Functional and efficient Laguna Hills, CA replacement windows and doors can have a lot of properties in common, from thick and insulated frames to weatherproof seals and seams. 

However, one of the most important features of an effective window and door is glass.   

Windows are 90% glass, and doors usually have large panes as well, so the type of glass they have can greatly affect their energy efficiency and functionality.   

But what types of glass work best? And what makes these types of glass a better choice?   

Glass Types To Look Out For  

 Insulated glass is a pairing of two or more glass panes. Each pane is separated from the others with hermetically sealed air chambers. These chambers can contain air or gas, but the chambers are usually filled with gas such as: 

• Argon Gas – Argon gas is a colorless, odorless, nontoxic and nonflammable inert gas. Heavier than air, it’s completely safe to be in your home. Argon insulates window and door glass by reducing heat and cold conduction between the panes. Argon gas is also noise reducing as its very dense.  
• Krypton Gas – Krypton gas is much denser than Argon gas, and shares many of the same properties. Its higher density, however, means its even more insulating and noise reducing for a tougher window or door.  

Low-E glass is another ideal type of window and door glass. An extremely thin, almost undetectable metallic coating covers this glass to serve as an extra thermal barrier that reflects temperature into your indoor space. For example, in the winter, low-E glass reflects heat back into a room, effectively keeping the room warm while reducing your energy use.   

Ideal Glass Ratings  

You can also shop for window and door glass by rating. Window and door glass comes with general ratings to help buyers determine efficacy, quality, and value. The following values are very important: 

• R-Value – R-Value is a window or glass panels’ resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means the window or door is more effective and highly insulating.  
• U-Factor – U-Factor, or U-Value, is a measurement of heat flow rate through a glass pane’s glazing system. Lower U-Values mean less heat and cold get through the glass, keeping your home comfortable.  
• SHGC – The SHGC, or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, measures the amount of solar radiation that gets through glass. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat gets into the home. Low SHGC rates are ideal for Laguna Hill’s warm climate.  

If you want more information on the different types of glass for windows and doors, or which type would be best for your home, contact Cunningham Doors & Windows. Cunningham Doors & Windows is the leading name in replacement windows and door in Laguna Hills, CA. Our showroom, located at 1940 E Edinger Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705, can show you great options in person. If you’d rather schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (714) 258-2500.