When choosing what glass to use for your windows it can be overwhelming, especially with all the different types. That’s why we have created an easy guide to the most common glass terminology that you need to know.
Single Glazed
Single glazed windows refer to a window that is constructed using a single pane of glass. They provide poor insulation as glass is a good conductor of heat and a single pane allows up to 45% of heat loss to occur through your windows.
Double Glazed
Double glazed windows are any window constructed with two panes of glass separated by a sealed pocket typically air or gas. Research shows that double glazed windows significantly reduce heat loss by up to 80%, hence they have been compulsory in new builds in New Zealand since 2007.
Low E Glass
Low E glass stands for low emissivity. It refers to glass that has a thin coating applied to one side of the glass, that acts as an invisible insulation barrier for your windows.The coating is designed to minimise the amount of UV and Infrared light passed through your window without reducing visibility. Low E glass can reduce the amount of heat lost through your windows by at least 50% more than ordinary double glazing.
Argon Gas
Argon gas is colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas placed between two panes of glass in a sealed pocket. It is denser than air allowing it to add an additional barrier to heat loss. It is designed to bring your window temperature and room temperature closer together, reducing the draughts that can occur through the change of temperature. Argon gas is best used in conjunction with Low E glass.
Thermal Break
Thermal break refers to the insulation within a window frame. It is designed to separate the window frame into external and internal sections. The sections will be separated by a low thermal conductivity material creating an insulation barrier within the frame significantly reducing heat loss. Thermal breaks are for frames what double glazing is for glass.
Contact Cozy NZ today to discuss your glass options. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions.
