Guardian Glass vs Tristar Glass | Prices & Reviews for Window Glass

October 16, 2024

BACK TO ALL

Key Takeaways

Guardian Glass offers a wide range of glass types including SunGuard and ClimaGuard, while Tristar Glass provides options like Insulated and Laminated Glass.
Guardian Glass products typically range from $10 to $50 per square foot, whereas Tristar Glass products cost between $8 and $45 per square foot.
Both Guardian and Tristar Glass offer energy-efficient options.
Panda Windows & Doors offers bespoke designs with a focus on high-quality, customizable glass wall systems, winning multiple awards for innovation.

Product Range

Guardian Glass

SunGuard eXtraSelective
SunGuard SuperNeutral
SunGuard High Performance
SunGuard Solar
Guardian ClimaGuard

Tristar Glass

Insulated Glass
Laminated Glass
Monolithic Glass
Silkscreen Spandrel
Security Glass

Ideal Uses for Each Glass Type In Windows and Doors

For commercial buildings, Guardian’s SunGuard eXtraSelective is a solid choice. It offers robust solar control, reducing the need for artificial cooling. This can result in significant energy savings over time.

In residential settings, Guardian’s ClimaGuard is more recommended. This glass type provides superior thermal insulation, keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Tristar’s Insulated Glass is another great option for residential use. It consists of two or more glass panes separated by a spacer, which reduces heat transfer.

For areas requiring additional safety, Tristar’s Laminated Glass is a good choice. It consists of multiple layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, making it much harder to break. This type of glass is commonly used in schools, hospitals, and other public buildings.

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.

We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 6-10 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.

Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

Energy Efficiency and Performance

Guardian’s SunGuard line of products are designed to reflect a significant amount of solar radiation, reducing the need for air conditioning in hot climates.

SunGuard glass is available in various performance levels, making it easy to find the right balance between light transmission and solar control.

Tristar’s Insulated Glass also offers good energy efficiency. By using multiple glass panes with a spacer, this type of glass significantly reduces heat transfer.

Guardian Glass

High solar control
Various performance levels

Tristar Glass

Multiple panes for better insulation
Reduces heat transfer

Energy-Efficient Features

Both Guardian Glass and Tristar Glass offer several energy-efficient features designed to improve the performance of their products.

Guardian’s SunGuard products, for example, feature advanced coatings that reflect solar radiation. The coatings are available in various performance levels, allowing you to choose the right balance between light transmission and solar control.

Tristar’s Insulated Glass features multiple glass panes separated by a spacer.

This design reduces heat transfer, helping to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The spacers are often filled with gas, such as argon, to further improve insulation.

Performance Ratings

Guardian’s SunGuard products typically have high ratings for solar control – meaning they are excellent at reflecting solar radiation, reducing the need for artificial cooling.

The products also have good ratings for thermal insulation, making them a great choice for both commercial and residential buildings.

Tristar’s Insulated Glass, on the other hand, is known for its excellent thermal insulation. The multiple glass panes and spacers significantly reduce heat transfer, helping to keep homes comfortable year-round.

These products also have good ratings for sound reduction, making them ideal for homes in noisy areas.

Steel Door

Choose from our vast range of fully-customizable windows and doors that open up your home.

Costs

Guardian Glass products typically range from $10 to $50 per square foot,
Tristar Glass products range from $8 to $45 per square foot.

Factors Affecting the Pricing

Type of Glass: Different types of glass, such as insulated, laminated, or low-E glass, have different price points. For instance, insulated glass tends to be more expensive due to its multiple panes and spacers.
Coatings and Treatments: Glass with special coatings or treatments, such as solar control or thermal insulation, can be more costly. These coatings improve the glass’s performance but add to the manufacturing cost.
Size and Thickness: Larger and thicker glass panels are generally more expensive. The size and thickness required will depend on the specific application and the level of performance needed.
Customization: Custom shapes, sizes, and designs can also increase the cost. If you need bespoke glass solutions, be prepared to pay a premium for the customization.

Product Reviews

Reviews for Guardian Glass

“We installed Guardian’s SunGuard eXtraSelective glass in our office building, and the difference is remarkable.” – John D., Facility Manager

“Guardian’s ClimaGuard glass has made a noticeable difference in our home. It’s much warmer in the winter, and we’ve seen a reduction in our heating costs.” – Sarah L., Homeowner

Reviews for Tristar Glass

“We chose Tristar’s Insulated Glass for our new windows, and it was a great decision. The house stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and our energy bills have gone down.” – Mike R., Homeowner

“We installed Tristar’s Laminated Glass in our school, and it’s made a big difference in safety. The glass is tough and secure, which is exactly what we needed.” – Karen S., School Administrator

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Bespoke Designs

Why Panda Windows & Doors Stand Out

Customization: We offer a wide range of customizable options, allowing you to create the perfect glass solution for your home or business.
Quality: Our products are made from high-quality materials and are designed to perform as well as they look.
Innovation: We are constantly innovating and have won multiple awards for our cutting-edge designs.
Experience: With over 30 years in the industry, we have the expertise to deliver exceptional results.

Our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a trusted name in the building and design community.

Whether you need folding doors, lift & slides, or horizontal wall systems, we have the perfect solution for you.

Customer Testimonials

Our customers consistently praise our products and services. Here are just a few examples:

“Panda Windows & Doors transformed our home with their custom glass wall system. The quality is outstanding, and the installation was seamless.” – Emily T., Homeowner

“We chose Panda for our commercial project, and we couldn’t be happier. Their innovative designs and high-quality products exceeded our expectations.” – Mark H., Architect

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are the glass options from both brands suitable for all climates?

Yes, both Guardian Glass and Tristar Glass offer products that are suitable for various climates. Guardian’s SunGuard and ClimaGuard lines are designed to provide excellent thermal insulation and solar control, making them ideal for both hot and cold climates.

Similarly, Tristar’s Insulated Glass is designed to reduce heat transfer, making it suitable for a wide range of environmental conditions.

How do you compare the durability of Guardian Glass and Tristar Glass?

Guardian’s products, particularly their laminated and insulated glass options, are designed to withstand significant impact and wear. Tristar’s Laminated Glass also offers excellent durability, making it a popular choice for applications requiring enhanced safety and security.

How can I maintain my new windows and doors?

Regular Cleaning: Clean the glass surfaces regularly with a mild detergent and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could scratch the glass.
Inspect Seals: Check the seals around the windows and doors for any signs of wear or damage. Replace damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency.
Lubricate Moving Parts: For windows and doors with moving parts, such as sliding or folding systems, lubricate the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation.
Check for Condensation: If you notice condensation between the panes of insulated glass, it may indicate a seal failure. Contact a professional to assess and repair the issue.
Protect from Impact: Avoid placing heavy objects near the glass that could cause accidental damage. Use window coverings or films to protect the glass from direct impact.