Deciding what type of double glazing glass to install is an important decision that can impact the comfort, energy efficiency, safety, costs, and aesthetics of your home. With many options on the market offering a range of features and benefits, it can get confusing sorting through all the choices. This article will overview the main types of double glazing glass available, from laminated glass too low e glass to toughened glass and even the benefits of secondary glazing, double glazing, and triple glazing. We’ll look at the factors to consider when selecting glass, brands to look into, and the process of replacing the glass if the frames themselves are still in tact.
Whether you are choosing glass for new double glazed windows or retrofitting your existing ones, being informed on the pros and cons of each variety will ensure you find the right solution for your needs and budget. Read on to learn all about the various double glazing glass possibilities so you can make the perfect choice.
Types of Double Glazing Glass
Energy Efficient Glass
This type of glass has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room. This reduces heat loss and lowers energy bills. Low e glass is a type of energy efficient glass. It stands for low emissivity glass, and it’s designed to work with double glazing as the low e coating is added between the pains to improve energy efficiency in the home.
Noise Reduction Glass
This glass uses extra thick glazing and laminated glass layers to block outside noise. It is ideal for homes near busy roads or airports and it’s incredibly effective at creating a truly peaceful environment inside your home.
Safety Glass
Safety glass is tempered for added strength. When broken, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than dangerous shards. It’s recommended for internal doors but they are great for external sliding patio doors or traditional casement windows too, especially if you have children or pets in the household where accidents might happen.
Self-Cleaning Glass
This glass has a special coating that uses UV light to break down dirt. When rainwater hits, it takes the loosened dirt with it, meaning less maintenance for you. Installing this type of glass in existing window frames can transform your home and give you more time to sit back and enjoy it.
Solar Control Glass
This glass partially blocks solar radiation from entering your home. It saves on cooling costs and prevents furniture fading. By blocking uv light, your home’s carpets and furnitures will stay looking like new for longer compared to ordinary glass.
Decorative Glass
For a unique look, decorative glass comes in styles like frosted, coloured, etched, or patterned. Just make sure you pick a style you’ll be happy with years from now, as styles and tastes change, but if you get it right your windows could look timeless and modern for years to come.
Related: What is The Best Double Glazing?
Factors to Consider When Choosing Double Glazing Glass
Location
Consider environmental factors like climate and local noise levels. This will guide you to the right performance features. Thermal insulation is important in colder areas, and sound insulation is important where it’s noisy. You might even consider triple glazed units here depending on your needs.
Budget
Some glass types come at a higher cost. Weigh affordability against the long-term impacts on heating/cooling bills and life expectancy. Saving up front on cheaper window options might be good in the short term, but they will have a shorter lifespan. You can also save on premium windows with us by comparing installers with us.
Aesthetics
If curb appeal is important, decorative glass creates an attractive facade. Frame colour also influences overall look. You can opt for low iron glass which has greater clarity than other types of glass, allowing more natural light into your home improving the aesthetics within your home too.
Functionality
Focus on strength, insulation, solar protection, etc. based on how you use the space and where it’s located. Triple glazed windows can offer increased insulation, for example, but they also carry a lot more weight. Double glazed sash windows or sliding doors therefore are a better option for functionality because the glass unit is lighter and easier to use for most. Think about how you practically use the windows or doors to make sure you make choices that are sensible here.
Related: Best Glass for Double Glazing
Pros and Cons of Different Double Glazing Glass Types
Energy Efficient Glass
Pros
- Reduces heating bills
- Prevents condensation
Cons
- More expensive than basic double glazing
Noise Reduction Glass
Pros:
- Lessens outside noise disturbance
- Allows for a peaceful environment
Cons:
- Thicker glass reduces natural light transmission
Safety Glass
Pros
- Prevents serious injuries by shattering safely
- More durable against impact
Cons
- Generally more costly
Self-Cleaning Glass
Pros
- Saves cleaning effort and expense
- Utilises free and natural light
Cons
- Can still require occasional manual cleaning
Solar Control Glass
Pros
- Reduces solar heat gain
- Prevents fading of interiors
Cons
- Slightly dims natural light
Decorative Glass
Pros
- Unique aesthetic appeal
- Increases privacy
Cons
- Needs combination with standard glass
- Limited performance capability
Brands of Double Glazing Glass
Pilkington
Pilkington offers energy efficient K-glass and soundproof Optiphon glass. They pioneered self-cleaning Activ Blue glass.
Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain provides SGG energy saving glass like Planitherm and noise reducing glass such as Stadip Silence.
Guardian
The Guardian ClimaGuard series delivers increased insulation. Options like Guardian LamiGlass provide security.
PPG
PPG Solarban low-emissivity glass enhances energy savings. PPG Sungate 400 glass blocks excess solar heat.
Cost of Replacing Double Glazing Glass
The cost of replacing double glazing glass averages £500 to £1,100 for standard-sized units depending on the choices you make. Factors impacting price include accessibility, glass type (normal glass is cheaper than molten glass, acoustic glass, annealed glass, etc) , specialty coatings, size and shape.
Process of Replacing Double Glazing Glass
Remove Existing Glass
Carefully take out the old glass pane and dispose properly. Ensure no remnants stay in the frame.
Prepare Frame
Inspect, clean and repair the frame as needed to ready it for new glass. Use sealant or shims if space gaps exist.
Install New Glass
Place the replacement glass into frame, centre properly and press firmly into glazing channels for secure hold.
Seal Edges
Apply high quality sealant or glazing compound evenly along glass edges for an airtight, waterproof barrier.
Related: Replacing Glass Vs Replacing Window
Double Glazing Glass Choice: Conclusion
When selecting new double glazing glass for any unit – french windows, french doors, whatever – weigh factors like climate, noise, appearance, and functionality based on your needs and location. Understanding the pros, cons and costs helps narrow choices. Brand comparison also ensures proper insulation, durability and warranties.
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FAQs
What is the most cost-effective double glazing glass option?
The most affordable option that still provides good insulation and noise reduction is standard double glazing with a low-emissivity hard coat. These sealed units will still offer excellent performance if you pick them for your replacement windows.
How often should double glazing glass be replaced?
Most double glazing units last around 10-15 years. At around this time, seal failure and fogging issues start occurring, signalling time for replacement.
Do all double glazing glasses provide soundproofing?
No. Only laminated or thicker double glazing glass is designed to effectively block noise. Basic double glazing mainly focuses on insulation.
Does decorative glass have energy saving properties?
Some decorative glass may offer minor insulation but most types are used solely for aesthetic appeal. They can be combined with an inner energy efficient glass pane however to increase thermal performance.
What are signs my double glazing glass needs replacement?
Condensation forming between panes, faded sealant allowing air/moisture penetration, cracks, chips or white hazy deposits indicate failing glass needing replacement.
