Choosing the right type of glass for your new windows is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. There are many different types of glass to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will go over five common types of window glass so you can decide which is best for your home!
The glass in new windows, bi-folding doors or conservatories is more important than you might think. Not only do we look through it to see the outside world – but it’s also crucial because of how much energy-efficient performance and insulation depending on your choice of double glazing versus triple glazing. And with self-cleaning and solar control options available too, there are many factors for us to consider when choosing our next purchase!
How do double-glazed and triple-glazed windows work?
The new installation of your windows and doors will not only make a statement about the look of your home, but it’s also important to know that installing double-glazed or triple-glazed insulation units can lower heating costs substantially. This is especially true for homes in which you want to save money on energy bills while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Double and triple-glazed windows do this by using two sheets of glass in the case of double and three, for triple-glazed units with a gap in between – usually about 16mm. These specially designed insulative warm edge spacers slow down heat transfer from inside to outside panes.
The different combinations of these glazings will ultimately affect how well your home stays cool during summertime or heated during winter months because they can help regulate temperature year-round so you don’t have to worry as much when it’s hot out!
How is Window Performance Measured?
Window Energy Ratings are a system that uses U-Values to assess windows by how effective the window is at keeping the heat in or out. WER goes beyond just measuring how much heat passes through and also take into account solar gain, which measures warmth passing from the sun inside of your room as well as other factors such as air leakage; this allows for an accurate depiction of performance with rankings ranging from ‘A/A+’ to ‘G.
What is Toughened Glass and Do I Need it in my Replacement Windows?
Toughened glass has become a standard product in the manufacture of windows and other safety products. Toughened or tempered glass is made from a heat-treated, un-tempered window pane that can withstand greater impacts than ordinary glasses could before breaking.
This method makes it four to five times stronger than annealed regular or plain window panes which are not touched by this process yet generally much cheaper for manufacturers who use them on their production lines as they require less energy input into manufacturing but also provide more strength when used within buildings like schools where there’s often lots of disruption such as kicking footballs around during playtime!
The other advantage of tempered glass is that if it does break, it shatters into thousands of small pieces rather than forming the ‘lethal’ shards associated with standard glass. This makes up ideal for use in double and triple glazed units.
While you may not be using this type of material on every window or door, technically there are certain cases where Tempered Glass should be used such as overhead windows and low-level areas like doors which have a chance to come in contact with people; these locations are called critical ones according to building regulations.
Solar Control Glass
PVB interlayers can also be used alongside solar reflective coatings to control the amount of heat your home absorbs from the sun. You remember that old conservatory you would spend hours in during summer, only for it to get unbearably hot? Well, now there are ways around this issue with new technology and smart glass products.
Solar Control Technologies such as PVBs allow architects to use more transparent materials on large scales while still retaining their thermal properties – without overheating an area or putting too much strain on air conditioning systems!
Self Cleaning Glass
The self-cleaning glass that is a result of innovation in the design industry has made conservatories and glazed extensions even more popular. With less need to clean, people can enjoy their view for longer periods without interruption while still maintaining an up-to-date look.
For More Information, Contact Swish Home Improvements Today
We hope this guide to glass has been helpful and provided you with some useful insights. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or a member of the team for more information by calling us today. With double glazing projects in Darlington, Middlesbrough and throughout the entire North East your in safe hands with our specialist team.
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