How Many Types of Glass Are There, and Which Type Is Suitable for Aluminum Doors and Windows?

There are 5 main types of glass commonly used for aluminum doors and windows: clear float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, insulated glass units (IGU), tinted glass, and Low-E glass. Each type has different properties in terms of strength, heat protection, and safety. Choosing the right type from the start helps extend service life and reduce long-term problems.

How many types of glass are there, and which type is suitable for aluminum work? This is one of the most common questions asked by homeowners and installers. Glass is not limited to clear glass and tinted glass only. It also includes types specially designed for safety, heat insulation, sound reduction, and energy saving. Choosing the wrong type of glass for the project may cause the glass to break easily, make the house feel hotter, or allow unwanted noise. The SGQ Khlong Sam installation team has gathered insights from real project experience to help you make the right decision from the start.

Why Is Choosing the Right Type of Glass Important for Aluminum Doors and Windows?

The type of glass you choose directly affects the safety, heat protection, and service life of the entire door and window system. Using the wrong type of glass may cause it to break easily, make the house hotter, or allow too much noise in. These problems can all be prevented from the selection stage.

When it comes to installing doors or windows, many people tend to focus on the frame, panel system, or exterior design. However, one important factor that should not be overlooked is the “type of glass” being used. Glass does not only make a home feel open, airy, or beautiful. It also directly affects strength, safety, and heat protection inside the home or building.

Choosing the wrong type of glass may lead to problems such as easy cracking, poor impact resistance, or excessive indoor heat due to the lack of heat protection properties. These issues can affect long-term use and the comfort of the people living inside.

Choosing the right type of glass for aluminum work, such as tempered safety glass, insulated glass, or Low-E glass, not only helps extend the service life of the door and window system but also helps reduce maintenance costs and improve performance in sound reduction, dust protection, and temperature control.

Therefore, whether you are a homeowner or an installer, understanding “types of glass” and choosing the right one for the intended use is an important step that should not be overlooked. Understanding each type of glass is also an essential foundation before placing an order.

How Many Types of Glass Are There, and Which Types Are Commonly Used for Aluminum Work?

There are 6 main types of glass used in aluminum work: clear float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, insulated glass units (IGU), heat absorbing glass, and Low-E glass. Each type has different properties and key benefits, so it should be selected according to the application and installation area. In other words, if you ask how many types of glass are commonly found in actual construction work, the answer is 6 main types, each produced through a different manufacturing process.

Each type of glass has clearly different properties, from safety, heat protection, and light filtering to sound control and added privacy. Choosing the right glass for the panel system and intended use is important because it affects overall performance, service life, and the appearance of the home or building.

How Can Glass Types Be Classified by Their Main Properties?

When classified by application properties, glass can be divided into 3 main groups: safety glass, such as tempered glass and laminated glass; energy-saving glass, such as Low-E glass, IGU, and heat absorbing glass; and basic glass, such as clear float glass. Understanding these groups makes it easier to choose based on the main requirements of each project.

How Are Glass Types Used in Aluminum Work Different from General Glass?

Glass used in aluminum work usually requires additional processing, such as tempering, lamination, or Low-E coating, to withstand wind pressure, impact, and high heat from outdoor weather conditions. This is different from general glass, which is designed mainly for interior applications that do not need to handle heavy loads.

Summary Table of Glass Types for Aluminum Work

What Is Clear Float Glass, and What Applications Is It Suitable For?

Clear float glass, commonly known as float glass, is a basic type of glass widely used in many applications. It has a clear appearance, smooth surfaces on both sides, and allows clear visibility through the glass. Its key advantages are its affordable price and the ability to be further processed, such as sandblasting, pattern printing, or color coating, depending on the design requirements.

Although this type of glass is commonly used in many applications, it is important to note that clear float glass does not offer the same safety properties as safety glass. If it is exposed to strong impact or force, it may break into large pieces or sharp shards, which can be dangerous for users.

Suitable for:

• Interior decoration work, such as mirrors, wall-mounted glass, and partitions that are not frequently touched
• Interior home windows that are not directly exposed to wind pressure or impact.
• Projects that require a certain level of budget control
  

Precautions:

• Not recommended for swing doors, casement windows, or other open-close panels that may be exposed to impact.
• If it must be used in areas with higher risk, it should be processed into tempered safety glass or laminated glass to increase strength and safety.
  

