Choosing new windows for your home involves lots of decision-making – from the glass options to sizing. While it’s easy to get carried away with aesthetics, many homeowners forget the importance of choosing the glass package. 

Selecting the right glass options can help with everything from saving money on energy bills to protecting your furnishings to reducing outside noise. In this guide, we’ll explore everything homeowners should know to help you shop for the best SoftLite window glass packages for you.

What Homeowners Should Know About Window Glass

SoftLite offers a variety of window glass packages designed for optimal energy efficiency. Selecting the most energy-efficient windows for your home can help reduce heat transfer and reduce your heating and cooling costs. Beyond energy efficiency, homeowners should also consider:

• UV Protective Glass Options: Selecting low-E coatings helps block UV rays from entering through the glass. This matters so your furniture and decor don’t fade from sun exposure. SoftLite offers various UV protective glass options for residential windows.
• Noise Reduction: Consider the number of panes in the windows you select to create a noise barrier. Homes in very busy or noisy city areas may want to consider noise-protective glass options.

Energy-Efficient Window Glass Packages

We offer a variety of replacement window glass options to meet the needs of every homeowner. Options include double or triple-pane glass and various different Low-E coatings that can meet the needs of different homes. Below, discover an overview of the windows we offer. With the exception of the Low-E package, all packages meet ENERGY STAR® 7.0 in one or more zones.

Low-E

Low-E windows (low-emissivity) feature a very thin, transparent coating on the outer pane that helps reflect heat away from the house. This type of window helps homes retain heat better in winter and stay cooler in summer by blocking solar heat gain. Low-E windows have two glass panes.

Solar Low-E

SoftLite also offers solar Low-E dual-pane glass options. Solar Low-E coatings have an upgraded, stronger version of the Low-E coating that reflects more heat away from your home. Solar Low-E windows offer a smart choice for homes in very hot areas.

Ultra

Ultra Low-E triple-pane windows include a standard Low-E coating on the outer pane, which helps reflect heat away from the home. Unlike Low-E windows, the ultra package also includes a coat on the inner pane to reflect inside heat back into the home.

Solar Ultra

The Solar Ultra package takes things one step further than the Ultra package. It includes everything in the standard Ultra package, but the coating on the outer window pane reflects more heat. Solar Ultra combines the insulation benefits of Ultra with enhanced solar control, ideal for homes with extreme weather, such as very hot summers and cold winters.

Glass Options

In addition to window glass performance packages, SoftLite offers glass options that work for specific needs.

Obscured

Obscured glass windows feature textured, translucent glass for optimal privacy while allowing light inside. Many homeowners select obscure glass windows for bathrooms or entryways.

Tempered

Tempered glass undergoes a heat treatment that helps provide additional strength. Some homes may require this type of glass window per specific building codes.

Laminated

Laminated glass options do not shatter when broken. This type of glass provides extra security and sound control.

Double Strength

Double-strength windows have enhanced durability compared to regular glass windows. Some homeowners opt for double-strength windows in areas with large windows that need extra resistance. Double-strength glass can help lessen outside noise as well. 

Explore SoftLite’s Most Energy-Efficient Windows

SoftLite has you covered with an extensive line of products designed to meet your every need. Contact SoftLite Windows and find a dealer near you to explore all of our glass options and ENERGY STAR windows offerings.