Glass Colour Specifications Contractors Must Include in Quotations to Avoid Customer Misunderstandings

Glass colour specifications in a quotation should include more detail than simply stating “bronze glass” or “green glass.” At least eight details should be specified: colour, thickness, glass type, opening system, installation location, approximate dimensions, number of panels, and the aluminium frame used with the glass. Clear information ensures that the customer and contractor have the same understanding, reduces price changes after specifications are selected, and improves accuracy when ordering, cutting, assembling, and installing the glass.

In aluminium door and window projects, terms such as “bronze glass” or “green glass” may sound easy to understand, but they are not detailed enough for an actual quotation. These terms do not specify the glass thickness, glass type, opening system, installation location, or what is included in the quoted price.

If the specifications are unclear, customers may assume that the proposed tinted glass already provides heat protection or is safety glass. In fact, tinted glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, Low-E glass, and IGUs are different specifications with different prices and applications.

This article is written specifically for technicians, contractors, and quotation preparers. It helps organise glass colour specifications clearly from the beginning, reduces follow-up questions and rework, and ensures that customers have a clear understanding before approving the project.

Why Is the Term “Bronze Glass” Not Enough in a Quotation?

Because colour is only one part of the glass specification and does not describe all the properties of the glass the customer will receive. For example, bronze glass may refer to ordinary heat-absorbing tinted float glass, bronze tempered glass, bronze laminated glass, or another special specification. Each option differs in price, weight, safety performance, and production requirements.

• The thickness is not specified, such as 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, or thicker.
• It does not specify whether the glass is standard float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, Low-E glass, or an IGU.
• It does not specify whether the glass is intended for a sliding panel, casement panel, fixed panel, door, or side light.
• It does not clarify whether the glass provides actual heat insulation or is simply tinted heat-absorbing glass.
• Customers may assume that safety features or heat-insulating properties are already included in the quoted price.
• If the scope of work is not clearly stated, customers may make inaccurate price comparisons between different suppliers.

What Should Be Included in Glass Colour Specifications?

A good quotation should allow customers to immediately understand “what type of glass they are buying, where it will be installed, and what is included in the price.” This is especially important for projects involving multiple sets, rooms, or opening systems. Each item should be listed clearly and separately.

☐ Glass colour, such as clear, green, blue, bronze, grey, or Euro Grey

☐ Glass thickness, such as 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, or the thickness specified for the project

☐ Glass type, such as float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, Low-E glass, reflective glass, or an IGU

☐ Opening system, such as sliding, casement, awning, fixed, or swing door

☐ Installation location, such as the bedroom, front of the house, stair hall, bathroom, or transom above the door

☐ Approximate dimensions, or dimensions based on the drawings or actual site measurements

☐ Number of panels or sets using the same glass specification

☐ The aluminium frame used with the glass, such as the frame colour, frame system, or relevant brand and series

Examples of Vague Specifications vs Clear Specifications

Many contractors keep quotations brief to make them easy to read. However, if the wording is too brief, it may leave room for customer misunderstanding. The following table shows how to make the wording clearer without making the quotation unnecessarily long.

Same Colour but Different Glass Types: How Do Prices Differ?

One common cause of customer misunderstanding is seeing the same specification, such as “6 mm bronze glass,” but receiving different prices from different suppliers. In fact, glass of the same colour may be a different type or may use a different thickness or manufacturing process.

• Standard tinted glass: Suitable for general applications and easier to control within budget, but it does not provide the same level of safety as processed glass.
• Tinted tempered glass: More expensive because it undergoes a heat-treatment process to increase its strength. It is suitable for high-risk areas or certain types of large panels.
• Tinted laminated glass: More expensive because it consists of glass layers bonded with an interlayer film, helping to improve safety if the glass breaks.
• Low-E, reflective, and IGU glass: These must be assessed separately based on the specifications because they involve heat control, surface coatings, and glass construction.
• The glass thickness and dimensions affect the price, panel weight, and the hardware required for installation.

What Must Be Communicated If the Customer Changes the Glass Colour or Type Later?

When a customer changes from clear glass to tinted glass, from standard glass to tempered glass, or to Low-E glass after approving the quotation, the contractor should explain the impact before placing the actual order. The specification should not be changed immediately without written confirmation, as the change may affect both the project cost and on-site installation.

• The price may change because different glass colours, thicknesses, and types have different costs.
• The lead time may change, especially for tempered, laminated, Low-E, or IGU glass.
• The panel weight may change, requiring the hardware, rollers, hinges, or frame to support a heavier load.
• The hardware specifications may need to be adjusted according to the actual panel weight and dimensions.
• The actual glass colour may look different from photos displayed on a mobile phone. Customers should therefore be shown a physical glass sample or photos of completed projects for reference.
• The quotation should be updated, or written confirmation of the specification change should be obtained before production begins.

Examples of Glass Specification Wording for Quotations

Contractors can adapt the examples below to suit the actual project, making the quotation look more professional and reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Checklist Before Sending an Aluminium and Glass Work Quotation

Before sending a quotation to the customer, contractors should review each item carefully, especially for projects involving multiple rooms or opening systems. Small details such as glass thickness or glass type can have a greater impact on the price than many customers may realise.

Clear Glass Colour Specifications Help Reduce Rework

A quotation with clearly stated glass colour specifications helps ensure that the customer and contractor have the same understanding before work begins. It prevents confusion over whether the selected glass is standard tinted glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, or a specific type of heat-control glass.

The key is not to write only “bronze glass” or “green glass.” The quotation should clearly specify the colour, thickness, glass type, opening system, installation location, quantity, and pricing terms. When all details are complete, glass ordering, fabrication, and installation can be carried out more accurately, reducing on-site problems caused by misunderstandings.

Need Help Checking Glass Specifications Before Preparing a Quotation? Consult SGQ

Technicians, contractors, and quotation preparers who need help selecting the right glass colour, thickness, or type for aluminium doors and windows can send drawings, specification lists, or site photos to the SGQ team for an initial assessment.