Finding the right window type for you is crucial when shopping for home replacement windows.
But…what’s an often overlooked part of a window that makes up 98% of the product? The glass.
Yes, the frame of a replacement window is important to consider for the function, protection, and aesthetics of your home. But, the window glass will affect how energy efficient your windows will be.
When shopping for the right windows for your home, you must consider the type of glass they are made with.
Cardinal Glass Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality and energy-efficient glass for replacement windows.
At Southwest Exteriors, we offer top-rated replacement windows with Cardinal glass to provide you with the most energy-efficient windows to meet your home's needs.
We want you to understand the importance that window glass plays in the energy efficiency of your home and what makes Cardinal glass one of the best window glass manufacturers in the business.
This article will outline four This article will outline four elements of Cardinal glass that differentiates it from other glass types.
After reading, you’ll know more about Cardinal Glass Industries and what sets them apart from other window glass manufacturers. Then, you can better know if Cardinal glass windows are the best option for you.
About Cardinal Glass Industries
Cardinal Glass Industries started its legacy as a leading glass manufacturer in 1962, founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their corporation now has 37 manufacturing locations across the country.
Cardinal continues to innovate in the replacement window industry. New Low-E coatings, window pane technologies, and energy-efficient solutions are just a few of their popular innovations.
Some of their specialty glass products include custom tempered glass, laminated glass, and coated glass.
Cardinal has remained at the top of the glass manufacturing industry for decades. They provide window glass solutions to meet any need.
What makes Cardinal glass different than other window glass types?
Now that you know a little more history about Cardinal Glass Industries, you want to know what sets them apart.
Why is their glass the best? What makes them different? How will their glass affect my replacement windows and home?
There are four major things about Cardinal glass that makes it different from other window glass types:
- Cardinal window glass has a two-seal system, the first seal being a polyisobutylene seal
- The secondary glass seal is a silicon seal
- Cardinal window glass contains a stainless steel spacer
- Desiccant is used between the glass spacers to absorb moisture
Here, we’re going to look into each of these four differentiators that set Cardinal glass apart from other window glass manufacturers. Then, you can better understand what makes them the best in the industry.
1, Cardinal window glass has a two-seal system, the first seal being a polyisobutylene seal
One of the first things that makes Cardinal glass different from other glass types is its two-seal system.
The first seal is made of polyisobutylene (PIB), which is a polymer. Polymers are flexible yet durable elements that can withstand impact without damage.
PIB is a synthetic rubber often used for sealants. This allows them to create a tight and effective seal, protecting the window glass from moisture and gasses.
The first PIB seal in Cardinal glass sits between the glass panes of the window along the edges of the glass.
- The primary seal first ensures no gas or air can escape from between the gas panes. This allows the glass to maintain its insulating properties.
- Secondly, the PIB seal ensures no moisture can penetrate into the glass panes, which would cause fogginess in your windows.
Overall, the primary polyisobutylene seal is the first protectant for maintaining the insulation and energy efficiency of Cardinal glass windows. Without this first seal, the glass is more susceptible to gas leaking and moisture entering the panes.
2. The secondary glass seal is a silicon seal
The next factor that sets Cardinal glass apart from other glass manufacturers is the secondary silicon seal.
The silicon used in Cardinal glass is specially formulated to provide long-term protection. Silicon is a firmer substance than polyisobutylene and is the best sealant to protect against weathering.
The silicon seal sits below the PIB seal within Cardinal glass panes. It creates another barrier against moisture and outside elements that may damage the rubbery seal.
Think of the primary seal to encapsulate the glass and protect the glass from moisture and gas leakage. The secondary seal protects the primary seal from weathering and other external forces.
The silicon seal also provides the panes with more structure, making the integrity of the window glass stronger.
Both the polyisobutylene seal and silicon seal work together to ensure the window glass panes stay in place, maintain their insulating properties, and block any moisture from entering the glass panes. They work together to create the best insulating window glass on the market.
3. Cardinal window glass contains a stainless steel spacer
The third thing that makes Cardinal glass one of the best is the use of a stainless steel spacer between the glass panes. This spacer sits horizontally between the glass panes, while the primary and secondary seals are vertical between and around the panes.
The stainless steel spacer provides the glass panes with more structure and strength between panes and also acts as another barrier that fights against condensation and moisture getting into the panes.
