What people typically consider regular glass is clear annealed glass. It is the most basic form of glass and is commonly referred to as plate glass. There are varying thicknesses and uses, as outlined below.
We cut 3/32”, 1/8”, and 1/4” glass to order. If you are ordering glass cut to size, you can always call your dimensions ahead of time. We can have the glass ready for you when you come to our office. If you need us to measure before we cut the glass, or you need us to install the glass in a frame or other material, please come to our office. We will let you know exactly when to expect your glass or frame. We can usually have most glass cut and installed within a day.
3/8” & 1/2” Glass is available, but we would need to special order it. They are typically used for shelves, tables, and countertops.
Tempered Glass is annealed glass that has undergone a heat treating process to make it more durable and is considered a safety glass. The tempered glass is stronger than annealed glass, and when it breaks, it crumbles into little pieces instead of shards. Safety glass is required by law in windows within 2 feet of a door or 18 inches from the ground and in all doors. All tempered glass comes with a similar logo to the one shown above to prove that the glass is tempered for safety reasons. If you are not required to have safety glass but want tempered glass, you can have your tempered glass ordered without a logo. Here is a list of some of the many uses for various tempered glass sizes.
Available in Clear, Bronze, Gray, and Obscure Patterned Glass. Thicker glass available by request.
Most businesses use 1/4" safety glass for their doors.
We can cut glass to any shape or size you need before it goes through the tempering process. We order glass to size, and then the glass goes through the tempering process. Once the glass has been tempered, it will break into little pieces if you try to cut it.
Laminated glass is another type of safety glass designed to stay intact when broken. Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass adhered together with a vinyl inner layer so they can take a substantial amount of impact before breaking all the way through. Car windshields are made of laminated glass. Here are some of their uses.
We can cut 1/4" laminated glass in our shop to any shape of size you need.
Most older homes have window panes that are either 3/32" or 1/8" thick. 3/32" thick glass is referred to as single strength, and 1/8" glass is often called double strength. If your window is within 2 feet of a door or 18 inches from the ground, you are required to have a safety glass that starts at 1/8" thick. If you need a single or double-strength window pane glass that is not required to be tempered, we can cut the glass for pickup or installation the same day. And if you have a double or triple pane insulated window glass, we keep many standard sizes in our warehouse. If your window is an odd or custom size, we may need to order the glass. If your custom glass has to be ordered, once we get the measurements, you can take the window home with you, so you don't have to worry about boarding up your opening.
If you do not have a single pane glass, then your home window glass will typically be a form of insulated glass. Insulated glasses come in various colors, shapes, styles, and energy efficiency. You can replace just the insulated glass without replacing the whole window. If you are replacing all the window glasses in your home, you can pick whichever style of glass you would like. Otherwise, it is always best to get the same type of glass that you currently have so all of your window glasses match.
These are all terms used to describe a divider inside the glass to give an insulated glass the appearance of having separate sections in the window. A standard muntin bar is flat, but contour muntins are raised in the center as well. Muntins come in several thicknesses and colors. If you are replacing your broken or fogged window, we recommend that you replace the glass with a glass that has the same muntin bar color and style as your other windows.
Different kinds of coatings are available to reduce sun rays, reflect the sun, and increase energy efficiency.
If a door glass is being replaced, then you are required to install safety glass in your door and any windows within 2 feet of your door. Door glasses can vary significantly because there are so many sizes and variations. We offer some of the most common door glass. Call for availability.
Most patio doors have a stationary side and a sliding door. The glass can be either a 3/16" tempered glass or an insulated glass. They vary in thickness, width, and height. We keep several patio door glass sizes in stock. If you have a custom size or thickness, we can order the glass for you.
French door glasses are tempered insulated glass with plastic trim. We keep a couple of sizes in our store. They come in white and a paintable tan. When looking at your french door window glass, you will be able to see through the glass, have sections in or on the glass, or have blinds. We do not sell the french door inserts with blinds, but we can certainly help you with the other types. When reading the options, a lite refers to how many sections you can see the light through.
The glass on home doors can vary widely from 1/8" tempered glass to elaborate custom designs with obscure glass patterns. Whether you are looking to replace a broken or fogged door glass or want to change to or from obscure to patterned glass, we can help.
You can count on us for quality glass services – call now on (256) 353-9181.
General Contractor License #21134
Better Business Bureau
Alabama Home Builders Association
National Glass Association
Decatur Alabama Chamber of Commerce
Morgan County Home Builders Association