Single-Glazed with Bronze or Gray Tinted Glass

This figure illustrates the performance of a typical single-glazed unit with bronze (or gray) tinted glass. The primary purpose of bronze or gray tinted glass is to reduce solar heat gain. But, it also reduces visible light as compared to Single-Glazed Clear Glass or even other standard tinted glass products such as green and blue tints which offer significantly higher visible light transmission. Tinted glass is useful in controlling glare but solar heat gain and visible light transmission may be reduced relative to the performance of alternate glazing options such as High-Performance Tinted Glass or Low-E Glass with Moderate or Low-E Glass with Low Solar Gain. The tint has no effect on the U-factor but reduces solar heat gain which may be a benefit in the summer and a liability in the winter depending on local climate conditions.

Note: These values are for the center of glass only. They should only be used to compare the effect of different glazing types, not to compare total window products. Frame choice can drastically affect performance.