Stainless steel is also a non-conductive metal. This means the spacer will not trap any heat, which would heat up your windows and, ultimately, your home.
Overall, the stainless steel spacer in Cardinal glass window panes accentuates the moisture resistance and strength of the two-seal system, allowing the windows to maintain their insulating properties, structural strength, and fight against moisture and fogginess.
4. Desiccant is used between the glass spacers to absorb moisture
The fourth and final element of Cardinal glass that makes them different from other glass types is their use of a desiccant within the panes.
A desiccant is a hygroscopic material that sustains dryness in an area. In Cardinal glass, the desiccant sits below the stainless steel spacer. It protects the bottom of the pane from any moisture that may try to penetrate into the panes.
The desiccant absorbs moisture in the area. Any humidity or water that may come close to it will be absorbed by the desiccant before even reaching the seal. Cardinal’s desiccant also maintains the pressure between the glass panes, preventing any shifting or potential damage to the glass and frame.
The desiccant is the fourth thing in Cardinal glass that improves the structural integrity of the glass, prevents moisture from entering between the panes, creating fogginess, and maintains the insulating properties of the window glass.
The importance glass makes in replacement windows
Now that you know more about Cardinal glass and the four key elements that make them different than other glass types, you can better understand why it is a top performer for replacement windows.
Cardinal glass is one of the best types of manufactured glass for replacement windows because of its:
- Primary polyisobutylene seal
- Secondary silicon seal
- Stainless steel spacer
- Desiccant
Each of these four vital elements of Cardinal glass works together to create a highly insulating, energy-efficient glass that repels moisture and won’t fog your windows.
When shopping for the right replacement windows for your home, it’s important to know what you want. What kind of frame are you looking for? What do you want it to look like? How do you want it to perform? How energy efficient do you want it to be?
All these questions are crucial to consider when outlining your goals for your window replacement project. You must find the right window and glass for your home.
But how do you do that? By having the right information about all your options for your replacement window glass.
What window companies use Cardinal glass?
Cardinal Glass is a popular brand of insulated glass used by many window manufacturers in their windows. Some of the window manufacturers that use Cardinal Glass in their windows include:
- Andersen Windows
- Marvin Windows and Doors
- Pella Windows and Doors
- Milgard Windows and Doors
- Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors
- Weather Shield Windows and Doors
It's worth noting that while many window manufacturers use Cardinal Glass, some may also use other brands of insulated glass or produce their own insulated glass units in-house. If you're interested in purchasing windows with Cardinal Glass, it's best to check with the manufacturer to see if they offer it as an option.
What type of energy efficient glass does Cardinal glass make?
Cardinal Glass offers several types of energy-efficient glass for windows, including:
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Low-E (low-emissivity) glass: Low-E glass has a microscopically thin, transparent coating that reflects heat back to its source, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Low-E glass can also help reduce fading of furniture and carpeting by blocking harmful UV rays.
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Double-pane insulated glass: Double-pane insulated glass consists of two panes of glass separated by a spacer, which creates an insulating layer of air or gas between the panes. This helps reduce heat loss or gain and can improve energy efficiency.
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Triple-pane insulated glass: Triple-pane insulated glass consists of three panes of glass separated by two spacers, creating two insulating layers of air or gas between the panes. This provides even greater insulation and energy efficiency than double-pane glass.
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Argon-filled glass: Argon is a colorless, odorless gas that is denser than air. When used to fill the space between the panes of insulated glass, it can further improve the window's insulating properties and energy efficiency.
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Krypton-filled glass: Krypton is another gas used to fill the space between the panes of insulated glass. It is even denser than argon and can provide even better insulation and energy efficiency, although it is typically more expensive than argon.
By offering a variety of energy-efficient glass options, Cardinal Glass allows homeowners and window manufacturers to choose the best option to meet their specific needs and budget.
Looking for San Antonio replacement windows with high-quality Cardinal glass?
At Southwest Exteriors, we offer a variety of window types from Vistamark, Marvin, Anlin, and ProVia with high-quality glass.
When you replace your windows with us, you’ll improve your home’s energy efficiency and won’t have to worry about your windows for a lifetime. We’ll be here to provide you with our professional services for as long as you own your home.
Ready to replace your home’s windows with a high-quality solution? Schedule your free, in-home consultation with an expert design consultant today!