Recent advancements in glass processing technology have paved the way for durable and aesthetic window designs for architectural projects. The largest mistake people make when choosing the windows for their projects happens early on, primarily in the design stage. Most people do not realize there are many factors and parameters to consider when choosing window materials. In this post, we will go over some of these factors and parameters. Let’s jump right in.
The Right Type of Glazing Material Makes All The Difference
If your rooms are overheating in the summer and freezing during the winter, chances are you’ve got the wrong kind of windows installed. This can drive up costs year-round. You can prevent this with the right kind of glazing material, which offers energy efficiency and comes at optimized costs. In this blog, we will be discussing the different materials used in the process of window glazing.
Double-Glazed Glasses Versus Triple-Glazed Glass Materials
Single glass panes are a thing of the past. Double-glazed glass is now the most commonly used type of glass used for most window projects. Double-glazed windows are created when two glass panes are connected by a spacer. This space is then filled with an insulating gas. These types of glass units are also called insulated glass units (IGUs). Note that IGUs can also be triple-glazed where a third glass pane is added to the unit. However, this type of glazed glass is less commonly used as it is very expensive.
The Type of Material Used For The Spacer Matters
Typically, manufacturers use structured foam along with a desiccant or a metal to reduce the chances of trapped moisture in the spacer.
Window Glass Filling Material
Today, most IGUs are filled with odorless, nonreactive, and nontoxic gases like argon or krypton. Using normal air leads to movement, which creates warm areas on top of the window and cold areas at the bottom—which leads to additional expenses later on. This is why air has been replaced with a less conductive gas for filling windows today.
Low-E Coating Versus Tempered Glass
Another factor to consider is whether you want a Low-E coating or tempered glass. A low emittance coating, referred to as a Low-E coating for short, Slows down the rate that heat transfers through the glass. This coating also reduces the chances of physical damage. Note that you can choose between higher solar-gain coatings, which let more heat into the home, or lower solar-gain coatings, which are known to block about 75% of the sun’s heat. Tempered or safety glass offers greater protection within your home as it is extremely strong and durable.
Selecting the best window glazing material should be an equal blend of aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency. After all, they should not only ‘look’ pretty but also offer the right kind of energy efficiency and thermal performance that will best serve your clients. If you are looking for a seasoned and innovative glazing company USGA Inc.’s cost-effective and strategically sound materials are a great place to start. Connect with our team today.
