Glazes and Glass: What’s the Difference?

When choosing replacement windows style is important, but substance is what matters. At Renaissance Windows and Doors we strive to deliver both by carrying top-of-the-line products, and by providing expert installers to install them in your home. When you factor in our Peace of Mind Maintenance program—which warranties windows and doors installed by Renaissance for two years from the date of original installation—you can be confident in our commitment to client satisfaction.

The Importance of Glass

So, what is the difference, exactly, when it comes to the glass in your windows? It’s not just about letting in light, but about comfort, efficiency and beauty. Here are some questions to ask yourself about your home when considering glass on new or replacement windows:

• What kind of climate do you live in? Is water or moisture (humidity, rain, snow) an issue? High winds (hurricanes, tornadoes)? 

• Are you looking for a window that will improve energy efficiency, and lower your home energy bill?

• For each area of the house you need to put or replace a window, will the window get direct sunlight? Or is it an area of the house that has shade?

• What furnishings will be exposed to light through these windows? (Carpet, drapes, upholstered furniture)

• Will these windows be on a noisy (i.e. street-side) part of the house?

Choosing the right glass can help you save money through greater energy efficiency, protect your belongings from fading and sunlight damage, regulate both sound and light, as well as provide privacy and safety for your home.

What is a “Glaze” and why does it matter?

Window glass treated with a glaze can solve any one or more of a number of problems, depending on the type of glaze you choose. Different types of glazes solve different problems, including (but not limited to): energy efficiency, sun protection, noise control, security/visibility, hurricane protection, or cleaning/maintenance.

Choosing the right glaze for your windows is another way to customize your windows to suit your home’s specific needs. No one offers more choices in glass and glazing than the folks at Hurd Windows and Doors. Crafted by hand, and with a lifetime warranty, these windows are where superior style meet high-performance function.

Hurd: Innovation and Technology

Whether you need protection from extreme weather or you are looking for a lower-maintenance, higher-energy efficient window, Hurd is worth a close look. A leader in the field of glass technology innovation, they have a reputation for excellence, and their wide variety of products guarantees you will find the right one to meet your needs. (Download the Hurd .pdf brochure to see a full list of their glass & glazing options.) 

• ComfortGlaze™: Hurd’s trademark “ComfortGlaze” technology solves a multitude of problems. In addition to saving on energy costs through greater energy efficiency, ComfortGlaze protects your interior from premature fading, helps control noise, increases security and protection from intruders, blocks damaging UV rays while maintaining visible light, reduces bright sunrays in a room (i.e. media room), has increased hurricane protection for coastal dwellers, requires lower maintanence, and even provides a product—“ClimaGuard”—recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

• FeelSafe™: For those living in coastal areas, Hurd’s trademarked “FeelSafe” hurricane-resistant windows provide an extra measure of safety. These windows are “engineered and built to withstand the rigors of hurricane-force winds, pounding rain, wind-borne debris, and rapid pressure changes”. High-strength, shatter-resistant laminated glass, these windows are “like a home security system” and can even help lower your rates on your homeowner’s insurance.

• Low-E 366 & Low-E 366 Neat with Preserve: Low-E 366 delivers energy savings, solar control, UV protection and high visibility; Low-E 366 Neat goes a step further, using UV to loosen dirt, making the windows low-maintenance as well.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Come in, visit our showroom at Renaissance Windows and Doors and let us walk you through our entire selection of products, including the glass and glazing options for each, to find out what’s right for your home.