Finding the Right Type of Glazing

Windows can do so much more than look good and let light in. Based on the location of the window including its orientation to the sun, what floor it is on and the room it is in, the following features should be considered:

• Sound reduction – Sometimes called soundproofing, special glazing can reduce the decibel level of outside noise
• Thermal insulation — Insulation prevents energy loss whether warm air in winter or cool air in summer
• Security – Options like laminated safety glass and impact resistant glazing can make glass very tough to break. 

A ground level patio door in a busy area should include all of the above three features for example. Second floor windows, however, would only need insulation and sound reduction. Insulated glazing alone would suffice for a suburban home for example.

Thermal Insulation

Imagine a heating vent or radiator right in front of a big hole in the wall. Every minute your heat is running, you’re wasting both energy and money while hurting the environment. Old windows and poor glazing aren’t that different. Whether a window, door or a conservatory, the type of glazing used in your home plays a significant role in its insulating ability, your home’s energy efficiency overall and of course your monthly bills!

The U-value defines the amount of heat moving from inside to outside through one square meter in one per second – in other words, it measures how well something insulates. Today, double glazing is the minimum level allowed in new construction in Germany though most people are now opting for triple glazing. This makes it cheaper to order triple glazed windows from Germany to another country than buying them domestically where they are rare.