Clear Glass Windows

Starting with the basics

ProVia specializes in offering custom home windows, with a variety of window glass options that cover everything from decorative glass to privacy glass to energy efficiency enhancements. For most homeowners, a window purchase may start with the assumption of clear glass. But, even for clear glass, there are choices to make depending on the window application, its location in your home and your home’s exposure to extreme heat and cold.

Clear Glass Options

Starting with the basics

Annealed glass is the standard for ProVia windows, with tempered glass being available as an upgrade. Here’s how they differ and why you want to consider which type is best for your home.

Annealed Glass

This type of glass has been thermally treated and then slowly cooled to relieve any internal stresses. Annealed glass, which is more fragile than tempered glass, tends to break into longer, jagged shards which can cause significant injury. This glass is more cost effective than other types of glass. Annealed glass can be cut, drilled, notched and edge finished.

Tempered Glass

This type of glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling of annealed glass, making it significantly harder and stronger than annealed glass. Tempered glass is four times stronger than annealed glass and can withstand temperatures of up to 470 degrees F. If tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small pieces less likely to cause injury. Depending on your state or local building codes, you may be required to use tempered glass for certain window applications, for instance, large-sized windows or those that are close to the floor, or windows near entry doors. Other applications for tempered glass might include homes where the likelihood of window breakage is higher, for instance, along a golf course.

Single, Double or Triple Strength

ProVia clear glass windows also can be ordered in single, double or triple strength, which is determined by the thickness of the glass.
  • Single strength – 2.5 mm or 3/32” panes, annealed glass only
  • Double strength — 3 mm or 1/8” panes, annealed or tempered glass
  • Triple strength – 5 mm or 3/16” panes, annealed or tempered glass

Energy Efficiency Options

Where you live makes a difference

In addition to choosing the strength of your clear glass windows, you’ll want to decide the level of energy efficiency you need, which is determined, in part, by where you live and the extremes of heat and cold that you experience in your area. ProVia offers a number of energy-efficiency options to meet the comfort and energy savings requirements of homeowners nationwide. Learn more about our glass technology and the choices you have that improve energy efficiency.

ProVia's glass technology

See what makes our windows beautiful and energy-efficient

Other Window Glass Options

Stepping beyond clear glass

Want to explore some other window glass options that help improve the curb appeal of your home?

Get Inspired

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Take A Closer Look

Open our Door & Window Glass brochure for all Art Glass options.

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