--- title: Why Specify Which Type of Glass? | Vitro Architectural Glass description: Learn why selecting and specifying the right architectural glass is critical for performance, aesthetics and value. image: https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/_0010_345%204th%20St%20-%20view%20one.jpg --- [![Vitro Architectural Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/vitro_logo_color.svg)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/) - [Products](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/) - - [Low-e Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 60 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-60-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 60 *Optiblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-60-optiblue-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 65 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-65-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 70 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-70-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 70 *Optiblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-70-optiblue-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 72 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-72-glass/) - [*Solarban*® 90 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-90-glass/) - [Reflective Low-e Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/) - [*Solarban*® R67 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r67-glass/) - [*Solarban*® R77 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r77-glass/) - [*Solarban*® R100 Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-r100-glass/) - [*Solarban Champane*™ Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/reflective-low-e-glass/solarban-champane-low-e-glass/) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/) - [***Starphire Ultra-Clear*® Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/) - [Heavy *Starphire*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/heavy-starphire-glass/) - [Interior *Starphire*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/interior-starphire-glass/) - [Exterior *Starphire*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/starphire-ultra-clear-glass/exterior-starphire-glass/) - [***Acuity*® Low-Iron Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/acuity-low-iron-glass/) - [Enhanced U-Value](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/enhanced-u-value/) - [*Sungate ThermL*™ Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/enhanced-u-value/sungate-therml-glass/) - [*VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/advanced-glass-applications/vacumax-vacuum-insulating-glass/) - [Tinted Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/) - [**Blue & Green Tinted Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/) - [*Pacifica*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/pacifica-glass/) - [*Azuria*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/azuria-glass/) - [*Atlantica*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/atlantica-glass/) - [*Solarblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/solarblue-glass/) - [*Solexia*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/solexia-glass/) - [*Optiblue*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/blue-green-tinted-glass/optiblue-glass/) - [**Gray & Bronze Tinted Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/) - [*Solarbronze*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/solarbronze-glass/) - [*Optigray*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/optigray-glass/) - [*Solargray*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/solargray-glass/) - [*Graylite*® II Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/gray-bronze-tinted-glass/graylite-ii-glass/) - [**Reflective Tinted Glass**](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/reflective-tinted-glass/) - [*Solarcool*® Glasses](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/reflective-tinted-glass/solarcool-glasses/) - [*Vistacool*® Glasses](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/tinted-glass/reflective-tinted-glass/vistacool-glasses/) - [Bird Safe Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/bird-safe-glass/) - [*BirdSmart*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/bird-safe-glass/birdsmart-glass/) - [*Solarban*® *AviProtek*® Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/bird-safe-glass/solarban-aviprotek-glass/) - [Advanced Glass Applications](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/advanced-glass-applications/) - [*VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/advanced-glass-applications/vacumax-vacuum-insulating-glass/) - [Glass Partnerships](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/glass-partnerships/) - [Walker Glass | Decorative & Bird-Friendly](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/glass-partnerships/walker-glass/) - [Vitro X™](https://www.vitro-x.com/) - [Other Glass & Applications](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/) - [*Spandrelite*™ Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/spandrelite-glass/) - [Residential Glass](https://www.vitrowindowglass.com/) - [Interior Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/interior-glass/) - [*Clarvista*® Shower Glass](https://www.clarvista.com/) - [Decorative Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/decorative-glass/) - [Safety & Security Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/safety-security-glass/) - [*Herculite*® Heat-Treated Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/herculite-heat-treated-glass/) - [*Titan*™ Oversized