Glass Options
AMSCO Windows offers a variety of glass options to enhance the performance, aesthetics, and energy efficiency of their windows. These options cater to different needs, from UV protection and solar heat gain reduction to enhanced privacy and decorative appeal.
Standard Insulated Glass:
All AMSCO Windows come standard with double-pane, insulated glass units (IGUs). These units consist of two panes of glass separated by a space, which is typically filled with air or an inert gas like argon. This design significantly improves thermal performance compared to single-pane glass by reducing heat transfer.
Low-E Glass Options:
AMSCO Windows heavily emphasizes Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings as a key feature for energy efficiency. These microscopic, transparent coatings are applied to the glass surface. They reflect infrared light (heat) while allowing visible light to pass through.
- Low-E 180: This option is designed to reflect solar heat, making it ideal for warmer climates. It helps to keep interiors cooler by preventing excessive heat from entering the home during sunny months.
- Low-E 366: This is a more advanced Low-E coating that offers enhanced performance. It reflects a greater amount of solar heat gain than Low-E 180 and also provides excellent insulation against heat loss during colder months. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates, offering superior year-round energy savings.
Argon Gas Fill:
Many AMSCO window configurations can be upgraded to include argon gas between the glass panes. Argon is a denser, inert gas that is a better insulator than air. Filling the space with argon further enhances the window's thermal performance, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency.
Obscure Glass:
For areas where privacy is a concern, AMSCO offers obscure glass options. These patterned or textured glass surfaces diffuse light and obscure the view, providing privacy without sacrificing natural light. This is a popular choice for bathrooms, entry doors, and other areas requiring a degree of seclusion.
Decorative Glass:
While not extensively detailed on the general product pages, AMSCO Windows, under their Architectural/Decorative Glass category, indicates the availability of decorative glass. This suggests options for adding aesthetic appeal through various textures, patterns, or even colored glass elements, suitable for unique architectural designs.
Tempered Glass:
For safety reasons, certain applications may require or benefit from tempered glass. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is treated with thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength. When broken, it shatters into small, relatively harmless granular chunks, rather than sharp shards. This is often a requirement in areas where glass is close to walking surfaces or subject to impact.
Laminated Glass:
Laminated glass is another safety glass option. It consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This interlayer holds the glass together even when it breaks, preventing shattering and providing increased security and sound dampening benefits.
The specific availability of these glass options may vary depending on the window style (e.g., Awning, Casement, Double Hung, Sliding Horizontal, Picture, Fixed, Radius & Geometric) and the product line. Customers are encouraged to consult with AMSCO Windows or their authorized dealers for detailed specifications and to confirm the glass options available for their chosen window model.
