1. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE, DOUBLE AND TRIPLE GLAZING
In order to know the right glazing for specific areas of your home, it is important to know the differences between them. ‘Single glazing is made up of a singular glass pane, with no insulation or thermal properties,’ explains Emma. However, it is the most cost-efficient and is easier to repair. It is also perfect if you are in a hot climate.
2. DOUBLE GLAZING SAVES A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF HEATING COSTS COMPARED TO SINGLE GLAZING
Single glazing provides no insulating properties whereas double glazed systems have a full thermal break as well as a gas-filled cavity to create highly insulated spaces and ensure the glass is not a source of heat loss. Single glazed external windows would require constant heating of the internal space, whereas double glazing will keep the heat in regardless of your type of heating and reduce the need for additional heating costs.
3. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS OPTIONS AVAILABLE
There are lots of modern design ideas with glass, but it is important to use the right glass for the right project. ‘Toughened glass is used in all of IQ’s products and systems as standard because they produce a more durable solution than standard float glass,’ says Emma. However, there are other glass types available for your project too. ‘Laminated glass can be specified and is provided as standard for all overhead or roof glazing, holding the glass in place in the event of a breakage.’
4. CHECK THE U AND UW VALUE OF YOUR CHOSEN GLASS TO KNOW HOW WELL INSULATED IT IS
A U value is used to indicate the heat loss through a material or installation. It is measured in W/m2K and when it decreases, less energy is able to travel through the material. ‘The lower the U value, the better and more efficient the installation is,’ says Emma.
5. YOU CAN CHOOSE A GLASS WITH SPECIFIC SOUNDPROOFING QUALITIES
Acoustic reduction glass can be specified within the glazing to reduce noise pollution in densely populated areas. The specialist acoustic interlayers will reduce the noise transmission by approximately 10 decibels by capturing the sound and preventing it from traveling past the glazing or inside the home.
6. CHOOSE A GOOD AND REPUTABLE GLASS SUPPLIER
Always ask about the performance values and ensure technical information is widely available to you. Ensure when thermal performances are given they are referring to the whole glazing system and you are seeing a Uw value rather than U value.
7. KNOW THE PRICE CONSIDERATIONS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLAZING
The more layers to the glazing, the more expensive it will become, and the same for any technical glass solutions that are specified within the units. ‘Although this can increase the cost of the glazing, it will greatly reduce the cost of heating and cooling the home throughout the years,’ adds Emma. Oversized glazing has become extremely popular and has many benefits, including increased natural light and uninterrupted views, but will come with a higher price point.