Coated Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/titan-oversized-coated-glass/) - [*EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) - [Glass for Renovation & Historic Preservation](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/other-glass-applications/glass-for-renovation-historic-preservation/) - [Discontinued Products](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/discontinued-products/) - [Design Resources](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/) - - [Tools](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/) - [*VitroVerse*® Glass Tools Mobile Hub](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/vitroverse/) - [Construct an IGU](https://construct.vitroglazings.com/) - [Thermal Stress Analysis](https://technicalresources.vitroglazings.com/ThermalStress/) - [*Vitro GlassFinder™*](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) - [*VitroSphere*® Visualizer Tool](https://thevitrosphere.com/) - [*emissions*™ Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/) - [*FramingFactor*™](https://www.vitroframingfactor.com/) - [*GlassScope*™](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/glassscope/) - [*TechQuest AI*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/techquest-ai/) - [BIM & Specs](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/) - [BIM Files](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/bim-files/) - [Short-Form Specs](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/short-form-specs/) - [Long-Form Specs](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/bim-specs/long-form-specs/) - [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) - [Sustainability](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/) - [Embodied Carbon in Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/embodied-carbon-in-glass/) - [LEED Credit Categories](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/leed-credit-categories/) - [Request LEED Documentation](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/request-leed-documentation/) - [Sustainability Documentation](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/sustainability-documentation/) - [Affiliations & Memberships](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/affiliations-memberships/) - [*EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sustainability/ecoarmor/) - [Order Samples](https://samples.vitroglazings.com/) - [Sample Literature](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/sample-literature/) - [Product Literature](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/product-literature/) - [Technical Information](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/) - - [Technical Documents](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/technical-documents/) - [Technical Data Sheets](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/technical-data-sheets/) - [Performance Data Tables](https://www.vitroglazings.com/technical-information/performance-data-tables/) - [Education](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/) - - [Continuing Education](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/continuing-education/) - [How Glass is Made](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/how-glass-is-made/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - [Making Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/making-glass) - [Specifying Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/specifying-glass) - [Science of Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/science-of-glass) - [All Topics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - [Bird-Friendly Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/bird-friendly-glass) - [Environment & Ecology](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/environment-ecology) - [Glass Color & Aesthetics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-color-aesthetics) - [Glass Fabrication](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-fabrication) - [Glass Installation](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-installation) - [Insulating Glass Units](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/insulating-glass-units) - [Low-E Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-e-glass) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-iron-glass) - [Understanding Performance](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/understanding-performance) - [Glossary](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glossary) - [FAQs](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/faqs) - [Project Support](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/) - - [Architects: Find Your Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/architects-find-your-rep/) - [Glass Supply Chain: Find Your Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/glass-supply-chain-find-your-rep/) - [Where to Buy Vitro Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/where-to-buy-vitro-glass/) - [*Vitro Certified*® Network](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/) - [Find a Fabricator (U.S. & Canada)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/find-a-fabricator-us-canada/) - [Find a Fabricator (Mexico)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/find-a-fabricator-mexico/) - [Find a Fabricator (International)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-certified-network/find-a-fabricator-international/) - [*Vitro Concierge Program*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-concierge-program/) - [Project Consideration Form](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/vitro-concierge-program/project-consideration-form/) - [Fabricator Login](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/fabricator-login/) - [Safety Data