There are several reasons why you may find it necessary to replace your glass windows.  In most cases, it is part of routine home renovation or when you decide to upgrade your house. At times, it is out bare necessity where you must replace broken glass immediately. Whatever the case, you need some expert tips that will guide you in picking the right glass for your windows. Below are some guidelines.

The insulation capability

When choosing the right glass for your windows, you need to understand the U-factor and the R-value. Manufacturers assign these two ratings to windows to guide the buyer on their efficiency. The R- value denotes the insulation capability of the window. It is its ability to resist heat conduction. The U- factor measures the amount of heat a window allows to pass through it, which is usually known as its thermal conductivity.

Energy efficient windows usually have a lower U- factor and a higher R- value. It is also advisable to look for U- factors for the whole window since different parts of the window may have different ratings.  It is not difficult to get this value since the newest windows in the market have an information sticker from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) that denotes their U-factor. A window with R-value of 3 to 5 and U-factor of 0.15  is considered highly energy efficient as it drastically reduces heat loss from the house.   

Choosing the right glass

When you go out shopping for glass window replacement, you need to understand that they are three types you can choose from. One of the most common types in the market is the low-emissivity glass, also known as the low-e glass. This one has a special coating that enables the window to keep the heat in or out depending on the season. The heat- absorbing glass is another viable option, which will keep the solar energy from penetrating the house. Due to its ability of keeping the heat out, this glass will prevent the sunlight from fading out the drapes, furniture and carpet. The third option is the reflective glass, which not only absorbs heat but also keeps away the harmful UV rays from your house. It is equipped with a film that reflects away these harmful rays.

 Always talk to a residential glass replacement contractor like Ryan's All Glass to guide you in selecting the right product for your windows. These professionals will also give you the total estimate of buying the materials and installation labor.