Window glass is not just a transparent material that lets light in and keeps weather out. It can also have different functions and styles to suit your individual needs and preferences. Guardian Hurricane Protection offer a wide range of window glass options designed to withstand the most extreme weather conditions. Choosing the right type of window glass can make a big difference in your energy bills, indoor comfort, security, and aesthetics.
Guardian Hurricane Protection is a fully licensed and insured State of Florida Certified General Contractor. We are OSHA Certified, have an outstanding safety record and conduct regular on-site safety meetings. Our goal is zero time lost on the job. We are a Nami Certified Manufacturer,PGT Glazing Certified, EuroWall Installation Certified, an ASSA Member and a Solar Energy Contractor. We are experts in installing, repairing, and replacing window glass for residential and commercial properties. We also offer other services such as hurricane shutters, impact windows and doors.
Types of Window Glass
Annealed Glass
Annealed glass, also called non-tempered or float glass, is a type of glass that can be easily custom cut, drilled and polished by a glass fabricator.
Annealed glass is strong, but not as strong as tempered glass. When it breaks, it tends to break into large, sharp shards that can cut skin and cause injuries. Annealed glass can be found in windows, display cases, tabletops and cabinet doors.
- Popularly known as standard glass or plate glass.
- Breaks into large shards if impacted.
- Building codes may restrict the use of annealed glass if there is a risk of breakage.
- Easy to transform into a variety of shapes and styles.
- Typically cost-efficient.
Heat-Strengthened Glass
If impacted, heat-strengthened glass windows will break into medium-sized shards.
Heat strengthened glass is annealed glass that is heated to approximately 1300°F, the temperature at which it reaches its softening point. It is then cooled to create surface compression. This compression allows the glass to tolerate more rapid and uneven temperature swings. Heat strengthened glass is approximately two times stronger than annealed glass.
- Roughly twice as strong as annealed glass or untreated glass.
- Ideal for areas with low wind conditions or possibilities of rapid temperature changes.
- Less likely to create a distorted view.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is manufactured through a process that involves heating the glass up to a very high temperature, and then cooling it rapidly. This cooling process forces the inside of the glass to pull away from the outside, putting the inside layer of glass into a state of tension and the outside layer into a state of compression.
The competing forces are what makes the glass stronger than annealed glass, and also causes the glass to break differently. When tempered glass shatters, it tends to shatter into small pieces. Tempered glass shards tend to be slightly cube-shaped and are far less likely to cause injury. For this reason, tempered glass is sometimes referred to as safety glass.
Tempered glass is less sensitive to higher temperatures and thus does not break as easily when exposed to extreme heat. It’s often used in fireplace doors, oven doors, shower doors and car windshields.
- Ideal for residential and commercial applications that receive substantial daily wear and tear.
- Increased scratch-resistance.
- Tempered glass can stand up to strong winds, hurricanes, and other weather events.
- When safety is a concern, tempered glass reduces the risk of injury due to its nature of breaking into smaller pieces instead of larger sharp, jagged shards.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made of two panes of glass joined by a layer of polyvinyl butyryl (PVB). The PVB is sandwiched between two layers of glass, so it’s extra strong. The PVB helps keep the glass stiff and sturdy, and even if the glass does shatter, the pieces stay in place because they’ve been fused to the interlayer.
Laminated glass is used in impact windows, car windshields, skylights and glass railings. In addition to being very strong and durable, laminated glass also has an element of soundproofing to it.
Patterned Glass
Patterned glass has been a popular glass material that’s been used for centuries. Patterned Glass is made by pressing semi-molten glass between two metal rollers to imprint a pattern. It has texture on one side and is smooth on the reverse. It is lightweight, decorative, affordable highly functional in transmitting diffused light while maintaining privacy.
Known for its embossed decoration, privacy, and stability, it can add a stylish and functional touch to any room or surface. Patterned glass can be used for interior or exterior applications, such as cabinets, partitions, doors, windows, showers, and more.
Common Glass Configurations
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from different combinations of window glass types to create your ideal window system. Some common window glass configurations are:
Single-pane
A single layer of window glass that provides basic protection from weather and noise.
Double-pane
Two layers of window glass separated by an air or gas-filled space that provides better insulation and noise reduction than single-pane.
Triple-pane
Three layers of window gas separated by two air or gas-filled spaces that provide superior insulation and noise reduction than double-pane.
Low-E
A type of window gas that has a thin coating of metal oxide that reflects infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through. Low-E windows reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Impact Windows Replacement in Southwest Florida
Best of Lehigh Acres
Guardian Hurricane Protection are expert in providing homeowners and businesses the highest quality of sales and installation of window replacement, entry doors, sliding doors, french doors and hurricane shutters in Cape Coral, Naples, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas.
When it comes to hurricane protection, Guardian Hurricane Protection is the all-in-one solution partner. Our team of technicians are on call 24 hours a day and are fully equipped with the tools to install, repair and maintain impact-resistant windows and doors. Our high-quality products and affordable services will keep your property protected and safe.
If you are interested in any of our window glass products or services, call Guardian Hurricane Protection at 239-438-4732 or 239-237-1448 or connect with us online to schedule a free estimate and consultation.
