If your home or business renovation project calls for glass replacement, you may be pleased to learn that there are many options available to you. The right glass for the job depends largely on its purpose. You may need one type for safety, another for a quick repair, or something to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here’s how to make sense of the different types available to you.

A Brief Guide to Choosing Glass Replacement

1. Plexiglas

The beauty of Plexiglas is that it’s easily malleable, so manufacturers can transform it into a specific shape based on your project’s needs. Once installed, its greatest attribute is its resistance to breakage. Because it offers exceptional clarity, it’s ideal if your goal is to allow maximum natural light inside. Thanks to its versatility, it can be used to replace anything from a single- to a triple-pane window. It’s also lighter than glass, so it’s easier and quicker for professionals to handle—making it more cost-effective for you, too.

2. Tempered

Tempered glass is ideal if your primary goal is to install a safety-minded glass replacement product. If it were to break, this material would shatter into small, relatively even, circular pieces instead of large, jagged, and potentially dangerous shards. Tempered materials are especially strong because they’ve been heated and chemically treated during production, which makes them ideal for window installation or a glass door. They’re also resistant to scratches and damage.

3. Polycarbonate

Another option for those interested specifically in safety applications is polycarbonate, a type of transparent plastic. It’s a durable, lightweight option that is known for being “unbreakable”—with the caveat that it takes a great deal of force for this material to break at all. It is, however, prone to scratches, even when it’s coated with a protectant. It’s a wise choice for smaller windows, such as those in doors, or on storefront doors where potential theft is a concern.

4. Annealed

During its production, annealed glass goes through a cooling treatment process to enhance its strength and durability. It’s not quite as strong as tempered glass, but it does provide advantages if you’re seeking replacement glass for your cabinet doors or for windows on high floors. If annealed glass breaks, it will reduce into sharp and jagged pieces—this is why it’s best to use the glass in areas where there are fewer chances for problems.  

5. Laminated

Laminated glass is another safe material that consists of multiple layers of glass with a sheet of vinyl in the center. One of its primary benefits is its resistance to potent ultraviolet rays. This can reduce your home’s energy load and, in turn, your utility bills. The material can also lock out exterior noises effectively, making it a smart choice if you live in a high-traffic area or work in a facility where silence is essential.

Circle City Glass is the leading provider of quality glass services and products in Dothan, AL, and the Wireglass Region. Whether you’re interested in glass replacement, new window installation, or energy-efficient windows, you can trust them to offer the solution that you need. Their showroom is filled with products designed to elevate your property, from mirrors to bath accessories. Visit their website for further information or give them a call at (334) 794-6160.