Clear float glass is a good option in terms of cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, it should be used appropriately according to the application. For better safety, glass with additional reinforced properties should be selected.

What Is Tempered Glass, and How Is It Different from Standard Glass?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that goes through a high-temperature heating process and is then cooled rapidly. This changes the internal structure of the glass and creates compression on the glass surface, making it 4–5 times stronger than standard glass. When it breaks, it does not form sharp shards like regular glass, which greatly reduces the risk of injury.

Key Advantages of Tempered Glass

• If the glass breaks, it will not break into sharp shards like regular glass. Instead, it breaks into small granular pieces similar to corn kernels, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
  
• Resistant to impact, wind pressure, and rapid temperature changes, such as a sudden shift from intense sunlight to immediate rainfall.
  

To compare how processed glass differs from standard glass, read more at Processed Glass vs. Standard Glass.

What Types of Aluminum Work Is It Suitable For?

Tempered glass is commonly used in aluminum panel systems that are at risk of impact, such as:

• Frameless doors, which do not have a surrounding frame for protection
• Sliding panels that require strength and durability for frequent opening and closing
• Shower enclosures or glass doors in public areas, such as office buildings
  

Important Notes:

• Tempered glass cannot be cut, drilled, or polished after the tempering process. Any processing must be completed before tempering.
• Although it is stronger than standard glass, it can still break if impact occurs at weak points, such as the glass edges.
  

If you are looking for glass that is strong, safe to use, and suitable for aluminum panel systems exposed to impact, tempered glass is the trusted choice for both installers and homeowners, especially for sliding doors, frameless doors, or areas where safety is a priority.

What Is Laminated Glass, and Is It Safer Than Tempered Glass?

Laminated glass is another type of safety glass that is highly popular for door and window applications because of its outstanding safety properties. Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more glass panes together with a special plastic interlayer, such as PVB or SGP, in the middle. This interlayer helps hold the glass fragments together if the glass breaks.

Key Advantages of Laminated Glass

• High safety: If the glass breaks, the fragments remain attached to the interlayer and do not fall off, reducing the risk of injury or damage.
• Intrusion protection: Since the glass remains bonded together even when broken, it is more difficult to break through for intrusion.
  Sound reduction: The interlayer helps reduce outside noise effectively.
• UV protection: Some models can block up to 99% of UV rays, helping protect furniture and decorative items from fading quickly.
  

What Areas Is It Suitable For?

• Front doors or areas that require extra security
• High-rise buildings with large glass panels, especially in areas where falling glass could be dangerous if it breaks
• Areas near main roads or traffic zones that require noise reduction
  

Important Notes

• Heavier than standard glass and tempered glass
• The overall price is higher than regular clear glass, but it is more worthwhile in the long term
• It should be used with aluminum systems that can support weight and force well, such as ORM or Thaimeta systems, which are specifically designed to support safety glass.
  

If you want to prioritize safety in your home or residential project, laminated glass is one of the most suitable options, especially in areas that require protection against accidents or intrusion, such as front doors, upper-floor windows, or high-rise buildings. These areas require glass that is not only beautiful but also safe and reliable for long-term use.

What Is IGU Glass, and Does It Really Help Save Energy?

Insulated glass, commonly known among installers as IGU (Insulated Glass Unit), is a double-glazed glass unit with an air gap or inert gas, such as Argon, in the middle. This helps reduce heat and sound transfer between the outside and inside of the building. It is considered one of the glass innovations that meets the needs of modern living, where homes require both quietness and comfortable indoor temperatures.

What Is IGU Glass, and What Is Its Structure?

IGU stands for Insulated Glass Unit, or insulated glass. It consists of two glass panes bonded together with a 6–20 mm gap in between, filled with dry air or Argon gas. The glass edges are held together with an aluminum spacer and sealed tightly, allowing very little heat and sound to pass through.

How Is Insulated Glass Different from General Double-Layer Glass?

IGU insulated glass requires strict quality control for the space between the glass panes, including moisture levels, gas volume, and edge sealing. This is different from general double-layer glass, which may allow moisture to accumulate inside and cause white fogging over time. High-quality IGU can last 15–20 years without deterioration.