Sheets](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/safety-data-sheets/) - [CE Marking](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/ce-marking/) - [About](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/) - - [Plants & Facilities](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/) - [Carlisle Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/carlisle-glass-plant/) - [Fresno Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/fresno-glass-plant/) - [Garcia Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/garcia-glass-plant/) - [Meadville Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/meadville-glass-plant/) - [Mexicali Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/mexicali-glass-plant/) - [Wichita Falls Glass Plant](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/plants-facilities/wichita-falls-glass-plant/) - [News](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/news/) - [Events](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/events/) - [Careers](https://vitro.com/en/careers/) - [Where to Buy Vitro Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/where-to-buy-vitro-glass/) - [Glass Insider eNewsletter](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/glass-insider-enewsletter/) - [Visitor Feedback](https://www.vitroglazings.com/about/visitor-feedback/) - [Get Samples](https://samples.vitroglazings.com/) - [Tools](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/) - [*VitroVerse*® Glass Tools Mobile Hub](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/vitroverse/) - [*Vitro GlassFinder*™](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) - [Construct an IGU](https://construct.vitroglazings.com/) - [Thermal Stress Analysis](https://technicalresources.vitroglazings.com/ThermalStress/) - [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) - [*VitroSphere*® Visualizer Tool](https://thevitrosphere.com/) - [*emissions*™ Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/) - [*FramingFactor*™](https://www.vitroframingfactor.com/) - [*GlassScope*™](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/glassscope/) - [*TechQuest AI*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/techquest-ai/) - [Find a Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/) - [Find Your Architectural Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/architects-find-your-rep/) - [Find Your Sales Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/glass-supply-chain-find-your-rep/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - Other Vitro Sites - [Residential Glass](https://www.vitrowindowglass.com/) - [*Starphire*® Glass](https://www.starphireglass.com/) - [*Clarvista*® Glass](https://www.clarvista.com/) - [Vitro Glass](https://vitroglass.com/) - [Vitro X™ Innovation Partnerships](https://www.vitro-x.com/) - [Fabricator Login](https://vcnmember.com/) - [Contact](https://www.vitroglazings.com/contact/) [![SEARCH](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/search.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#search) [Get Samples](https://samples.vitroglazings.com/) - [Tools *▼*](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/) - [*VitroVerse*® Glass Tools Mobile Hub](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/vitroverse/) - [*Vitro GlassFinder™*](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) - [Construct an IGU](https://construct.vitroglazings.com/) - [Thermal Stress Analysis](https://technicalresources.vitroglazings.com/ThermalStress/) - [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) - [*VitroSphere*® Visualizer Tool](https://thevitrosphere.com/) - [*emissions*™ Calculator](https://www.emissionscalc.com/) - [*FramingFactor*™](https://www.vitroframingfactor.com/) - [*GlassScope*™](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/glassscope/) - [*TechQuest AI*®](https://www.vitroglazings.com/design-resources/tools/techquest-ai/) - [Find a Rep *▼*](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/) - [Find Your Architectural Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/architects-find-your-rep/) - [Find Your Sales Rep](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/glass-supply-chain-find-your-rep/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - Other Vitro Sites *▼* - [Residential Glass](https://www.vitrowindowglass.com/) - [*Starphire*® Glass](https://www.starphireglass.com/) - [*Clarvista*® Glass](https://www.clarvista.com/) - [Vitro Glass](https://vitroglass.com/) - [Vitro X™ Innovation Partnerships](https://www.vitro-x.com/) - [Fabricator Login](https://vcnmember.com/) - [Contact](https://www.vitroglazings.com/contact/)   - [Home](https://www.vitroglazings.com/) - [Education](https://www.vitroglazings.com/education/) - [Glass Education Center](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center/blog%20feature%20images/transparent_spacer_1150x600.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass) & [Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/tag/slideshow) # Why Specify Which Type of Glass? 3 minute read ## What You'll Learn: - Choosing the Right Glass Matters - Four Common Glass Types Serve Different Needs - Low‑E Glass Improves Energy Performance - Glass Type Affects Appearance and Performance ### Sections - [Low-e Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#low-e) - [Clear Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#clear) - [Tinted Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#tinted) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#low-iron) Choosing the right architectural glass is crucial to a successful project. For more informed decisions in the evaluation, selection and specification of architectural glass, Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG glass) recommends becoming familiar with the properties and benefits of the four most common glass types: low-e coated glass, clear glass, low-iron glass and tinted glass. [![Why Specify Which Type of Glass? Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center/slideshow/whyspecify2019_slide-1.jpg)View Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center/slideshow/whyspecify2019_slide-1.jpg) ### Low-e Coated Glass Coated vision glass was first introduced in the 1960s to reduce heat gain from the sun and to expand aesthetic options. Low-emissivity or “low-e” coatings are made of metallic oxides. They reflect any long-wave energy from the surface of the glass, minimizing the amount of heat passing through it. Low-e coatings restrict the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that can pass through glass without compromising the amount of visible light transmitted. When heat or light energy is absorbed by glass, it is either shifted away by moving air or reradiated by the glass surface. #### Reasons to Specify Low-e Coated Glass Ideal for heating-dominated climates, passive low-e coated glass allows some of the sun’s short-wave infrared energy to pass through. This helps heat a building, while still reflecting the interior long-wave heat energy back inside. Ideal for cooling-dominated climates, solar control low-e coated glass blocks solar heat energy and provides thermal insulation. This keeps cool air inside and hot air outside. There are many benefits of energy-efficient coated glasses, including increased occupant comfort and productivity, management of daylight and glare control. Low-e coated glasses allow the building owner to better manage energy consumption by reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling, leading to long-term cost savings. ### Clear Glass Clear glass is the most commonly used type of glass and is available in a variety of thicknesses. It typically has high visible light transmittance and reasonable color neutrality and transparency, though its green hue intensifies as the thickness increases. The color and performance of clear glass varies by manufacturer due to a lack of a formal color or performance specification defined by ASTM International. #### Reasons to Specify Clear Glass Clear glass is widely specified because of its low cost due to its use of recycled material. It’s an excellent substrate for high performance low-e coatings and in a variety of thicknesses, from 2.5 millimeters to 19 millimeters. It is an excellent substrate for high performance low-e coatings. Application types for clear glass include insulating glass units (IGUs) and windows, as well as doors, mirrors, laminated safety glass, interiors, facades and partitions. ### Tinted Glass Created by incorporating a minor admixture into the glass during manufacturing, tinted glass provides neutral warm or cool-palette colors, such as blue, green bronze and gray. It also features a wide range of tints from light to medium to dark without affecting the basic properties of the glass, though they do affect heat and light transmittance to varying degrees. In addition, tinted glass can be laminated, tempered or heat-strengthened to satisfy strength or safety requirement. Much like clear glass, the color and performance of tinted glass varies by manufacturer because no ASTM color or performance specification for tinted glass exists. #### Reasons to Specify Tinted Glass Tinted glass is ideal for any project that can benefit from added color that harmonizes with the overall building design and site features. Tinted glass is also beneficial for reducing glare and limiting solar heat gain when used in conjunction with low-e coatings. Some applications for tinted glass include IGUs, facades, safety glazing, spandrel glass and single-lite monolithic glass. Tinted glasses can be produced with low-e coatings for additional passive or solar control performance. Tinted glass can also be laminated, tempered or heat-strengthened to satisfy strength or safety glazing requirements. ### Low-Iron Glass Low-iron glass is made with a formulation that gives it heightened levels of clarity and transparency compared to traditional clear glass. Because there is no ASTM specification for low-iron glass, clarity levels can vary widely based on how they are manufactured and the levels of iron found in their formulae. #### Reasons to Specify Low-Iron Glass Low-iron glass typically is specified because it features a just percent of the iron content of regular glass, allowing it to transmit 91% of light compared to 83% of regular glass, without the greening effect associated with clear glass panels. Low-iron glass also features a high degree of clarity and color fidelity. Low-iron glass is ideal for safety and security glazing, safety barriers, protective windows and doors. Low-iron glass also is specified for interior elements such as spiderwalls, balustrades, fish tanks, decorative glass, shelves, tabletops, backsplashes and doors. Exterior applications include vision glazing, skylights, entrances and storefronts. To learn more about the different types of glass and for help determining which one is right for your next project, visit [vitroglazings.com](https://www.vitroglazings.com/) **Topics:** [Low-E Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-e-glass), [Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/slideshow), [Low-Iron Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-iron-glass), [Choosing Glass Products](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/choosing-glass-products), [Glass Color & Aesthetics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-color-aesthetics), [Specifying Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/specifying-glass) Updated on August 20, 2026 