Clear, annealed, insulated glass is a first option for modern building and remodeling projects when it comes to improving energy efficiency and interior comfort.
Combining two or more transparent annealed glass panes with insulating spacers and argon or krypton gas fills, these double or triple-glazed units For windows, doors, and facades, the outcome is a rather robust, energy-saving, and sound-insulating solution.
From industry heavyweights including Cardinal, Viracon, Guardian, and more, we investigate the top 10 clear, annealed, insulated glass alternatives available today in this blog. With regard to structural integrity, thermal performance, and clarity, every product offers special benefits.
This article will assist you in making a wise choice, whether your next project requires dependable glass or you are a homeowner trying to reduce energy costs. Discover which insulated glass unit (IGU) fits your requirements and how it could improve the general performance of your building by reading on.
1. Cardinal Clear Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
One of the leading brands in the insulated glass industry, Cardinal Glass Industries uses its clear annealed IGUs extensively in both domestic and commercial buildings.
Known for their energy economy, clarity, and longevity, Cardinal’s clear IGUs are A dual-pane structure with a sealed air gap between two sheets of annealed glass defines these units. Either argon gas or air fills the sealed area, greatly enhancing insulating characteristics.
Excellent thermal efficiency and transparency make them perfect for windows, patio doors, and curtain walls. Cardinal also adds Low-E coatings upon demand, therefore improving energy economy. Their IGUs use adjustable spacer systems to lower condensation and either meet or surpass ENERGY STAR® criteria.
Builders and homeowners choose Cardinal for its countrywide availability and long-lasting quality. They are a sensible and environmentally responsible option, as their transparent IGUs provide outstanding sound insulation and help save HVAC expenditures.
2. Viracon Clear Insulated Glass
Premium brand Viracon provides clear, annealed, insulated glass among other architectural glass products with outstanding performance. You can adjust the thickness and form of these precisely constructed IGUs to suit your project needs.
The transparent annealed variation is popular for preserving natural daylight while increasing energy efficiency. Viracon guarantees less gas leakage and a longer lifetime by means of sophisticated sealing technology. These units are ideal for commercial applications, including offices, airports, and hospitals, where visibility and energy performance are vital. Along with warm-edge spacers to improve thermal efficiency, they provide argon and krypton gas fills.
Apart from performance, Viracon guarantees that its glass products have top-notch appearance, which makes them perfect for contemporary buildings. You can mix their transparent IGUs with laminated or tempered choices for even more strength and safety. Viracon stands out in the architectural glass industry thanks to their quality and creativity.
3. Pilkington Insulight™ Clear IGUs
Excellent performance in energy efficiency, noise reduction, and durability makes Pilkington’s Insulight™ series of insulated glass units. Particularly designed to offer exceptional insulation while preserving maximum visibility is the transparent annealed form. These units include exceptionally durable perimeter seals and argon-filled cavities along with either twin or triple glazing choices.
Globally respected brand Pilkington uses their transparent insulated glass for both business and residential front ends. You can customize the units with Low-E coatings, colors, and design flexibility-oriented ornamental choices. Using premium float glass in their IGUs, Pilkington guarantees structural integrity and distortion-free clarity.
Pilkington’s production technique is environmentally friendly and aims to lower carbon footprints, making it an excellent choice for sustainable construction projects. Insulight™ transparent IGUs are a wise purchase for builders seeking long-term performance and efficiency in glass design because of their durability and adaptability.
4. Guardian ClimaGuard Clear IGUs
Guardian Glass is well-known for its innovative glass manufacturing technology, and its ClimaGuard line presents some of the best clear, annealed insulated glass units available on the market. Designed to provide excellent insulation, UV protection, and increased interior comfort, ClimaGuard transparent IGUs offer these benefits.
These IGUs allow visible light to flow through by means of a double-glazed construction with an optional Low-E coating reflecting infrared heat. Guardian maintains gas fill levels over time through the use of robust warm-edge spacer systems, which also reduce edge conductance. Residential window systems would find these devices perfect, particularly in areas with significant temperature swings.
Their better thermal performance helps to save heating and cooling costs; clear glass guarantees unhindered vistas and lots of daylight. Custom forms and sizes of ClimaGuard IGUs give architectural freedom for modern construction without sacrificing energy economy.
5. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® Clear IGUs
High-performance clear annealed insulated glass is among the several commercial and residential glass options available from Oldcastle Building Envelope® (OBE). Oldcastle Building Envelope® (OBE) crafts these IGUs to combine excellent thermal insulation with optimal visibility and light transmission.
Cutting-edge sealing methods create OBE transparent IGUs, available in dual- and triple-pane variants. To raise R-values and lower condensation, they can feature argon gas filler and warm-edge spacers. Applications where thermal efficiency is still crucial but safety tempering is not necessary find especially great demand for their annealed clear glass.
Oldcastle IGUs are prized by builders and contractors for their dependability, consistency, and adherence to both national and international construction codes. We can also create OBE glass with ornamental treatments, sun control, or bird-friendly designs. Oldcastle is a reliable choice in large-scale building projects since production facilities all throughout North America guarantee swift turnaround times and local assistance.
6. AGC Glass Clear Insulating Units
AGC (Asahi Glass Company), a globally known leader in flat glass, designs their clear, annealed insulated glass products with sustainability and creativity in mind. Excellent clarity, thermal insulating ability, and long-term performance abound from AGC’s insulating modules.
