Window Glass Options for Andersen & Pella Replacement Windows – Pittsburgh, PA
Choosing the right window glass options is one of the most important decisions you can make when replacing your windows. At Window Installation Specialists, we help homeowners in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania understand the best glass technologies from the industry’s leading brands — Andersen® and Pella® — so you get the right balance of energy efficiency, comfort, noise reduction, and durability.
Whether you’re upgrading older windows or planning a full home renovation, the right glass package can significantly lower energy bills, improve indoor comfort, and enhance curb appeal.
Why Window Glass Matters
Window glass isn’t just clear material between frames — it’s one of the biggest factors in a window’s:
Energy performance
Sound control
UV protection
Insulation
Comfort year-round
Upgrading to a high-performance glass option can reduce heat loss in winter, minimize solar heat gain in summer, and cut noise from outside — making your home more comfortable and efficient.
Top Glass Options from Andersen & Pella
Below are the most popular glass technologies and energy-saving features available from these top replacement window brands:
Andersen Window Glass Options
Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass
Andersen’s Low-E coatings reflect infrared heat while allowing natural light to enter. This helps keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, improving energy efficiency and comfort in Pittsburgh’s variable seasons.
Heat-Lock® Coating
A proprietary thermal performance enhancement that increases the insulating value of Andersen glass — ideal for colder climates or homes with high heating demand.
Triple-Pane Glass Options
Available on select Andersen series (like A-Series and E-Series), triple-pane glass adds a third layer of insulation, reducing energy transfer and strengthening sound control.
SmartSun™ Glass
Designed to balance solar heat gain and visible light transmission — excellent for homes with large glass areas and significant sun exposure.
Pella Window Glass Options
Energy-Efficient Low-E Glass
Pella’s Low-E coatings help keep your home comfortable by reflecting heat during summer and keeping warmth inside during winter — a must for Pittsburgh climates.
Insulating Gas Fills
Pella pairs premium Low-E glass with argon gas fills (and in some cases krypton) to increase thermal resistance and reduce drafts.
Triple-Pane Insulated Glass
Available on Pella Reserve® and Architect Series, triple-pane glass provides some of the best insulation in the industry, helping you save on energy costs over the long term.
Impact & Laminated Glass
For locations where added protection is desirable (such as windy conditions or storm zones), Pella offers laminated and impact-resistant glass options that help improve safety and security.
How to Choose the Right Glass for Your Home
Choosing between glass options depends on:
Climate conditions (winter cold, summer heat)
Sun exposure (south/east/west facing windows)
Energy goals (lower bills, improved comfort)
Noise concerns
Budget
Our window specialists help you evaluate your needs and match them to the best glass option for your home — balancing energy performance, comfort, and cost.
Performance Metrics to Consider
When comparing glass options, look at:
U-factor: measures heat loss (lower is better)
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): how much solar heat is blocked
Visible Transmittance (VT): how much natural light passes through
Sound Transmission Class (STC): how well sound is blocked
Upgrading to advanced glass options boosts performance in all these areas.
Call for a Free Consultation
Ready to select the perfect glass technology for your replacement windows? Contact Window Installation Specialists for a free consultation and on-site evaluation. We’ll help you find the best Andersen or Pella solution for your budget and performance goals.
Call: (724) 446-0275 Serving Pittsburgh, PA & Surrounding Areas
Low-E / Low-E4® Glass
SmartSun™ Glass
Sun Glass
PassiveSun® Glass
Triple-Pane Glass
Dual-Pane Glass
HeatLock® Technology
Glass Options Info Sheet
Decorative and Specialty Glass
Safety Glass Tempered safety glass is available on all products, and comes standard on all patio doors.
Laminated Glass Laminated glass is also available, for added strength, enhanced security and sound control.
Sound-Reducing Glass This glass helps reduce the volume of outside noise. Available with Low-E, SmartSun and HeatLock coatings.
Art Glass Andersen® art glass is available in a wide variety of patterns adding uncommon elegance to any home style.
Patterned Glass Let in light while obscuring vision and adding a unique decorative touch to your home.
Coastal Glass Options
OUR TOUGHEST PROTECTION FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS.
Low-E4® Impact-Resistant Glass provides all the benefits of monolithic impact-resistant glass, while adding an insulating air space that helps keep homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Available in: A-Series, E-Series, 400 Series, Weiland
Low-E4 SmartSun™ Impact-Resistant Glass delivers the benefits of Low-E4 glass, plus it helps shield homes from the sun’s heat and filters out 95% of harmful UV rays while letting the sunlight shine through. Available in: A-Series, E-Series, 400 Series, Weiland
Low-E4 Sun Impact-Resistant Glass is tinted for maximum protection from the effects of intense sunlight and provides all the benefits of Low-E4 glass. Available in: A-Series, E-Series, 400 Series, Weiland
Low-E4 SmartSun™ Monolithic Impact-Resistant Glass is reinforced with a clear plastic laminate sandwiched between two panes to resist impact, forced entry and unwanted noise. Choose from clear or gray. Available in: A-Series Patio Doors, E-Series, 400 Series Windows, Weiland
Low-E (low-emissivity) glass has a special coating that reflects heat while allowing natural light to enter. It helps improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. All three brands offer various Low-E glass options to enhance energy performance.
Double-pane glass: Consists of two layers of glass with an insulating air or gas (like argon) layer between them. This reduces heat transfer and improves energy efficiency.
Triple-pane glass: Adds an additional layer of glass and gas insulation, offering even greater energy efficiency, soundproofing, and indoor temperature regulation.
Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass offers the highest energy efficiency and UV protection. It blocks 95% of UV rays that can fade furniture and flooring, while still allowing ample natural light inside.
For energy efficiency, look for glass with low U-values (measuring heat transfer) and Low-E coatings. Triple-pane glass is also highly effective. Andersen’s SmartSun™, Marvin’s Low-E3, and Pella’s SunDefense™ glass are excellent choices for maximizing energy efficiency.
All three brands offer impact-resistant glass options:Andersen: Offers Impact-Resistant Glass for hurricane-prone areas, which withstands strong winds and debris impact.Marvin: Provides Laminated Glass that offers enhanced protection against break-ins, storms, and noise reduction.Pella: Features Laminated Glass and Impact-Resistant Glass designed to handle extreme weather and provide added safety.
Laminated glass and triple-pane glass are the best options for reducing noise. Andersen, Marvin, and Pella offer laminated and triple-pane glass, which dampens sound and creates a quieter indoor environment, ideal for homes in noisy neighborhoods or near busy streets.
SunDefense™ Low-E glass from Pella is designed to block the most sunlight and heat, making it ideal for homes in hot climates. It significantly reduces heat gain while maintaining clarity and visibility, offering UV protection and energy savings.
Call: (724) 446-0275
Serving Pittsburgh, PA & Surrounding Areas