This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Topics - [Making Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/making-glass) - [Specifying Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/specifying-glass) - [Science of Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/science-of-glass) - [All Topics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) - [Bird-Friendly Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/bird-friendly-glass) - [Environment & Ecology](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/environment-ecology) - [Glass Color & Aesthetics](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-color-aesthetics) - [Glass Fabrication](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-fabrication) - [Glass Installation](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/glass-installation) - [Insulating Glass Units](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/insulating-glass-units) - [Low-E Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-e-glass) - [Low-Iron Glass](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/low-iron-glass) - [Understanding Performance](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/tag/understanding-performance) - [Glossary](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glossary) - [FAQs](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/faqs) ### Subscribe to our newsletter ### Word of the Month #### ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers. [Explore Glossary](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glossary) ### Question of the Month #### Are there special safety glazing requirements in overhead glazing? [Explore FAQs](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/faqs) ## Other articles you might be interested in [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/how-to-view-glass-samples) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/how-to-view-glass-samples) & [Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/tag/slideshow) ### [How to View Glass Samples](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/how-to-view-glass-samples) 2 minute read [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/heat-treated-glass-its-all-about-the-pressure) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/heat-treated-glass-its-all-about-the-pressure) & [Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/tag/slideshow) ### [Heat-Treated Glass: It's All About the Pressure](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/heat-treated-glass-its-all-about-the-pressure) 1 minute read [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/types-of-glass-fabrication) ###### [ARTICLE](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/types-of-glass-fabrication) & [Slideshow](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/topics/tag/slideshow) ### [Types of Glass Fabrication](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/types-of-glass-fabrication) 1 minute read ## Related products and tools [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/acuity-low-iron-glass/) ### [*Solarban*® *Acuity*®Glass](https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-iron-glass/acuity-low-iron-glass/) [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) ### [*Vitro GlassFinder*™](https://vitroglassfinder.com/) [![](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/transparent_spacer_415x215.png)](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) ### [Project & Case Study Gallery](https://projects.vitroglazings.com/) **Have a Project?**   Contact your Architectural Rep. [Find Yours](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/find-your-architectural-rep/) ###### Follow [![X](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_twitter_x.png)](https://twitter.com/vitro_glazings) [![LinkedIn](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitro-architectural-glass) [![Instagram](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/vitro_glazings/) [![Blog](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_rss.png)](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/) [![Youtube](https://www.vitroglazings.com/assets/images/footer_social_youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@VitroGlass) ###### Contact - **U.S./Canada** 1-855-887-6457 - **International** 1-412-820-4920 - **Mexico** +52 (81) 8329-3254 ###### Subscribe to Our Newsletter   [Back to Top](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#top) [Trademarks](https://www.vitroglass.com/customer-resources/trademarks/?__hstc=147728168.1e5155cb3bd943b4cfdf6855b2375191.1780596348904.1784136720006.1784143403337.43&__hssc=147728168.13.1784143403337&__hsfp=332e4be227c7e897d162b2f34cf13aa1) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.vitroglazings.com/privacy-policy/) [California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010](https://www.vitroglazings.com/media/m1pn4mde/california-transparency-in-supply-chains-act-of-2010.pdf) | © Copyright Vitro 2026 [Back to Top](https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass#top) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Vitro Architectural Glass", "url" : "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass" }, "dateModified" : "2026-08-20T16:07:59.510Z", "datePublished" : "2018-12-10T19:32:00.000Z", "headline" : "Why Specify Which Type of Glass? | Vitro Architectural Glass", "image" : [ "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Glass%20Education%20Center%202021/_0010_345%204th%20St%20-%20view%20one.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/why-specify-which-type-of-glass", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Vitro_Architectural_Glass_rgb_600-1.png" }, "name" : "Pipitone Group" } } ```