Home Window Wizard: 4 Glass Types That Increase Functionality Home Decoration Home Furniture Home Improvement by Anica Oaks - January 30, 2015 4 Glass Types That Increase Functionality Choosing the right glass for your windows is critical to their functionality. The right window glass can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, as well as provide you energy savings throughout the year. These four glass types are the most highly recommended to ensure that you have windows that provide the best functionality. Low-E Glass Low-E, or low-emittance, glass is an energy-efficient glass with a coating that blocks heat flow, both into and out of the home. Regular window glass allows heat to enter and exit a home, but the low-emittance coating on Low-E glass prevents that from happening. The glass makes your home less humid, reduces harmful UV rays and offers energy savings year round. In addition, you will notice less condensation or fogging on your windows during times of extreme outdoor temperatures. Image Source: depositphotos.com Low-E Glass with Argon Just as in regular Low-E glass, the window or door is coated with an invisible coating, but instead of air being pumped between the two panes of glass, the manufacturer replaces it with Argon. Air is much lighter than Argon gas, andbecause Argon is moving constantly and heavier than air, the transference of hot and cold through the window is reduced. In addition, the heavier gas adds another layer of insulation so that the windows are much more energy efficient. You can find Low-E glass with Argon at All-West Glass Edmonton Ltd. and similar specialty glass stores. Obscure Insulating Glass If you want to let in natural light in an area where you need privacy, such as a bathroom or bedroom, consider obscure insulating glass. It is Low-E glass with a surface that is textured so that the view inside a room is obscured, but natural light is allowed to enter the room. This can increase the functionality not only of your windows, but the rooms where you would like to increase the natural light without endangering privacy. Impact-Resistant Glass If you live in an area that experiences severe weather, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, but enjoy the look of large, expansive windows, consider installing impact-resistant glass. Created from strong polymer interlayers that hold together if shattered, they offer strong protection from flying debris as well as ultraviolet protection. Because they are stronger than regular window glass, they also offer additional noise protection and provide an additional layer of security for your family. These four types of glass are the perfect choice if you want to increase the functionality of your doors and windows. You can increase the natural light in your home while still maintaining safety, energy savings and privacy. These days you get to choose from a variety of window types and their increased functionality.