Viracon Glass vs Glasswerks | Prices & Reviews for Window Glass

November 15, 2024

Key Takeaways

Viracon and Glasswerks both offer a wide range of glass products tailored for different applications, including residential and commercial uses.
Viracon’s glass products are known for their energy efficiency and performance, often utilized in high-profile architectural projects.
Glasswerks provides custom glass solutions, including unique color options and high-performance insulating glass units.
Pricing for both companies’ products varies based on glass type, size, and additional features such as coatings and treatments.
Panda Windows & Doors offers over 50 high-quality systems and is recognized for innovation and customization in glass wall systems.

Product Range

Different Types of Glass by Viracon Glass and Glasswerks

Viracon Glass provides a comprehensive range of architectural glass products designed to meet various performance and aesthetic requirements.

Insulating Glass: Provides thermal insulation and sound reduction.
Laminated Glass: Improves safety and security by holding together when shattered.
Spandrel Glass: Used to conceal building elements like columns and floors.
Decorative Glass: Includes options like etched, frosted, and colored glass for aesthetic appeal.

Glasswerks focuses on custom glass solutions:

Colorwerks: Custom color glass options to match any design scheme.
Insulating Glass Units: High-performance glass that improves energy efficiency.
Tempered Glass: Heat-treated for strength and safety.
Laminated Glass: Similar to Viracon, it provides enhanced safety features.

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

Ideal Uses for Each Glass Type In Windows and Doors

Glass Type	Ideal Uses
Insulating Glass	Residential windows, commercial buildings, areas requiring thermal insulation
Laminated Glass	Safety applications, storefronts, high-traffic areas
Spandrel Glass	Concealing structural elements, enhancing building aesthetics
Decorative Glass	Interior design, partitions, and decorative elements
Colorwerks Glass	Custom design projects, matching specific color schemes
Tempered Glass	Areas requiring enhanced strength, such as doors and shower enclosures

Energy Efficiency and Performance

Energy-Efficient Features

Viracon’s insulating glass units are designed to reduce heat transfer, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Their glass products often feature low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, which reflect infrared light and reduce energy costs.

Glasswerks also offers high-performance insulating glass units. Their products are engineered to provide superior thermal insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Glasswerks’ custom options allow for the inclusion of Low-E coatings and other energy-efficient features.

Performance Ratings

Performance ratings for window glass are measured in terms of U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Transmittance (VT).

U-factor: Measures the rate of heat transfer. Lower U-factors indicate better insulation.
SHGC: Indicates how well the glass blocks heat from sunlight. Lower SHGC values mean better performance.
VT: Measures the amount of visible light transmitted. Higher VT values mean more natural light enters the space.

Bespoke glass walls and windows for cleverly dividing office space without surrendering light or space.

Modern engineered glass can save money on energy bills by retaining an ambient inside temperature.

Factors Affecting the Pricing and Overall Cost Comparison

Raw Material Costs

The cost of raw materials is a significant factor in the pricing of window glass.

For instance, the prices of silica, soda ash, and limestone, which are primary components of glass, can fluctuate based on market conditions. The energy required to manufacture glass, such as natural gas or electricity, can also impact costs.

Customization Options

Customization can add to the cost of window glass. Both Viracon and Glasswerks offer various customization options, including color, size, shape, and features like Low-E coatings or laminated layers. Custom orders require specialized production processes, which increase the overall cost.

Transportation and Delivery Fees

Transportation and delivery fees can also affect the final price of window glass. Large and heavy glass panels require special handling and shipping methods to ensure they arrive safely. This can add to the cost, especially for projects located far from the manufacturing facility.

Product Reviews

Viracon Glass

Customer Satisfaction

Many customers appreciate Viracon’s commitment to quality and performance. They often highlight the durability and energy efficiency of Viracon’s products.

Performance Feedback

Performance feedback for Viracon Glass is generally positive. Customers note that the insulating glass units effectively reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort. The Low-E coatings are particularly praised for their ability to reflect heat while allowing natural light to enter.

Common Praises and Complaints

Common praises for Viracon Glass include:

High energy efficiency
Durability and longevity
Excellent customer service

However, some customers have noted a few complaints, such as:

Higher costs compared to competitors
Longer lead times for custom orders

Glasswerks

Customer Satisfaction

Glasswerks customers often commend the company’s ability to deliver custom glass solutions that meet specific design and performance requirements. The flexibility and variety of options are highly appreciated.

Performance Feedback

Performance feedback for Glasswerks products is also favorable. Customers report that the insulating glass units and tempered glass options provide excellent thermal insulation and safety features.

Common Praises and Complaints

Common praises for Glasswerks include:

Wide range of custom options
High-performance insulating glass units
Responsive customer service

On the downside, some customers have mentioned:

Occasional delays in delivery
Higher prices for custom orders

Choose from Panda Windows & Doors range of over 50 innovative product lines which can be customized with window glass of your choice.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Bespoke Designs

At Panda Windows & Doors we stand out for our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Why Choose Panda Windows & Doors?

At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer more than 50 high-quality systems, including Folding Doors, Lift & Slides, Horizontal Wall Systems, Pivot & French Doors, Multi-Slides, Retractable Screens, Panda-Select line, TS.X0, and Architectural Windows. Our systems have been installed in scenic destinations around the world.

Our Voyage Select Pivot door line has won Most Innovative Entry Door at the 2022 Window + Door Awards. Our TS.X0 line also won the title Most Innovative Patio, Multi-Slide, or Multi-Panel Door System from The Window + Door Magazine in 2019.

Customization Options

We understand that every project is unique, and we offer extensive customization options to meet your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main differences between Viracon and Glasswerks glass?

Viracon focuses on high-performance architectural glass with an emphasis on energy efficiency and durability.

Glasswerks, meanwhile, provides a broader range of custom solutions, including unique color options and high-performance insulating glass units.

What level of customer support does Panda Windows & Doors provide?

At Panda Windows & Doors, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer support. Our team is available to assist you throughout the entire process.

Which company offers better energy-efficient options?

Both Viracon and Glasswerks provide energy-efficient options, but Viracon is known for its insulating glass units with Low-E coatings that significantly reduce energy costs.

What is the average lead time for Panda Windows & Doors products?

The lead time for our products can vary based on the level of customization and project requirements. On average, you can expect a lead time of 8-12 weeks for custom orders.

What are the latest innovations in window glass technology?

The latest innovations in window glass technology include advanced Low-E coatings, smart glass that adjusts its tint based on sunlight, and highly durable laminated glass that enhances safety and security.