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Glasswerks vs Vitrum Glass Group | Prices & Reviews for Window Glass

Written on February 1, 2025
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Key Takeaways

  • Glasswerks and Vitrum Glass Group offer a wide range of architectural and custom glass products.
  • Energy-efficient glass options are available from both, suitable for various applications.
  • Prices for window glass can vary significantly based on the type and features of the glass.
  • Customer reviews are mixed for both companies.
  • Panda Windows & Doors offers bespoke designs with award-winning products for residential and commercial use.

Product Range

Glasswerks specializes in full-service custom glass fabrication. Their product lineup includes architectural glass, jumbo glass, and digital printing capabilities, with options that cater to both standard and unique design requirements.

Vitrum Glass Group provides high-volume and specialty glass products, including insulating, heat-treated, and heat-soaked glass.

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 8-12 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

Architectural Glass: Ideal for modern buildings that require large, clear glass panels. It's perfect for high-rise windows and large storefronts, providing a sleek, contemporary look.

Jumbo Glass: Best suited for projects that need oversized glass panels. These are often used in commercial buildings and luxurious residential properties where expansive views are desired.

Digital Printing Glass: This type of glass is excellent for adding custom designs or branding to your windows. It's often used in commercial spaces to create unique, eye-catching facades.

Insulating Glass: This glass is designed to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer. It's perfect for residential windows where maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is important.

Heat-Treated Glass: Known for its strength and durability, this glass is ideal for areas prone to extreme weather conditions. It's also used in applications where safety is a concern, such as in shower doors and entrance doors.

Heat-Soaked Glass: This type of glass undergoes a special process to reduce the risk of spontaneous breakage - great for high-traffic areas and in buildings where safety is paramount.

Energy Efficiency and Performance

Energy-Efficient Features

Energy-efficient glass products typically include features such as low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, multiple panes, and insulating gas fills. These features work together to minimize heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Performance Ratings

These ratings provide a clear indication of how well the glass insulates and blocks solar heat gain. Key performance metrics include:

  • U-Factor: Measures the rate of heat transfer. Lower values indicate better insulation.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Indicates how well the glass blocks heat from the sun. Lower values mean less heat enters the building.
  • Visible Transmittance (VT): Measures the amount of visible light that passes through the glass. Higher values mean more natural light enters the space.

Certifications

Both Glasswerks and Vitrum Glass Group hold several industry-recognized certifications, which attest to their commitment to quality and energy efficiency.

Glasswerks:

  • Guardian Select Fabricator
  • Vitro/PPG Certified Fabricator

Vitrum Glass Group:

  • Insulating Glass Certification
  • Heat-Treated Glass Certification
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Stay comfortable inside no matter the temperature outside with engineered window glass

Pricing and Costs

When it comes to pricing, both companies offer a diverse range of options to fit different budgets. Prices vary according to the product chosen and level of customisation required.

For an accurate quote, you can speak to their representatives directly.

Factors Affecting the Pricing

Several factors can influence the cost of window glass from both Glasswerks and Vitrum Glass Group.

  • Type of Glass: Different types of glass, such as insulating, heat-treated, or digital printing glass, have varying costs.
  • Size and Thickness: Larger and thicker glass panels generally cost more due to the increased material and manufacturing requirements.
  • Customization: Custom designs and special features, like Low-E coatings or decorative elements, can add to the overall cost.
  • Volume: Bulk orders may come with discounts, while one-off specialty items might be more expensive per unit.

Product Reviews

Reviews for Glasswerks

Glasswerks has mixed reviews overall:

  • One customer noted, “Fast paced company. They will get your regular order done within 24 hours. Good quality products. They are the largest fabricator in South CA.”
  • Another said, “Placed an order with Glasswerks Tuesday afternoon and things didn't go as expected and would be delayed a day. Glass is never promised which I totally understand. The hard work that the order desk and shipping department put forth made the unexpected more acceptable.”

Reviews for Vitrum Glass Group

Vitrum Glass Group received some positive feedback but nothing very detailed; but overall they’re not doing great either with an average of just 3.7 on Google (not to brag but at Panda we’re proud of our 4.3 out of 5 rating out of more than 90 reviews!)

Customer Satisfaction

“Had poor experience with Vitrum products in our building. I think they need to do a better job on the manufacturing side. And should have better follow - up customer service when there are serious defects that put the entire building envelope at risk.”

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Panda Windows & Doors provide a range of over 50 innovative products to suit any residential or commercial project

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Your Bespoke Designs

Panda Windows & Doors stands out with its bespoke designs and award-winning products. Established in 1991, we have grown to become a powerhouse in the building and design community.

Benefits of Choosing Panda Windows & Doors

Choosing Panda Windows & Doors comes with several benefits:

  • Wide Range of Products: We offer over 50 high-quality systems, including folding doors, lift & slides, horizontal wall systems, pivot & French doors, multi-slides, retractable screens, and architectural windows.
  • Award-Winning Designs: The Voyage Select Pivot door line won the Most Innovative Entry Door at the 2022 Window + Door Awards, and the TS.X0 line won the title of Most Innovative Patio, Multi-Slide, or Multi-Panel Door System from The Window + Door Magazine in 2019.
  • Global Presence: With installations in scenic destinations around the world, Panda products are trusted globally.
  • Expertise: With over 30 years of experience, we bring unparalleled expertise to every project.
  • Customization: Our company specializes in designing and engineering state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems tailored to the needs of both residential and commercial markets.

Customization Options

At Panda Windows & Doors we offer extensive customization options to meet your specific needs. Unique designs, special features, or specific performance requirements - we do it all.

For example, if you need a folding door system for a scenic location, we can design and manufacture a custom solution that maximizes your view while providing excellent performance and durability.

Customer Testimonials

Customer testimonials highlight the satisfaction and trust that clients have in Panda Windows & Doors.

"I have used Panda now on two separate commercial projects, and I have been thoroughly impressed with their entire operation." – William G.

"We are simply so grateful for their beautiful craftsmanship and recommendations- The Lift & Slide is THE true show piece of our home, the highlight and focal point of our living room and creates a seamless transition to our backyard.” – Sara K.

Contact us to find out more about our bespoke windows and doors for your home or business today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of glass are best for energy efficiency?

For energy efficiency, insulating glass with Low-E coatings and multiple panes is the best choice. These features help reduce heat transfer, keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Which manufacturer is the best choice for those who live in areas with regular inclement weather?

For areas with regular inclement weather, Vitrum Glass Group's heat-treated and heat-soaked glass products are solid choices - but the company overall isn’t widely appreciated for its products, with mixed reviews.

What are the most common certifications for window glass?

Common certifications for window glass include Insulating Glass Certification, Heat-Treated Glass Certification, and Guardian Select Fabricator. These certifications ensure that the glass meets industry standards for quality and performance.

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

The average lead time for Panda Windows & Doors products can vary based on the complexity of the project and customization requirements. Generally, you can expect a lead time of 8 to 12 weeks from the time of order to delivery.