What Is Insulated Glass? Benefits, Types & Where To Buy
Insulated Glass? Key Takeaways
- Insulated glass units consist of two or more glass panes with air or gas sealed between them
- IGUs help lower energy bills, block noise, and reduce UV damage so that your space is comfortable and attractive year-round
- Insulated glass varies by glass type, gas fill, and number of panes, each option offering different benefits and serving different applications
- You can buy IGUs from local glass shops, window companies, online retailers, and home improvement stores
In the middle of winter, you’re looking at the icy windows and shivering from icy drafts sneaking in. You wish your living room was cozy and warm so you could just enjoy the afternoon with a book and a cup of tea.
Insulated glass can help. It’s an increasingly popular solution for blocking out extreme climates and unwanted outside noise for a comfy and serene interior.
But what is insulated glass?
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What it is
- The advantages it offers
- The types you can choose from
Advantages of Insulated Glass
The IGUs help you enjoy a more comfortable and quiet space without high bills.
Cost Savings
Does your heating run non-stop in winter? Insulated glass keeps the warmth in, so your home stays comfortable, and your bills can be up to 33% lower.
Improved Comfort
Insulated glass gives you cozy warm rooms while winter freezes everything outside, cool and comfortable interiors when summer sets in, no cold drafts, and no condensation — just year-round comfort without cranking the thermostat.
Noise Insulation
Layers of sealed air or gas layers absorb and weaken sound waves. This can be a great benefit if you live near schools or streets with heavy traffic or if you’re tuning in to a Zoom call.
UV Protection & Fading Control
Many IGU options come with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that block UVA and UVB rays, protecting furniture, floors, and artwork from fading.
Condensation Resistance
With the inner pane staying warm, moisture doesn’t accumulate, which would happen with a cold, single-pane window. This means you don’t need to struggle with foggy glass, dripping water, or mold buildup in places with high humidity like bathrooms or kitchens.
Durability
When installed right and sealed tight, your IGUs can last 10, 20, and even 30 years without breaking a sweat.
Insulated Glass Explained
Insulated glass, also known as an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU), is a system of two or more glass panes with sealed air or gas space(s) between them.
This sealed space slows down the movement of heat in and out of your home, acting like a thermos.
A common addition to daily life, IGU is used in:
- Shower enclosures and bathroom partitions
- Commercial storefronts and curtain walls
- Residential windows
- Doors
- Skylights, conservatories, and sunrooms
Types of Insulated Glass
Insulated glass units (IGUs) can be grouped in several categories depending on the glass type, gas fill, and number of panes.
By Glass Type
- Float (Standard) Glass: This type is not very strong but can be upgraded with coatings. It’s typically used in standard double-pane windows, mirrors, and decorative glass panels.
- Toughened (Tempered) Glass: Need extra strength for your patio door or shower enclosure? Tempered glass resists impact but what’s more: it breaks into small pieces to reduce injury risk.
- Laminated Glass: Built like a sandwich of two layers of glass with a plastic core that holds it together, it stays in one place even when cracked. Great for quieting city noise or securing your storefront.
- Annealed Glass: The cheapest of glass type options, hence the weakest, it’s used in interior glass panels, budget-friendly double glazing, and places where breakage is unlikely.
- Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass: With a special coating that drives away heat and UV rays, it ensures room temperature control and can reduce energy loss by up to 50%. Low-E is great for energy-efficient windows, sun-facing walls, and climate-controlled rooms.
By Gas Fill
- Air-Filled: Providing basic insulation at low costs, this type uses air between the glass panes and is a good option for windows in mild climates where insulation isn’t a priority.
- Argon Gas-Filled: Argon insulates better than air, slowing down heat transfer and making your home energy-efficient. Used in residential windows to improve comfort and save on energy bills.
- Krypton Gas-Filled: Known to block heat better than argon, its applications typically cover triple- or quadruple-pane windows for luxury homes, passive houses, or cold climates.
By Number of Panes
- Double Glazed (two panes): The most common option for homes, this type of IGU has two layers with a sealed space in between. Used in homes, condos, and light commercial buildings.
- Triple Glazed (three panes): With three glass layers and two sealed spaces, it increases insulation and reduces noise. Best for homes in cold areas or ones near highways.
- Quadruple Glazed (four panes): Offering maximum insulation and soundproofing, it consists of four glass layers and three sealed spaces. Heavier and more expensive, it’s used in passive houses, luxury builds, and commercial buildings.
Where To Buy Insulated Panels
There are several options where you can find IGU for your project size.
Your Local Glass Shop
A good option for small to mid-sized residential needs, local shops offer standard-sized double-pane or tempered IGUs and sometimes custom orders.
Pro tip: Ask if delivery and installation are included.
Window and Door Companies
Great for remodels but offering limited custom options, window and door companies sell new insulated glass as part of a complete system.
Recommendation: If you need to replace the glass without the frame, check if there’s an IGU-only service.
Online Glass Retailers
Got your measurements? Order online and have your insulated glass delivered straight to your doorstep and ready to be installed.
Highlights: Check measurements and spec details to avoid costly returns.
Home Improvement Stores
Ideal for standard-sized IGUs or small projects, home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot typically offer double-glazed units that you’ll need to install yourself.
Expert advice: Check if the store offers special orders or delivery, especially if you need large and heavy panels.
Commercial Glazing Suppliers
The go-to place for contractors working on large-scale projects with high-spec requirements, here you can find bulk or specialty IGUs: fire-rated, noise-reducing, or quad glazing.
Pro tip: Call ahead if you’re a homeowner or small business to ask if they can do custom orders.
Shop Insulated Glass at Steel City Glass
Giving you more than IGU, Steel City Glass makes your home or commercial space comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Our panels are engineered in-house and are designed to enhance temperature control, keeping your place refreshingly cool when the sun is scorching and comfortably warm when temperatures drop.
Lower energy consumption means lower bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
But that’s not all. You get a modern look and feel, protection of floors and furniture from UV rays, and professional installation to enjoy your place from day one.
Do you need more glass services? Check out our mirrors, shelving, swinging and sliding enclosures — all with warranties.
Insulated Glass: FAQs
What drives the price of insulated glass?
Several factors affect cost, including the number of panes, gas fill type, and installation complexity.
How long do IGUs last?
IGUs can last up to 30 years with quality seals and professional installation.
Are triple-glazed units worth it?
Yes, triple-glazed glass is ideal for extremely cold climates where improved energy efficiency is a priority.
Can I replace single-pane windows with insulated glass?
Absolutely, call our experts at Steel City Glass and they’ll advice on the retro‑fitting process.
Where can I buy IGUs online?
To buy IGUs online, check out trusted online glass shops offering standard sizes and custom Low‑E options.
