Reflective Glass vs Tinted Glass: How They Compare

Everyone understands the importance of UV protection outside. Fewer consider the harm of UV rays inside a building. Even fewer think about the sun during the colder, winter months. However, the effect the sun can have on your building, year-round, is something to pay attention to.

The sun can raise the temperature of your building, force your HVAC to work harder, and raise your bills. The two glass options that can help provide heat control are tinted glass and reflective glass. Here is what you need to know about both.

Basics of Tinted Glass

Tinted glass is a heatproof glass. It absorbs the sun’s energy to control the radiation. If your windows allow the sun to penetrate, it can lead to rising temperatures. Hot buildings require more electricity to run expensive HVAC systems. Tinted glass can reduce the amount of heat that flows into your building. Depending on the type and thickness of tinted glass, you can absorb up to 45% of the solar heat. It can also create less visible light transmission and offer a soothing environment.

Basics of Reflective Glass

One of the major benefits of reflective glass is that it is heatproof. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is also energy efficient. Choosing reflective glass provides you with a durable material that has solar control technology. As the sun hits the glass, it cannot penetrate fully and reflects off it. This reduces the heat that enters the building. Reflective glass provides less of a glare and can protect you and your employees from harmful UV rays.

An energy-efficient commercial building saves you money on the electric bill. In addition, it provides you with a foundation for being more environmentally cautious. When you have the choice between tinted and reflective glass, the two are very similar in what they can accomplish. One of the major differences is the aesthetic of the two. For commercial glass options, contact S. Albert Glass by calling 301-517-7442 or emailing us today!