When you are building a new house for your family, you certainly want the best for yourself. This is why you ask questions and seek professional answers. The question of glass is no exception, as you want to know what types of glass, windows, and doors will best suit your needs. We at Gilbert Glass often get calls from our current and prospective customers, who want to know the difference between transparent and opaque glass, as well as the benefits and weaknesses of both. This is why we decided to devote some time to the discussion of these issues.
In order to understand how opaque glass differs from transparent glass you should first learn the principles of glass physics. We have already talked about conduction, and here we must turn our heads to convection. The latter is the way heat moves through gases and liquids. For example, warm air is usually above the air which is cooler: this is one of the basic laws of physics you learn at school. Likewise, heat moves through the window glass, and professionals at Gilbert Glass know that the quality of windows and your comfort at home greatly depends on the way glass transmits heat. This is where the difference between transparent and opaque windows comes into play.
All opaque objects, including glass, do not transmit more than 50 percent of heat and light. Some opaque objects absorb as much as 95 percent of energy and solar radiation. The darker the opaque glass window the more solar radiation it will absorb. So, if you are looking for a sun-absorbing window, use dark opaque glass that will leave all solar energy beyond your premises. For example, in industrial manufacturing units opaque glass can become a real savior and a perfect protection against overheating.
By contrast, transparent glass absorbs only 10 percent of solar radiation, transmitting the rest into the house. Once transmitted, this solar radiation is re-transmitted again by the interior surfaces in the form of infrared radiation. Yet, transparent windows are the best solution for homes, and you can choose among different energy-efficient varieties of glass, to meet your comfort demands. Gilbert Glass is always at your disposal!
