Glossary

Art Glass

Leaded glass that forms a design by combining pieces of colored glass and then sealing them with leaded strips.

Insulating Glass

Two panes of glass that sandwich a dead air or argon gas space. Primarily used to lower heating and cooling costs.

Laminated Glass

Glass that is designed to decrease the noise level transmitted by the window. A special laminating film is applied to one of the panes of the insulated glass unit.

Obscure Glass

Any textured glass (frosted, etched, fluted, ground) used for privacy, light diffusion or decorative effects, that permits light to pass through without displaying a clear image. Mostly used in bathrooms and showers.

Safety Glass

Single Pane

A unit with one piece of glass. A single pane window has little insulating value because it only provides a thin barrier to the outside and can account for considerable heat loss and gain.

Single Strength Glass

A thin pane of glass, 3/32" thick.

Tempered Glass

Strengthened or reinforced glass that is designed to break apart into small pieces when broken, rather than shatter completely. Also known as safety glass.

Tinted Glass

Glass containing chemicals with gray, bronze or blue-green tint that absorb light and heat radiation, reducing glare and brightness. As a result, this glass reduces the amount of sunlight entering through the window and can be combined with LowE2 coating for more solar control.

Wood Stop Installation

A retrofit installation only applicable to existing wood windows. During the installation process, original wood stops are removed, the new window is installed, and new wood stops are replaced.