Impact Window Glass Types Explained: Which Is Right for Your Florida Home?
Choosing the right glass type affects your energy bills, UV protection, comfort, and privacy — not just your hurricane protection. Here's everything you need to know about the four main options.
The 4 Main Impact Window Glass Types
Clear Glass
The most affordable option. Full hurricane protection with minimal energy efficiency. Best for shaded exposures or when budget is the top priority.
Solar Heat Rejection
~30%
Light Transmission
~90%
UV Block
~30%
Privacy
None
Cost vs. Clear
Base price
Best For
Any orientation; tightest budgets
Tinted Glass (Bronze, Gray, or Green)
Reduces glare and provides some solar control. A good option for west-facing bedrooms that get intense afternoon sun. Adds moderate privacy during daytime.
Solar Heat Rejection
~50%
Light Transmission
~70%
UV Block
~60%
Privacy
Moderate
Cost vs. Clear
+5%
Best For
West- and south-facing rooms; privacy needs
Low-E Glass
Most PopularThe sweet spot for most Florida homeowners. Blocks nearly all UV rays, dramatically reduces solar heat gain, and qualifies for ENERGY STAR. ESW includes Low-E standard on most lines.
Solar Heat Rejection
65–70%
Light Transmission
~75%
UV Block
~95%
Privacy
None
Cost vs. Clear
+8–15%
Best For
All Florida homes — best overall value
High-Performance Low-E
The highest-performing glass for Florida. Near-complete UV blockage and maximum solar heat rejection. Worth the premium for large homes with significant glass area or coastal exposure.
Solar Heat Rejection
75–85%
Light Transmission
~70%
UV Block
~99%
Privacy
None
Cost vs. Clear
+20–30%
Best For
Coastal homes; luxury builds; maximum efficiency
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Property | Clear | Tinted | Low-E | HP Low-E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Heat Rejection | 30% | 50% | 65–70% | 75–85% |
| Light Transmission | 90% | 70% | 75% | 70% |
| UV Block | 30% | 60% | 95% | 99% |
| Energy Savings | Baseline | Moderate | Good | Best |
| Privacy | None | Moderate | None | None |
| Cost Premium | Base | +5% | +8–15% | +20–30% |
Which Glass Type Should You Choose for Florida?
The best balance of cost, energy savings, and UV protection. Qualifies for ENERGY STAR in Florida's southern climate zone. ESW includes it standard.
Maximum solar control and near-total UV blocking. Worth the premium for large glass areas, ocean-facing exposures, or homes with high-end furnishings.
West-facing glass gets intense afternoon sun. Tinted glass combined with Low-E coating provides both solar control and glare reduction.
Full hurricane protection at the lowest cost. Best for north-facing windows or homes with significant shade from trees or overhangs.
Glass Options by Brand
ESW
- Low-E included standard on most lines
- Clear available on all models
- HP Low-E available as upgrade
- Strong overall value for energy efficiency
PGT
- Clear standard; Low-E costs extra
- HS Low-E (High Solar) — excellent for FL
- Obscure and decorative glass available
- Premium performance with upgrade options
Mr. Glass
- Clear glass standard
- Tinted options available
- Low-E available on select models
- Best for budget-focused projects
The Laminated Interlayer: What Makes It Impact-Rated
Regardless of which glass type you choose, all impact windows have one critical feature in common: a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer sandwiched between the glass panes. This is what holds the glass together when struck by debris — preventing dangerous shards and maintaining the seal against wind and rain.
Standard Interlayer: 0.090"
Used in most residential impact windows. Meets Miami-Dade NOA and Florida Product Approval requirements. Sufficient for all residential applications in South Florida.
Minimum Interlayer: 0.060"
The minimum thickness allowed for certification. Found in some budget products. Standard 0.090" is always preferred for maximum protection and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best glass for impact windows in South Florida?
For most South Florida homes, Low-E glass is the best choice. It blocks 65-70% of solar heat gain, provides 95% UV protection, and qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification. Coastal and luxury homes often benefit from High-Performance Low-E, which blocks up to 80% of solar heat.
Does tinted glass reduce air conditioning costs?
Yes, tinted glass provides moderate energy savings by blocking about 50% of solar heat gain, compared to 30% for clear glass. However, Low-E glass outperforms tinted glass for energy efficiency while also blocking 95% of UV rays that cause furniture fading. Most homeowners who want energy savings choose Low-E over tinted.
Is Low-E glass worth the extra cost in Florida?
Yes. Low-E glass typically adds 8-15% to the window cost but reduces AC bills by an additional $100-$250 per year compared to clear impact glass. The upgrade typically pays back in 3-5 years from energy savings alone, making it a smart investment for any Florida homeowner planning to stay in the home long-term.
Can I get clear glass impact windows?
Yes. Clear glass is available from all impact window brands and is the most affordable option. It still provides full hurricane protection through the laminated interlayer. The trade-off is lower energy efficiency — clear glass blocks only about 30% of solar heat, making AC costs higher than with Low-E options.
What makes impact glass different from regular glass?
Impact glass has a laminated interlayer — a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film sandwiched between two panes of glass. When struck, the glass cracks but the interlayer holds the shards together, preventing dangerous projectiles from entering your home. Standard residential glass shatters completely on impact. The laminated construction is what earns impact windows their Florida Product Approval and Miami-Dade NOA certifications.
Compare Brands and Get a Price
See how PGT, ESW, and Mr. Glass compare — or get an instant price estimate for your project.