There are a number of features to consider when it comes to selecting the type of windows for your property. From aesthetics to energy efficiency, windows impact our homes in all manner of ways. This is especially true when considering the current cost-of-living crisis, in which the price of heating homes is growing out of control.
As a result, if your windows are in need of replacement, you want to ensure you’re making the right decision. It’s no longer just about double and triple glazing; there are numerous available glazing options for energy-efficient windows.
Discover more about the various glazing specifications below.
As the name suggests, a double-glazed window is one that contains two panes of glass. That said, the number one feature of a double-glazed window is the insulated glass unit (IGU), which sits in the window’s frame. This IGU consists of two glass sheets that are separated by a spacer bar; this creates an air gap that’s filled with an insulating gas.
The purpose of double glazing is to achieve thermal insulation, meaning heat gets trapped inside, and cold air isn’t permitted to enter from outside. The energy efficiency of double glazing is so great that all replacement windows are legally required to be a minimum double-glazed C rated.
It probably goes without saying that triple-glazed windows contain three panes of glass, which results in enhanced energy efficiency. As with double-glazed windows, triple-glazed windows have an IGU that sits in the frame. Instead of two sheets, however, this consists of three panes separated by spacer bars. As a result, two air gaps are created, which are filled with insulating gases.
Due to there being two air gaps, this improves the thermal insulation even further, making triple glazing a popular option for replacement windows.
In short, triple glazing is worth it. A significant amount of heat loss in homes takes place through windows; since triple glazing is the better insulator, this means more heat is retained, and more cold air is staved off. Similarly, condensation is less likely to occur with triple-glazed windows.
From a safety perspective, three panes of glass are harder to break than two, acting as a deterrent to break-ins. Meanwhile, triple glazing acts as an additional barrier to noise, meaning you won’t be as disturbed by outdoor noises, and you’ll have more privacy for yourself.
Of course, triple glazing costs more than double upfront; however, the money that gets knocked off your energy bills makes triple-glazed windows the more cost-effective option.
Leaded glass windows have been around for more than 1000 years and are both decorative and energy efficient. They are crafted from small sections of glass, which are then joined together by metal bars.
The terms “leaded glass windows” and “simple stained-glass windows” are often used interchangeably; however, they are slightly different. As the name suggests, stained-glass windows tend to be coloured, meaning they’re not commonly used in residential or commercial environments. Instead, leaded glass windows are often installed in these environments, whereas you’ll often find stained glass in churches and historical buildings. Both are decorative glazing options, but their applications tend to differ from one another.
Leaded glass windows come with a number of benefits, including the following:
Obscure glass is otherwise known as frosted glass, as this is glass that’s been treated to reduce its transparency. This results in limited visibility, which allows for enhanced privacy. Consequently, obscure glass is a popular choice for toilets, bathrooms, office partitions, front doors, internal rooms, and more. Essentially, obscure glass allows a property to be filled with natural light without privacy being compromised.
Another benefit of obscure glass is that it’s significantly harder to break than clear glass, as it’s tempered for strength. Similarly, it’s customisable in the sense that you can choose from a range of glass options, allowing you to determine just how frosted the window will be.
As suggested by the name, integral blinds are installed between a window’s panes of glass. These can then be opened and closed manually or via an electronic mechanism.
The purpose of integral blinds is to maximise the energy efficiency of your windows, as they add an additional barrier between the inside and outside of your home. On top of this, they have multiple opening and closing options, don’t require as much cleaning, and allow for extra shading and privacy.
Astragal bars are modern replicas of glazing bars attached to the inside and outside of double-glazed units. Rather than holding individual pieces of glass in the frame, they separate single panes of glass into sectors.
The predominant reason behind astragal bars is that they provide a traditional appearance, all while enhancing security and privacy. This is because astragal bars make it harder to force entry.
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