When it comes time for you to replace your front door, it’s super helpful to know what different types of glass are available. Even if it looks clear and transparent, there’s more than meets the eye. From which type of glass is best for entry doors, to how stained glass gets green, we’re answering all your glass questions. 

What is insulated glass? 

Insulated glass refers to two panes of glass separated by air or an inert gas such as argon. This prevents heat loss and regulates the internal temperature of a building. At RealCraft, our entry doors come with insulated glass as standard, in either a clear or frosted finish, as shown on the Rodanthe Pivot Door below. 

What is tempered glass? 

Tempered glass has been heat treated. It goes through extreme heat and rapid cooling. This introduces competing forces—the inside remains in a state of tension and the outside is compressed. It's these competing pressures that make it much stronger than non-tempered glass. Should tempered glass break, it shatters into much smaller pieces that are not as sharp. For this reason, tempered glass is used for things like shower doors. 

Specialty Glass Types 

Annealed Glass

This glass type hasn’t been tempered or heat-treated, so it will break into large, sharp pieces. It’s subjected to controlled cooling so that it can be cut and polished after fabrication. Annealed glass is suitable for interior applications, or exterior doors in milder climates, where insulation is less of a concern. We don’t recommend annealed single-panel glass in climates with cold winters or extreme temperature changes. 

Leaded Glass 

Our leaded glass is made from single panels of annealed glass that are connected with lead strips. For exterior doors, we typically insulate this single panel inside two clear panels of tempered glass. So if you’re worried about the potential toxicity of lead, don’t fear. Lead is toxic when ingested, but as you don’t eat off of the glass on your door, in real terms, the risk is extremely minimal. If you have pets or small children, though, you may want to avoid non-insulated leaded door glass out of an abundance of caution. 

Stained Glass

Stained glass is created with metallic salts that color the glass. Different minerals and metals create different colors. For example, chromium and iron oxide will make glass a dark green. Stained glass is a common feature in Craftsman style homes and other historic homes and buildings. 

SolarBan Glass

SolarBan Low-E glass bounces back UV radiation while allowing visible light to pass through. The end result is greater insulation power, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. SolarBan 60 and 70 each have a very faint green tint that you may notice in comparison to regular insulated glass. But this is worth it in climates with extreme temperatures, saving you money on energy bills and keeping your home more comfortable. 

Fluted Glass

Fluted glass has vertical grooves in it. This style is not only beautiful--it’s also privacy-enhancing. The vertical grooves obscure imagery while allowing natural light to pass through. Consider it the ideal compromise between frosted and clear glass. 

Glue Chip Glass

This traditional pattern adds texture and visual interest. It can look like frost or have a spiral-like pattern. Glue chip glass literally is glass that has been chipped by glue. As the glue dries, it puts pressure on the surface of the glass and etches out little shards. If you want a vintage look, glue chip is perfect for you. 

Flemish Glass

Flemish glass has a wavy, slightly distorted appearance that mimics the look of hand-blown glass. It’s another popular option thanks to its old-fashioned feeling, but it isn’t as privacy enhancing as some other specialty glass types. 

What type of glass is best for an exterior door? 

Insulated or SolarBan glass are best for exterior doors. This is because they have greater insulation value and prevent thermal energy transfer. As exterior doors play an important role in insulating and regulating your home’s internal temperature, this is where upgrading to insulated glass really matters. 

However, those in milder climates can still incorporate single-panel and specialty glass into their designs.At RealCraft, we can source any of the specialty glass types above, plus dozens more. Reach out to us for a custom door quote with the specialty glass you're looking for.