Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) aren’t a nice-to-have anymore, they’re required by building codes in nearly all new construction. But not all IGUs are created equal. Once you’ve met code minimums, the real decisions begin: Which coatings? What size? Can you add a pattern or tint? And how do those choices affect lead times, clarity, and cost?
At Clearlight Glass & Mirror, we work with builders, remodelers, and architects every day to help navigate these choices, especially as project volume grows and specs get more complex. Here’s what to keep in mind when planning your next round of insulated glass.
Code Requires IGUs, and That’s Just the Starting Line
Every new hotel, apartment complex, custom home build, or medical facility you build needs IG glass. The codes vary by region, but the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and state-level adaptations all require minimum energy performance, usually measured by U-factor and SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient).
To meet those, single-pane glass is out. IGUs are in; and how you spec them matters more than ever.
Low-E Coatings: Know What You’re Asking For
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings improve energy performance by reflecting heat, while still letting light pass through. However, there are tradeoffs:
- Soft Coat Low-E: Better performance, but more sensitive to edge damage and seal failure. Often used in residential or controlled installs.
- Hard Coat Low-E: Slightly lower performance but more durable, better for exposed edges or oversized units.
Also, consider how Low-E affects aesthetics. Some coatings can create a slight tint or haze, especially when viewed against high-end tile or dark backgrounds in a shower or commercial space. For high-design projects, clarity matters.
Pro tip: Always preview a sample with coatings before finalizing specs on client-facing areas like lobbies, stair railings, or shower enclosures.
Size Limits Can Catch You Off Guard
Not all IGUs can be produced at any size. And not every fabricator is equipped to handle oversized or arched insulated units.
At Clearlight Glass, we can now fabricate IGUs at scale, including complex sizes and shapes for high-end doors, curtainwalls, and oversized windows. But we still recommend locking in sizes early. Some design tweaks, like switching from a 44” panel to a 42” panel, can mean the difference between a standard turnaround or customs delays.
Yes, You Can Use Pattern Glass in IGs, Just Spec It Early
Patterned and textured glass adds visual impact to bathrooms, stair enclosures, and glass railings. And yes, you can combine pattern glass with Low-E coatings inside an IGU. Just know, it’s not a standard option.
If your project calls for rain glass, glue chip, frosted, or tinted options, let your glass fabricator know at the start of the project. We can advise on compatibility, thickness, and coating types that won’t interfere with the look your client wants.
Volume Orders Need More Than a Price Sheet
Whether you’re installing 300 mirrors in a hotel or building 50 new apartments, volume orders for IG glass require careful spec planning, especially when aesthetics, durability, and energy codes all matter.
At Clearlight, we help simplify that process:
- Early input on spec viability
- Samples and performance data
- Value engineering recommendations to preserve design goals without blowing timelines
Let’s Get Your Next IG Spec Right
Need help navigating IG choices? From Low-E combinations to pattern compatibility and oversized production, we can guide your team through the options and deliver what you need, when you need it.