Glass Options
Andersen's Architectural E Series offers a variety of glass options designed to enhance both the aesthetic and functional qualities of your windows. These options are crafted to meet diverse needs, from optimizing energy efficiency to providing privacy and aesthetic appeal.
Low-E Glass: The Architectural E Series features Low-E (low-emissivity) glass as a standard or available option across many of its window styles. This specialized glass coating reflects radiant heat. In colder climates, it helps keep heat inside during the winter, reducing heating costs. In warmer climates, it reflects solar heat away from the home during the summer, decreasing the load on air conditioning systems and lowering cooling expenses. Andersen offers different types of Low-E glass, such as Low-E4® and Low-E4® Sun, each tailored for specific performance benefits and climates.
Tempered Glass: For safety and security, tempered glass is an option for many Architectural E Series windows. This type of glass is heat-treated to increase its strength, making it more resistant to breakage. When it does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, reducing the risk of injury. Tempered glass is often required by building codes in certain locations, such as near doors, in bathrooms, or in areas where falls might occur.
Laminated Glass: Laminated glass is another safety-focused option that can be selected for the Architectural E Series. It consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or other interlayers. This construction makes the glass highly resistant to impact and breakage. If shattered, the glass fragments adhere to the interlayer, maintaining the integrity of the window and providing an added layer of security against forced entry and noise reduction.
Obscure Glass: For applications where privacy is paramount, such as bathrooms or entry doors, obscure glass is available. This type of glass is designed to diffuse light and obscure visibility, allowing light to pass through while preventing clear views. Andersen offers various patterns and textures of obscure glass to suit different design preferences and privacy requirements.
Decorative Glass: The Architectural E Series may also include decorative glass options, which can add a unique visual element and personalized style to a home. These can range from etched or frosted patterns to custom designs, allowing for a higher degree of personalization and architectural expression. Specific decorative glass offerings would need to be confirmed for availability with the chosen window style.
Grids and Grilles: While not glass types themselves, Andersen offers various grid and grille options that are integrated into the glass unit or applied to the surface. These can simulate traditional muntins and add a distinct architectural character. Options typically include full divided lites, between-the-glass grilles (which are sealed within the insulating glass unit for easy cleaning), and custom patterns.
The specific glass options available may vary depending on the window style chosen within the Andersen Architectural E Series, including Awning, Casement, Double Hung, Specialty, Bay & Bow, Picture, French Casement, Gliding, Bay, Bow, Push Out Awning, and Push Out Casement windows. It is recommended to consult specific product details for each window type to understand the full range of glass choices and their associated benefits and performance characteristics.