Key Advantages of IGU Insulated Glass

• Excellent heat insulation: The gap between the glass panes acts as an insulating layer, reducing heat transfer from the outside into the home and helping keep the interior cooler.
• Sound reduction: Effectively reduces noise from roads, vehicles, and the outside environment.
• Reduces air conditioner workload: Helps save energy and electricity costs in the long term.
  

What Areas Is It Suitable For?

IGU glass is suitable for aluminum doors and windows in areas where better living quality is required, such as:

• Homes that require energy saving
• Office buildings focused on temperature control
• Projects located in noisy areas, such as near main roads or airports
• Large panels, such as sliding doors connected to a garden or full-height windows
  

Important Notes

• IGU glass is heavier than general glass, so it should be used with high-quality aluminum systems that can support the weight, such as ORM, SMS Schimmer, or Thai Metal systems.
• Installation requires skilled technicians to ensure a tight seal with no air leakage.
  The price is higher than general glass, but when compared with long-term energy savings, it is considered worthwhile.

IGU insulated glass is a suitable option for those who want greater living comfort in terms of temperature, noise reduction, and energy saving. It is ideal for modern homes that require a quiet and cool indoor environment, lower electricity costs, and improved everyday living quality. Especially when installed together with a standard aluminum door and window system, it can further enhance your home’s overall performance.

What Is Heat Absorbing Glass, and Which Side of the House Is It Suitable For?

Heat absorbing glass is a type of glass made by adding certain metals or oxides into the glass during production. This gives the glass different shades, such as green, blue, gray, or bronze. It is not only used for aesthetic purposes but also helps absorb heat from sunlight and effectively reduce the amount of UV rays entering the building.

Key Advantages of Heat Absorbing Glass

• Heat reduction: Absorbs and reduces the intensity of sunlight passing through the glass, helping lower the indoor temperature of homes or buildings.
• Glare reduction: Suitable for areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as west-facing or south-facing windows.
• Added privacy: The darker glass shade makes it more difficult for people outside to see inside compared with clear glass.
  

What Areas Is It Suitable For?

• West-facing and south-facing windows or doors that receive strong sunlight throughout the afternoon
• Buildings that need to reduce air conditioner workload, such as home offices, shops, or cafés
• Homes that require both a cooler indoor environment and a modern design
  

Important Notes

• Heat absorbing glass can be further processed into tempered glass or laminated glass to increase safety.
• The glass color may slightly change the view to the outside, so the color should be selected to match the overall atmosphere of the home.
• This type of glass is not recommended for areas that require full natural light, such as plant rooms or reading areas.

Heat absorbing glass not only adds visual depth and beauty to aluminum doors and windows but also helps reduce heat from sunlight and improve living comfort. It is especially suitable for west-facing homes or buildings exposed to strong afternoon sunlight. For those who want a cooler home without relying heavily on air conditioning, this type of glass is a highly practical option.

What Is Low-E Glass, and How Is It Different from Heat Absorbing Glass?

Low-E glass, or Low-Emissivity Glass, is a special type of glass coated with an ultra-thin layer of metal at the nano level on the glass surface. This coating helps reflect infrared heat rays (IR) and ultraviolet rays (UV) from sunlight while still allowing enough natural light to pass through.

This type of glass has outstanding properties in indoor temperature control. It helps keep the home cooler in summer and retain warmth in winter, reducing the workload of air conditioners and effectively saving energy.

Key Advantages of Low-E Glass

• Excellent protection against infrared heat, especially for homes exposed to strong sunlight
• Blocks more than 80% of UV rays, helping protect furniture from fading
• Still allows natural light to enter, so the home does not feel as dark as it would with general reflective glass.
  

What Areas Is It Suitable For?

• Homes or buildings that require temperature control for comfort and energy saving
• Large windows or sliding doors that are directly exposed to sunlight
• Green buildings that require energy-saving materials
  

Enhance Performance with IGU (Insulated Glass Unit)

Low-E glass delivers the best results when combined with an insulated glass unit (IGU), installed as either the inner or outer pane of double glazing. This combination further improves heat insulation, sound reduction, and energy transfer control. It is ideal for modern homes that require quietness, cooler indoor temperatures, and long-term energy savings.

