Most windows are about 90% glass, so it makes sense that you would need to be picky about what kind of glass your windows are made with. However, a lot of people don’t even think about the glass when they’re buying replacement windows for their Aurora, CO home.   

If you want your replacement windows to be the highest functioning and energy efficient they can be, you need good glass. But what types of glass work best for replacement windows? And what makes these types of glass better than the other less efficient kinds?   

There are two main types of glass that work best for window, insulated glass and low-E glass. Insulated glass is actually two or more panes of glass separated from the others with sealed air chambers for increased insulation. These chambers can contain air or gas, but the chambers are usually filled with gas such as: 

• Argon Gas – a colorless, odorless, nontoxic and nonflammable inert gas. Heavier than air, it’s completely safe to be in your home. Argon insulates window glass by reducing heat and cold conduction between the panes, and acts as a noise depressant due to its density.  
• Krypton Gas – Krypton gas is much denser than Argon gas, and shares many of the same properties. Its higher density, however, means its even more insulating and noise reducing for a tougher window or door.  

Low-E glass is another ideal type of effective and efficient window glass. An extremely thin, almost undetectable metallic coating covers this glass to serve as an extra thermal barrier that reflects temperature into your indoor space. For example, in the cold Colorado winter, low-E glass reflects heat back into a room, effectively keeping the room warm while reducing your energy use.   

You can also shop for glass by rating rather than by type. Window glass comes with general ratings to help buyers determine efficacy, quality, and value. The following values are very important: 

• R-Value – R-Value is a window or glass panels’ resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means the window is more effective and highly insulating.  
• U-Factor – U-Factor, or U-Value, is a measurement of heat flow rate through a glass pane’s glazing system. Lower U-Values mean less heat and cold get through the glass, keeping your home comfortable.  
• SHGC – The SHGC, or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, measures the amount of solar radiation that gets through glass. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat gets into the home.  

This is just a basic overview of the best kinds of glass for replacement windows. If you want to learn more about window glass and how it affects your windows, United Windows & Siding can help. Located at 12090 W 50th Pl Unit B Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, United Windows & Siding offers expert service and advice from years of Aurora, CO replacement window experience. To learn more about what we can do for you, give us a call at 720-535-4767.