The Most Preferred Insulated Glass Manufacturers

Monolithic Glass

A single sheet of glass, monolithic glass may be heat or chemically treated for greater strength. Contractors often use it to allow more natural daylight to enter a room.

There are three types of monolithic glass: 

Annealed glass cools at a slow rate to relieve internal stress. Its properties reduce the risk of cracking during temperature changes.

Tempered (or tough) glass is much harder than annealed. When broken, it shatters into small pieces. This feature makes it one of the safest options.

Laminated is made up of two or more panes of monolithic glass bonded together by a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or other type interlayer. The multiple layers add durability and act as a safety feature. Laminated glass is popular in areas where there is a lot of human interaction where safety glazing is required, such as in storefronts, skylights, and windshields.

Double-Glazed Glass

An insulated glass unit consists of two or more monolithic panes of glass separated by an aluminum spacer. The space between the glasses is filled with air or could be filled with a vacuum or other types of gases designed to reduce heat transfer of block out noise. The spacer is filled a moisture absorbent dying agent to avoid a condensation building inside the unit.

Triple-Glazed Glass

Triple-glazed glass features double insulation. A third layer of glass provides maximum insulation and can reduce U-value to less than half of monolithic glass. A second chamber captures and reflects heat gain. High-performance, low-emission coatings may be applied to any of the six glass surfaces.

Spandrel Coating

Spandrel is a coating that makes glass opaque. When a structure has a large glass exterior, spandrel covers or hides construction materials. It’s also applicable for adding a visual separation or design to your glass. Spandrel creates a more seamless, finished exterior.

Grids, Notches, and Lead Tape

Grids, notches, and lead tape give your glass a one-of-a-kind appearance. 

Grids create a paneling effect, whether it’s a single grid splitting a unit or adding many for a unique design. 

Notches are indentations or cutouts  to the of an insulated unit. If you’re adding a door handle, matching an architectural design, or providing an artistic touch, notches and grids make any insulated glass unit special. 

Lead tape may be used to cover any grids with an external layer for a smoother, sleeker look.

Enhancements

Triple is a term for using a third pane of glass for an extra layer of insulation

Patterns add character to glass, whether acid-etched or reeded. Mayflower and other patterns are available.

Spandrel coating conceals structural columns with a wall panel between units

Argon and SF6 gas fill the unit to lower the chance of heat and noise transfer.

Double-sealed aluminum spacers serve as a secondary backing, often made of silicone, to provide structural strength and prevent gas loss.

Warm-Edge spacers insulate the unit even more with a special non-metal spacer.

Muntins (grids) are custom options that create a rich, paneled appearance.