The term “window glass” can be misleading, because there are actually four basic types of glass. Window glass is composed of one of these types, and is further augmented by additional panes, gas filling, tinting, UV treatments, etc. Here is a basic run-down on the four kinds of glass.
Plate Glass (also called Flat Glass): This is the most common type of window glass you’ll find at a hardware store if you need to repair a broken window, and it is what most people are familiar with. Its most popular use is in construction of picture windows, where lack of distortion is needed. It is cast in one solid piece, usually using a roller going over liquid glass poured on a flat metal table. This process produces an extremely flat, distortion-free surface. This is also the process used to produce most household mirrors. Its major disadvantages? It is very brittle, shatters easily, and can be expensive to replace.
Sheet Glass: This type of glass is very similar to plate glass, and in fact many people use the terms interchangeably. The main difference is that sheet glass is usually about half as thick as plate glass and is commonly used in application where a thin single sheet of glass is required, such as in triple-paned windows. Sheet glass would produce a window much lighter than plate glass.
Rolled Glass: While flat or plate glass is produced by one roller passing over molten glass on a metal table, rolled glass is manufactured by molten glass passing through two rollers. With this process, glass manufacturers are able to produce one solid piece of glass up to 12′. In addition, rolled glass as the availability of design elements incorporated in the glass, since embossing elements may be added to the rollers to produce a pattern. Thicknesses up to 1″ are possible.
Float Glass: This type of glass is produced by pouring the molten glass over a molten metal such as tin. Most modern windows are produced with float glass. Its curing process makes it resistant to cracking from extremes in temperature.
Window Outfitters wants you to be informed about the variety of options and materials that are available when you choose replacement windows for your Minneapolis area home. If you have any questions about windows, doors, or other exterior home remodeling projects, please give us a call.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