Their basic structure comprises two panes of transparent annealed glass, sealed with a metal spacer and filled with argon gas for maximum heat resistance. For even more UV protection and safety, AGC also provides optional Low-E coatings and laminated layers. High-rise office buildings, residential complexes, and educational institutions commonly feature their transparent IGUs, where both insulation and aesthetics are critical.
Modern production methods used by AGC guarantee constant quality and minimum visual distortion, by which Rigorously tested for fog resistance, seal durability, and energy performance, these units are a dependable solution for projects with energy consciousness. AGC remains ahead of the glass business with their dedication to sustainability and innovative research.
7. PPG (now Vitro) Solarban® Clear IGUs
Originally PPG, Vitro Architectural Glass provides Solarban® clear insulated glass modules, combining elegant design with outstanding performance. These IGUs, constructed from premium clear annealed glass, feature sophisticated Low-E coatings that enhance sun control and energy economy.
Commercial buildings extensively use the Solarban® range because it can reduce solar heat gain without compromising natural light. These units often match their thickness and size with argon gas for optimal insulating value. The low-emissivity coatings of Vitro’s IGUs are also well-known for helping to preserve interior temperatures while lowering the UV fade of furniture.
Architects aiming for LEED certification prefer their glass due to its compliance with stringent energy standards. Modern, energy-efficient buildings use Solarban® IGUs first because of their clarity, insulation, and solar control.
8. Saint-Gobain SGG Climaplus Ultra N
As a leading provider of sustainable glass solutions, Saint-Gobain’s SGG Climaplus Ultra N insulated glass provides outstanding thermal insulation together with a crystal-clear view. These IGUs have a sophisticated Low-E coating on the interior pane and are built out of annealed float glass. Argon gas fills the double-glazed units, which include warm-edge spacers, therefore providing great U-values and sun protection.
Maintaining interior temperatures, SGG Climaplus Ultra N is perfect for both new builds and restorations as it offers comfort in all weather. The environmentally responsible manufacture of these IGUs, which also minimize HVAC energy usage and hence reduce CO₂ emissions, clearly shows Saint-Gobain’s dedication to sustainability.
These units are flexible in homes, businesses, and public projects as they fit many architectural forms and frameworks. Climaplus Ultra N is a complete answer for everyone looking for clarity, comfort, and performance in one package with great light transmittance and outstanding sound insulation.
9. NSG Group (Pilkington) Optitherm™ Clear IGUs
The parent firm of Pilkington, NSG Group, sells Optitherm™ transparent insulated glass components with outstanding energy savings and optical clarity. These IGUs with dual-pane or triple-pane designs are intended for energy-conscious construction. Highly effective Low-E coatings and argon gas filling coupled with the transparent annealed panes greatly reduce heat transmission.
Through lower load, Optitherm™ units are well-known for lowering condensation, increasing interior comfort, and extending HVAC system longevity. They are also rather good in terms of noise insulation, which qualifies them for metropolitan regions close to busy traffic routes.
Projects for high-performance homes and business buildings striving for green certifications especially find Optitherm™ very appealing. With constant quality and no distortion, the IGUs are robust and easy to repair. Optitherm™ is a top choice for contemporary glazing solutions, as the NSG Group is committed to sustainability and creativity.
10. Jeld-Wen Clear Insulated Glass
Jeld-Wen is a reputable brand in windows and doors; homeowners and contractors especially like its clear, annealed insulated glass components. Jeld-Wen’s window systems incorporate these IGUs, which provide excellent thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
Jeld-Wen IGUs efficiently lower heat loss and noise intrusion via their dual-pane structure, argon gas fill, and sealed perimeter spacers. For living rooms, kitchens, and sunrooms, its transparent glass offers a brilliant and unhindered view. Units with optional Low-E coatings are also available for enhanced UV protection and sun management.
By stressing quality, Jeld-Wen makes sure every IGU resists fogging and seal failure over time and preserves its integrity. These ENERGY STAR® certified insulated glass units assist year-round in saving energy costs. Jeld-Wen’s clear IGUs provide outstanding value in both performance and price, with an eye toward user comfort, aesthetic appeal, and environmentally responsible design.
Conclusion
The energy efficiency, appearance, and indoor comfort of your building will be much enhanced by the use of clear, annealed, insulated glass. From some of the most reliable producers in the business, the top 10 choices above have proven performance, durability, and clarity.
These IGUs provide long-term value and adherence to energy standards, whether used for domestic or business purposes. Investing in excellent insulated glass not only enhances your house but also helps to create a more environmentally friendly future. Make a sensible decision now to reap years of enjoyment.
FAQs
Q1: What is clear annealed insulated glass?
A: It’s a type of double or triple-glazed glass made from clear annealed panes, offering insulation, noise reduction, and improved energy efficiency.
Q2: Is clear annealed insulated glass better than regular glass?
A: Yes, it provides better thermal insulation, reduces energy costs, and minimizes outside noise compared to regular single-pane glass.
Q3: Can I use clear annealed insulated glass for residential windows?
A: Absolutely! It’s commonly used in homes for better comfort, reduced condensation, and increased energy savings.
Q4: Does clear annealed IGU need a special frame?
A: While not mandatory, using compatible insulated window frames helps maximize the energy efficiency of IGUs.