You might not know this, but glazing refers to the glass that’s utilised in window construction. In the last 100 years, window glazing has come a long way.
Historically, windows were glazed with a single pane of glass, inserted into wooden frames. As such, early windows were inefficient, difficult to weatherproof and susceptible to damage.
Today’s window glazing options, on the other hand, are more efficient – double, or triple-glazed windows are available – longer-lasting, more weather-resistant and more structurally sound. Window manufacturers have also integrated new framing materials – like aluminium and vinyl – which make today’s windows, even more, energy efficient.
Chances are, you don’t have in-depth knowledge of window glazing. Many people shopping for Aluminium windows in Sydney aren’t aware of their options, but it’s fascinating to examine the types, efficiency ratings and features of today’s window glazing. Here are 10 fast facts:
Single Glazing Is More Energy Efficient Than Ever
Many people believe that a single pane of glass in the window just won’t keep the building properly insulated. Yet, new technology and updates in frame construction – like enhanced weather-stripping – have made single-paned glass more efficient than ever.
Special Coatings Help to Make Glazing More Efficient
Your building’s windows allow a lot of natural light to pass through. This energy can cause unwanted heat gain inside the building. Low Emissivity, or Low E, coating offers a solution that can enhance glazing. Essentially, this type of coating limits the amount of solar heat that can pass through, helping to limit your reliance on cooling. Glazing with Low-E coating is commonly referred to as SmartGlass.
Double- and Triple-Glazed Windows Add Insulation
What’s the point of an extra layer of glass? Double-glazed windows, or double hung windows, have a natural barrier between each layer of glazing. This natural barrier helps to maximise the insulating value of the window. In fact, double- and triple-paned windows can cut energy savings by 20 percent or more.
Gas Fills Between Glazing Improves Insulation
You can fill windows with gas? It sounds outlandish, but it’s true. Gas fills between layers of glazing have been used for the last few decades. Typically, an odourless gas like Argon is pumped between the glazing, which improves the thermal performance of the natural barrier between layers of glass.
Glazing Typically Has a Pale Green Tint
The chemical composition of glass adds a greenish colour to the glass. In fact, this green colour becomes more noticeable the thicker the layer of glazing. Many manufacturers produce special clear glass, which requires a specialised manufacturing process. If you look at a glass Coca-Cola bottle, you’ve seen this phenomenon at work.
Thermal Glazing Offers Superior Performance
What type of glazing is most efficient? Double- and triple-glazed windows with Low-E coating offer the best performance on the market. This type of glazing is so effective at limiting heat gain that it’s referred to as “thermal glazing.” Double- and triple-glazed windows with Low-E coatings can reduce heat gain by nearly 70 percent, compared to single glazed windows.
Toughened Glazing Is Created from Two Panes of Glass
Safety glass is resistant to impact, and it’s utilised across Australia in areas with high winds and tropical storms. Essentially, toughened glass, or safety glass, is created by fusing two or more glass panels together with a layer of PVB in the middle. This type of glazing is also shatter-resistant, making it ideal for glass walls and windows located near streets.
Glazing Is Available in A Range of Finishes
Although clear glass is most common, that’s not your only option. Tinted and frosted glass are two other common types of finishes. Both treatments can be applied to existing glazing, but are also available as pre-fabricated options.
Thermal Glazing Improves Insulation Significantly
Thermal glazing isn’t just great at reducing solar heat gain; it can also greatly improve the window’s insulation value. Compared to single-glazed units, thermal glazing can improve insulation by nearly 40 percent. In green buildings, or windows that receive lots of direct sunlight, thermal glazing is the best option.
Drying Agents Help Prevent Condensation Between Double Glazing
A common concern for people installing double glazed windows is condensation. Fortunately, the majority of manufacturers use a desiccant, or drying agent, to absorb moisture and prevent condensation.
Window glazing has evolved greatly from the earliest glass windows. Today, glazing is available in a range of finishes, designed for maximum efficiency, and can withstand gale-force winds.