this time. The cozy heat from the burner and the roaring flames inside the fire chamber provide a calm and soothing visual impact that will leave you comfortable in no time. Visit https://apnews.com/article/a53e297b6fbc4481a0c917dc41c3842f to find out other ways you can stay comfortable during the cold season. You can sit in front of the fire with a cup of coffee while watching the flames dance. 4. Good for the Environment We are in an age where eco-awareness is at its peak and a lot of people are trying their bests to do right for their environments. One way to contribute towards this goal of a better environment is a wood burner. How is this burner environmentally friendly you may ask. Well, it is because wood which is the fuel of this type of burner is carbon neutral even though it releases carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon dioxide that is produced equals the amount that is consumed by trees which takes the carbon dioxide and then releases oxygen. This way, the burners do not impact the carbon dioxide level in the environment. 5. Cost-Efficient Energy price is constantly going up and people are beginning to find it more expensive heating up their homes with electrical and gas means. Wood burners on the other hand are very energy efficient and thus help you save money that would otherwise have been used on the energy required by other home heating systems. You will surely find this heating method a lot more economical as you will notice an obvious reduction in your heating bill. The heating bill is reduced and not cut off because you may still have to make use of the central heating where you haven’t placed a wood stove. The initial cost of getting the burner bought and installed may be on the high side compared to other heating systems. But, we assure you that it would only be a matter of years for this cost to be gotten back through the energy-saving nature of the burner. If you need to learn about more of its benefits, you can check here. Conclusion Getting a wood-burning stove may very well be the best decision you may make when it concerns heating your home. This article discusses 5 great reasons why this heating system is great for your home. Read Also: 5 Things You Should Know About Heating and Cooling Tiny Homes Advantages Of Using A Water Heater At Home

Commercial Air Conditioning Systems: What Businesses Need to Know

As the temperature rises, businesses must ensure a comfortable environment for their employees and customers. A reliable commercial air conditioning system plays a vital role in achieving this goal. In this comprehensive guide, we shall explore the primary considerations a business should bear in mind while choosing and maintaining commercial air conditioning systems. The importance of a well-functioning commercial air conditioning system cannot be overstated when creating a conducive work or shopping environment. Whether it's an office, retail store, restaurant, or any other commercial space, maintaining an optimal indoor temperature is crucial for productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall well-being. This article will delve into the essential aspects of commercial air conditioning systems that every business should know. Choosing the Right System Selecting the right commercial air conditioning system for your business can be daunting. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision: 1. Size and Capacity: Assess the size of the space that needs to be cooled. A particular system that is quite small will require help to regulate the desired temperature. On the other hand, an oversized system will lead to excessive energy consumption. Consult with HVAC professionals to determine your commercial space's appropriate size and capacity. 2. Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient systems to reduce operating costs and minimize environmental impact. Look for air conditioning units with certifications and efficiency ratings related to high energy, such as the Energy Star label. Such systems are generally designed to provide optimal cooling while consuming less energy. 3. Weather and Climate: India’s summer season might get a little too hot sometimes. This is particularly true during mid-summer when it becomes difficult to thrive in urban areas. But, the weather conditions across the country change from one region to another. Hence, opt for an air conditioner that keeps the temperature inside your house regulated accordingly. 4. Zoning and Control: Consider systems that offer zoning capabilities, allowing you to control different areas or zones separately. This feature enables you to adjust the temperature according to the specific needs of each space, maximizing comfort and energy efficiency. Maintenance and Regular Servicing Once you have installed a commercial air conditioning systems, it is crucial to maintain it properly to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Here are some maintenance tips: A. Filter Cleaning and Replacement: Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and prevent the accumulation of dust and debris. Clogged filters can restrict the system’s performance and lead to poor indoor air quality. The most significant maintenance task that ensures the efficacy of your AC is filter cleaning as well as its replacement. B. Coil Cleaning: Over time, the coils in your air conditioning system can accumulate dirt and grime, affecting its efficiency. Regular coil cleaning can enhance the system’s cooling capacity and reduce energy consumption. The dirt decreases airflow inside the air conditioner, which insulates the coil. If you want to mitigate this problem, inspect the evaporator coil each year. C. Professional Servicing: Schedule regular maintenance checks and servicing by qualified HVAC technicians. They will inspect the system, identify potential issues, and perform necessary repairs or adjustments. Regular servicing can help prevent major breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system. Taking Care Of Your Air Conditioner: 6 Tips That Help It is good to call in some professional help while cleaning your air conditioner. But it doesn’t harm to take care of it all by yourself. Given below are some tips to clean your AC all by yourself: 1. Change The Filters As mentioned above, dirty filters can stop the efficiency of your system. Hence, install a new filter every month when the cooling season for window and central units goes on. Check out the minimum efficiency reporting the value of your filter, which generally ranges between 1-12 for residential AC units. The higher this number is, the better filtration you will get! 2. Fix Leaks Did you know that 30 percent of airflow can be lost if your ducts are leaked? Window AC units have notorious strength, which does not allow proper sealing. Locate leaks using the “smoke trick,” which goes back a long time. If you have a window unit, simply light an incense stick and hold it at the confluence of the window frame and the unit. 3. Use Timers It is not a good idea to blow your Air Conditioning Systems while you are working. If you have central units, make sure to install a programmable thermostat that allows you to set higher temperatures when you are away. Additionally, they set a cooler temperature while you are at home. New window units consist of adjustable thermostats as well as built-in timers. However, you can also purchase a timer. 4. Keep The Air Cool With Insulation Ducts in crawl spaces as well as hot attics must be wrapped to maintain the coolness of the room. For this purpose, you might make use of batt insulation, rigid foam, or spray insulation. Rigid insulation along with seal batt must go with foil tape. If you have tight space, wraps such as Reflectic provide an ideal insulation degree. 5. Service Condenser Or Compressor The condenser and compressor of a central air conditioning system are generally located exterior of the house but very close to your base. Hence, it functions best if there is a clear space of about 24 inches in each direction. Make sure you get rid of tall trees, hanging branches, and shrubs nearby, 6. Keep The Unit Cool You can extend the lifetime of your air conditioning systems by keeping the room cool. Put down the shades and blinds when the sun is high. Or you might also opt for awnings installation and protect excessive UV rays from entering the south-facing windows. Conclusion A reliable commercial air conditioning system is essential for businesses to maintain a comfortable and productive working environment. You can ensure optimal cooling while minimizing energy consumption by considering factors such as size, energy efficiency, and zoning capabilities during the selection process. Regular maintenance and professional servicing will keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Prioritize the comfort of your employees and customers by making informed decisions about your commercial air conditioning needs. Read Also: What Can An Air Conditioning Installation Expert Assist You With? Choosing an Air Conditioning Repair Company in New Mexico How To Save Money On Your Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

Window Glass Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Glass?