When choosing new windows or doors, the type of glass you select makes a huge difference in appearance, safety, comfort, and cost.
At TrueSpec Glass & Aluminium, we help homeowners, architects, and builders choose the right glass for every application — whether it’s a sleek frameless door, energy-efficient windows, or secure shopfront glazing.
Let’s compare the most common glass types, their uses, and how much they cost.
🪟 1. Float Glass (Standard Clear Glass)
What it is:
Float glass is the basic, clear glass used in most standard windows. It’s made by floating molten glass on tin to create a smooth, flat surface.
Best for:
Basic windows Internal partitions Low-risk areas
Pros:
Most affordable option Excellent clarity Easy to cut and fit
Cons:
Breaks into sharp shards Offers no added safety or insulation
💰 Average Cost: ± R250–R300 per m²
🛡️ 2. Toughened (Tempered) Safety Glass
What it is:
Toughened glass is heated and rapidly cooled to make it five times stronger than standard float glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small, harmless pieces.
Best for:
Doors and shopfronts Shower enclosures Balustrades and large windows
Pros:
Safety-compliant (SANS approved) Withstands heat and impact Suitable for large panels
Cons:
Must be cut before tempering Slightly higher cost
💰 Average Cost: ± R450–R1,500 per m² depending on thickness
🧩 3. Laminated Safety Glass
What it is:
Two or more sheets of glass are bonded with a clear plastic interlayer (PVB). Even if the glass cracks, it stays intact, improving safety and soundproofing.
Best for:
Skylights and overhead glazing Balconies and façades Shopfronts and sound-sensitive areas
Pros:
Excellent safety — glass holds together on impact Reduces noise Blocks UV rays
Cons:
Heavier and costlier Requires professional installation
💰 Average Cost: ± R700–R1,300 per m²
🌤️ 4. Double Glazed (Insulated) Glass
What it is:
Double glazing consists of two panes separated by an air or gas-filled gap, improving insulation and energy efficiency.
Best for:
Homes or offices needing energy control High-noise environments Modern and sustainable buildings
Pros:
Keeps interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter Reduces noise Improves property value
Cons:
Higher upfront cost Slightly heavier
💰 Average Cost: ± R900–R1,500 per m²
✨ 5. Specialty Glass (Tinted, Reflective, Low-E & Fire Rated)
What it is:
These are advanced glass options designed for performance and aesthetics — tinted for privacy, reflective for solar control, Low-E for energy efficiency, or fire-rated for safety compliance.
Best for:
High-end homes or offices Storefronts Energy-efficient projects
Pros:
Customisable finishes Improves comfort and appearance Meets advanced building codes
Cons:
Cost varies widely May require specialist installation
💰 Average Cost: ± R1,200–R2,000+ per m² (depending on type)
Glass Comparison (Quick View):
Float Glass: R250–R300/m² — Affordable, clear
Toughened Glass: R450–R1,500/m² —Safety, strength
Laminated Glass: R700–R1,300/m² — Safety, soundproofing
Double Glazed: R900–R1,500/m² — Insulation, energy efficient Specialty Glass: R1,200–R2,000+/m² — Premium performance