Important Notes

• Low-E glass is more expensive than general glass, but it provides long-term returns through electricity cost savings.
• It should be installed by specialists to ensure that the coating direction is positioned correctly according to proper usage principles.
  

Low-E glass is a suitable choice for modern homes that want to reduce external heat without sacrificing natural light. It also helps reduce the workload of air conditioners and improves comfort in every season. For the best performance, it should be installed together with IGU glass and used with tightly sealed aluminum systems, such as ORM or Schimmer, which are specifically designed to support energy-saving applications.

Choosing the Right Type of Glass for Windows, Doors, and Installation Work

Choosing the right type of glass requires considering 3 main factors together: the installation location, whether indoor or outdoor, the panel system being used, and the budget. Each type of door or window panel is suitable for different types of glass.

When installing aluminum door and window systems, choosing only a strong frame may not be enough. The “glass” being used also greatly affects the safety, usability, and overall appearance of the home. Choosing the right type of aluminum glass for each panel style is therefore something both installers and homeowners should not overlook.

Sliding Windows / Sliding Doors

• Recommended glass: Tempered glass / Heat absorbing glass / Low-E glass
• Reason: Sliding panels are used frequently and may be exposed to impact, so strong glass that also helps reduce heat is recommended.
• Suitable aluminum system: ORM or Fuji Metal sliding systems with strong tracks that can support the glass weight well.

Frameless Glass Door

• Recommended glass: 10–12 mm tempered glass
• Reason: Since there is no surrounding frame, the glass must offer maximum strength and safety when broken.
• Additional hardware: Stainless steel fitting sets or Schimmer aluminum for frameless door systems designed with a modern look.

Front Door / Main Entrance Door

• Recommended glass: Laminated glass / Insulated glass unit (IGU) / Low-E glass
• Reason: This area requires safety and heat protection from direct sunlight.
• Suitable aluminum system: Thai Metal or ORM door systems designed to support safety glass and extra-large panels.

Bedroom Windows / Road-Facing Windows

• Recommended glass: Laminated glass / Heat absorbing glass / IGU glass
• Reason: Helps reduce outside noise while also preventing breakage or intrusion.
• Suitable aluminum system: ORM models with extra-tight wool pile seals or double-lock handles.

West-Facing Windows / Areas Exposed to Strong Sunlight

• Recommended glass: Low-E glass / Heat absorbing glass
• Reason: Focuses on reducing heat from direct sunlight and helps lower electricity costs.
• Suitable aluminum system: Schimmer or ORM systems with tight sealing and support for insulated glass panels.

Choose the Right Aluminum Glass Type for Each Project Site

Choosing the right type of aluminum glass for each area not only enhances the appearance but also extends service life, reduces problems, and improves long-term safety. When used together with high-quality aluminum panel systems such as ORM, Thai Metal, Fuji Metal, or Schimmer, the entire door and window system becomes more complete in both function and design.

Which Type of Glass Should Be Used for Each Type of Aluminum Glass Work?

Each type of aluminum glass work has clear recommendations. Large sliding panels should use tempered glass or Low-E glass. Front doors should use laminated glass or IGU glass. West-facing windows should use heat absorbing glass or Low-E glass. Consulting a technician who understands both panel systems and glass properties will help you get the most suitable solution for your project.

Glass Types You Should Know Before Choosing for Aluminum Work

After learning about the most popular types of glass used for aluminum doors and windows, it is clear that each type of glass has different properties, whether in terms of strength, safety, heat protection, or even privacy.

Whether it is tempered glass with good impact resistance, laminated glass for safer installation in risk-prone areas, or Low-E glass that helps reflect heat and reduce electricity costs, choosing the right glass for the actual project site is an important step that should not be overlooked.

If you are not sure which type of glass is suitable for sliding panels, frameless doors, or front doors, consulting a professional technician who understands both glass properties and aluminum panel systems will help you achieve the most worthwhile and safest result in the long term.

Interested in choosing quality glass for aluminum door and window work? Consult the SGQ Khlong Sam team today!

We are ready to provide recommendations on all popular types of glass, along with high-quality aluminum systems from ORM, Thai Metal, Fuji Metal, and Schimmer, to make your installation project beautiful, complete, and professionally finished from the first piece to the last.