How to Choose Aluminium Window Glass Types (Low-E, Tempered, Laminated)

While you invest in the new aluminium window, you may primarily focus on the frame quality. However, you may overlook one of the most critical aspects of the components – the glass itself. Yes, there are different types of glasses used for the windows. 

That is why it is important to choose the right glass based on the specific needs that you may have. This blog helps you find the exact type of glass that you should choose.

Why do aluminium window glass types matter? 

Your windows play a very significant role in heat gain and loss in your home. The regular glass allows approximately 80% of heat to pass through freely. That would make the air conditioning of your home work harder. 

Choosing the right glass type can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, lower your cooling bills by INR 7,800 to INR 10,000 annually (for a single room), and improve overall comfort in your living spaces.

The type of glass you select would have a bearing on safety features, noise reduction, UV protection, and how well your windows withstand India’s diverse climate conditions. 

Aluminium window glass types

Let us now explore the different aluminium window glass types and how they impact the functionality. 

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass: The Energy-Saving Champion

Low-E glass is coated with a special microscopic layer of metallic oxide that reflects infrared radiation (heat). Meanwhile, it lets the natural light to pass through. This property should make it ideal to reduce the heat transfer without affecting the natural light. 

Key benefits of Low-E glasses 

The low-E glass offers the following plus points – 

• Lowers indoor temperature by 4-8°C
• Reduces AC load by approximately 30%, translating to monthly cooling costs of INR 1,500 or less
• Blocks harmful UV rays that cause furniture and fabric fading
• Maintains natural light without excessive glare
• Works best in south and west-facing windows with direct sunlight exposure

Tempered (Toughened) Glass: Strength and Safety

Tempered glass undergoes a specialized heating and rapid cooling process. That should make the glass stronger than the standard glasses. The manufacturing process heats glass to approximately 650°C, then rapidly cools it using compressed air. 

Key benefits of the tempered glass

• The tempered glass is 4-5 times stronger than regular float glass. 
• It offers perfect hat resistance properties. That should make them ideal for the Indian climate
• It cannot be cut. This provides the best security for your home. 
• These glasses are highly cost-effective. 

Laminated Glass: The Security and Comfort Choice

Laminated glass consists of two or more glass panes bonded together with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. The manufacturing uses the same technology as that used in the windshields. When broken, the PVB layer holds glass fragments in place, preventing them from scattering.

Key benefits of laminated glasses

• They offer a high degree of safety and security. These glasses are powerful in cases of accidental impacts. 
• They also offer superior UV protection. 
• The noise reduction offered by the tempered glasses is quite exceptional. 
• These glasses are repairable. If a pane breaks, you can replace the broken pane alone. 
• They also offer a high degree of customisation 

Here is a tempered vs laminated glazing comparison to help you make the right choice-

Feature	Tempered Glass	Laminated Glass
Strength	4-5x stronger for impact resistance	100x stiffer but lower impact strength
Safety on Breakage	Shatters into small, blunt pieces	Fragments held by the PVB interlayer
Heat Resistance	Superior in extreme temperatures	More prone to thermal stress
Soundproofing	Minimal noise reduction	Excellent sound barrier
UV Protection	Limited	Blocks 99% UV rays
Cost	Budget-friendly (₹85-170/sq ft)	Premium option (₹350-550/sq ft)
Maintenance	Easy to clean	Easy to clean, but more delicate
Repair Options	Complete replacement only	Sometimes repairable
Best For	Strength-focused applications	Security and comfort-focused homes

How to select the Right Glass for Your Specific Needs?

For maximum energy efficiency

We recommend Double-glazed IGU with soft-coat low-E glass. 

Benefits – It can reduce heat transfer by 50%. It can block solar radiation and maintain natural light. 

For Maximum Safety and Durability

Our recommendation would be Laminated glass (preferably tempered-laminated combination).

Benefits – It can hold together on impact. It can block UV rays. You can be assured of security against break-ins, and it provides sound reduction.

For Budget-Conscious Renovations Without Safety Compromise

Our recommendation for this scenario would be tempered glass.

Benefits- It offers you necessary safety options at a lower cost. The glass also provides you with good heat resistance. It is widely available in India and thus provides you with the best budget options. 

For Urban Homes with Noise Concerns

We recommend Laminated glass in double-glazed units.

Benefits – The combination of PVB interlayer and double-glazing provides the best noise reduction available. 

For West or South-Facing Windows in Hot Climates

Based on our experience, we would recommend Low-E glass with solar control properties.

Benefits – It can help reflect the direct sunlight while maintaining brightness, keeping rooms cool, and reducing AC strain.

Conclusion

Selecting the right glass for your home would be one of the most essential decisions you would make. Of course, the frames and installation quality do matter a lot. But, at the same time, you should also look for the glass used in the windows. 

The choice between low-E, tempered, and laminated glass shouldn’t be based on price alone. Instead, consider your specific priorities. The recommendations that we have provided above should ideally help you achieve the best standards possible in this context. 

FAQs

Can I use soft-coat low-E glass in a single-pane window?

No. Soft-coat low-E glass must always be sealed inside a double or triple-glazed insulated glass unit. The coating acts like a sponge and oxidizes if exposed to air. 

Will condensation appear on my low-E windows?

External condensation (on the outside surface) is completely normal and harmless. Low-E glass is so efficient at keeping heat inside that the outer pane stays cold, and morning dew condenses on it.

How long does low-E glass last?

When properly sealed in an insulated glass unit with professional installation, soft-coat low-E glass lasts 20+ years or longer. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 10-25 years on the glass itself. In fact, that should be one of the prime low-E glass benefits India. 

Can low-E glass reduce heating costs in winter?

Yes, though the benefit is less dramatic in most Indian regions where heating isn’t a primary concern. Low-E glass reflects interior heat back into the home rather than allowing it to escape.

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