The right glazing can save you money, keep warm air in, protect your home and regulate light and temperature. Homes across the world differ in their local climate, construction materials, orientation and size. Moreover, each window of that home has a different purpose. Bathroom windows need to provide light and occasional ventilation but cannot be see-through. Skylights should provide maximum light but pose little risk for forced entry. Patio doors however should be large, offer maximum views but be difficult to break. Modern glazing offers solutions to each of these needs both alone and in combination.
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.
Proper Burglary Prevention
Like insulation is measured with U-values, the security of windows and doors is measured in six resistance classes. They are denoted by the acronym RC followed by the class number (e.g. RC1, RC2 etc.). Each level indicates the minimum time professional burglars will need to successful force entry with specific types of tools.
Resistance classes RC 2 and 3 – featuring P4A or P5A glazing inserts – are more than sufficient for use in the private sector. For skylights, it is normally enough to install RC 1 components without additional security features.
Noise Reducing Glazing
Noise pollution in larger cities is an important aspect that can even cause health damage. Effective noise absorption properties depend on several factors:
- The thicker the pane, the better the absorption value (6 mm is recommended).
- Cast resin PCB foil or gas fillings in the space between individual panes.
- The lower the stiffness of the pane, the better its noise insulation properties.
- The greater the space between panes, the better the noise reduction.
Proper installation of the frame is also critical and just as important as the glazing itself. The highest level of soundproofing can stop noise from coming through gaps between the window frame and masonry.
Privacy Glass
Everyone is familiar with frosted glass, the most common form of privacy glass. It can be seen in doctors' offices, meeting rooms and public buildings everywhere. In fact, if you have a bathroom window, it likely has some form of ornamental glazing that prevents people from seeing in. Privacy glass is translucent and comes in a variety of patterns from simple frosted to rain like patterns. Learn more about frosted glass.
