Glass has come a long way since the days when only a single pane of glass was between you and the elements outside. There are many options available for today's windows and doors. Considering the various glass options could take some time but will be worth while of the increased comfort and the energy saving that will result.
Windows and doors with one pane of glass literally suck the £ pounds from the home and offer little protection from heat and cold. Excessive heat loss in the winter months equates to cold drafts and high heating costs. Secondary glazing can also help if the window cannot be replaced.
Insulating glass is a key component for window and door performance and offers year round thermal performance and durability. Insulating glass (Double glazed units) is made up of two panes of glass separated by an air space. The air space provides the insulating value by reducing the transfer of heat flow between the inside and outside. Insulated glass offers several advantages for new construction and replacement window projects including:
Improved condensation resistance Better sound control Increased wind load resistance Glass configuration options to control winter heat loss and summer solar gain
The material used to create the air space between the two panes of glass is called the Spacer. To reduce heat transfer near the edge of a window, low conductive spacers, or warm edge spacers are used. Different technologies exist to keep the edge of the window glass warmer preventing heat loss and reducing condensation around the edges of the window glass.
In some ... sealed unit manufacturers will fill the air space with argon gas. Argon gas is less conductive than air, which further reduces the heat transfer between the inside and outside. Argon gas is non-toxic, non-reactive, clear, and odorless.
Clear glass in a single pane unit allows for the most heat loss or heat gain based on the climate. It also allows the most visible amount of day light into the room known as visible transmittance. Clear glass in an insulation sealed unit reduces solar heat gain but has a visible transmittance similar to a single pane unit with clear glass.
Low Eminence (Low-E) coatings are virtually invisible metal or metal oxide layers deposited on a window glass surface in an effort to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiated heat flow out of the window through the glass. Heat is transferred in a dual paneled window by thermal radiation from a warm pane of glass to a cool pane.
In warm weather Low-E glass reflects the suns heat and reduces solar heat gain
In cold weather Low E glass reflects the heat back into the home, reducing heat loss
The Low-E coatings system blocks a significant amount of the radiant heat transfer thus lowering the total heat flow through the window glass. There are different types of Low-E coatings designed to allow for high, moderate, and low solar heat gain.
There are various types of tinted glass such as double glazed with high performance tinted glass and single glazed with bronze or grey tints. One factor is how much light is passed through- also known as visible transmittance.
Tinted glass has no effect on the U-factor but reduces solar heat gain which may be beneficial in the summer but a liability in the winter, depending on where you live.
There are many types of patterned glass available primarily to obscure views while still allowing in light. Different patterns are available to suite almost any style. These glass options are typically used in bathrooms and other rooms where privacy and light are desired.
Laminated glass consists of a tough protective inter-layer made of polyvinal botyral bonded together between two panes of glass under heat and pressure. Once sealed together the glass behaves as a single unit and looks like normal glass. Similar to car windscreens laminated glass may break upon impact, but the glass fragments tend to adhere to the protective inter-layer rather than falling free and potentially causing injury.
Laminated glass is used for safety against injury by keeping the broken glass within the frame. Laminated glass is also great for reducing sound transmission and is found in airports, museums, schools and libraries to keep out unwanted noise such as airplanes, heavy machines and traffic.
To create toughened glass ordinary glass is heated to around 680°c and then cooled rapidly by blowing air on both sides. This manufacturing process can make the toughened glass up to four times stronger than ordinary glass. When toughened glass breaks it shatters into small blunt fragments, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Safety codes require toughened glass in all doors including patio doors and in windows that are located near doors, bathtubs, showers, etc...
Smart-Tint glass is the next generation in architectural glass. It provides privacy and glare control whilst still providing healthy light, all with the flick of a switch.
The glass units are powered by a small transformer and switch very fast in under a second. When switched on in the clear state, the view is uninterrupted with a stylish and modern finish which can be used in doors, roof lights and windows of any shape.
switching response time from clear to opaque is less than one second.
Maximum size of units is 1200mm x 3000mm in either single or double glazed options.
No moving parts, no cluttered blinds, no shape problems.
Switching performance is rigorously tested and the units are guaranteed for 10 years.
If you require any further information on any of the products above or wish to discuss your requirements with us, why not give us a call on:
0117 966 7661 or email us at info@westendwindows.co.uk