Did you know that windows can account for 25% to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy bills? That’s due to the heat gains and losses that occur through them. After all, they allow heat or cold from outside to enter while also making it easy for conditioned air to exit.
However, the rate of heat gains and losses varies depending on the type of window glazing.
For that reason, it’s vital to learn more about the glazing systems available today. We’ll discuss the most common ones in this guide, so be sure to keep reading.
Single Glazing
Single glazing refers to windows that only comprise one layer or pane of glass. They were pretty much the standard back in the 1960s. Their popularity even held on until the ’80s, when as many as 50% of windows sold had a single pane.
You can still find single glazed windows nowadays, but they’re not an ideal choice. That’s because their single-layered design gives them poor thermal performance. So, with only one glass pane, energy can easily escape and enter the windows.
Double Glazing
Double glazing is a multi-layered glazing system featuring two glass panes. A spacer bar, also called a profile, separates those two layers. That divider then creates an airtight cavity.
Insulating gas, such as argon or krypton, then gets pumped into the space between the glass layers. Krypton costs more than argon, but it insulates better than the latter.
In either case, double glazed windows can be more energy-efficient than single-paned ones. In addition, their two-layered design can help dampen noise.
However, windows with double glazing cost more than single-paned windows. So, be sure to factor in price, and don’t forget to consider the windows’ warranty.
Triple Glazing
As their name suggests, windows with triple glazing boast three glass layers. One spacer bar then goes into each side of the middle glass pane, creating two sections. That design gives tripled-layered windows two airtight cavities.
Each cavity then receives insulating argon or krypton gas. As a result, triple-paned windows feature not only one but two insulated layers. That’s why they can be up to two times more efficient than their double-pane counterparts.
For the same reasons, though, triple glazing is far pricier than single or double glazing. After all, it requires more materials, such as gas, glass, wood, and sealant.
In addition, triple-paned windows have a more complex design; thus, they take longer to make. That means manufacturers have to spend more on labor costs. That then contributes to the windows’ overall selling price.
Low Emissivity (Low-E) Glass Coating
Emissivity refers to the ability of a material to radiate energy. In most cases, the more reflective an object is, the lower its emissivity. By contrast, dull and darker surfaces are more emissive in general.
The higher the emissivity, in turn, the more heat radiated. That’s why reducing the emissivity of a window can make it more insulating.
That’s what a low-E glass coating does to window surfaces. It’s a method that involves applying a thin transparent coat on a traditional glass. The cover then reflects or sends the heat back to its source.
Moreover, low-E glass can block ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unlike some window films, it doesn’t darken the glass, so you can still enjoy natural light.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Window Glazing
There you have it, your guide to the types of window glazing and their pros and cons. Now, you know that the single-paned ones are the least energy-efficient. For that reason, it’s best to go for multi-layered glazing if you need new or replacement windows.
Would you like to read more home improvement or repair guides like this? If so, feel free to have a look at our most recent blog posts on these topics!
