Suitable glass types for replacement double glazing – Suppliers in Cambridgeshire
Look through any good quality replacement double glazing brochure or website today and you will find several different glass types mentioned, different names and specifications, alongside the different UPVC or aluminium frames, various window styles such as “tilt and turn” or “sash windows”, as well as special features.
Many of these glass types have excellent properties, benefits and uses but it can get a little confusing, so we thought we would try to help by outlining some simple explanations as to what some are. This is not a definitive guide so please check with your supplier for full specifications and explanations etc.
Many of the glass choices offered by double glazing installers are designed for appearance and to complement and further enhance the existing style and elegance of your home whilst others do not noticeable add to the look but are offered for either energy saving and / or safety benefits.
Energy saving glass in Cambridgeshire
If you are going to have replacement double glazing then it is most likely that you will want it to be energy efficient and perform well – it is a strong possibility therefore that you will be offered Low E glass (or low Emissivity glass), and it is often also offered as Pilkington K Glass. It is believed to offer at least the energy conservation benefits as say triple glazing but it does not have the added weight that comes from having 3 panes.
Clearly the main advantages are all centred on better heat insulation and reduction in heating bills.
Several companies offer systems where argon is inserted within the sealed units which, because it has better thermal properties than air, give even greater possible energy savings. The measure used to show differences is expressed as a “U Value”, and simply put, the lower the “U value” the better the thermal insulation.
Ordinary glass is around a U value of 5.4 and standard double glazing is expected to about 2.6 / 2.5 so any measure less than this is an improvement.
Just occasionally, probably in extreme weather conditions low emissivity glass can increase external condensation, but a simple wipe over with a cloth outside will quickly remove any excess dampness.
Spacer Bars
Just as an add-on to this section regarding energy saving glass we have noticed that several double glazing replacement window suppliers have also introduced new types of spacer bars which is less conductive and further improves insulation.
Aesthetic glass for double glazed units
As well as the standard clear glass and the energy saving glass as briefly described there are lots of styles offered which are all about design and flair and elegance and they can make a huge impact on the look and feel of you double glazing installation.
Georgian Bar
This is usually a fretwork system that is inside the double glazed unit which gives the appearance of a traditional Georgian window without the bother of having to maintain it as it sits inside the glass unit.
Obscure glass / Frosted glass or Privacy glass
This is very useful where you may wish to retain a degree of privacy and is often used in say the front door or cloakroom window. The rougher side of the pattern is inside the sealed unit so that only have a smooth surface to wipe over.
There are some delightful designs and it also comes in various stages of privacy ratings from 1-5 with 5 being the most heavily obscured.
Leads / bevels and colour motifs
There are lots of stunning designs available which will both enhance the look of your double glazing but can make the array more interesting – the range is enormous from leaded full height or top light to top light colour motifs. Some even offer tinted solid glass bevels which throw a stunning spectrum of coloured light into the room whenever the sun catches it – check out the range offered by your preferred supplier.
The ultimate lazy mans glass
Yes it had to happen didn’t it? As the technology has increased and research has become more intense especially in giving the buyer added value Pilkington have introduced Pilkington Activ™ advertised as the world first self cleaning glass (well there goes one of my Saturday morning tasks!).
To get the fullest details please see your supplier but in very simple terms it uses nature. The special coating breaks down and loosens dirt and then when it rains it simply sheets off the glass – it will even breakdown bird droppings and heavy soil which you can then rinse off with a hosepipe.
For more information on uPVC / PVCu, hardwood and aluminium then fill in our form to contact an approved supplier in Cambridgeshire.
We cover all the following areas:
Abington, Bottisham, Bourn, Buckden, Burwell, Cambridge, Chatteris, Duxford, Ely, Godmanchester, Hardwick, Huntingdon, Kimbolton, Linton, Manea, March, Melbourn, Milton, New Wimpole, Over, Peterborough, Prickwillow, Ramsey, Sawston, Sawtry, Shepreth, Soham, St. Ives, St. Neots, Steeple Morden, Swaffham Bulbeck, Swavesey, Thorney, Trumpington, Whittlesey, Willingham, Wisbech, Yaxley.
|
Request an Approved Supplier
|
