There are seemingly endless terms used to describe glass, and it can be hard to know which type is the right one. A common term used frequently in the glass industry is glazing. What does it mean, and is there any difference between that and glass? Here we’ll explain.
Glass
This is a sheet or pane of glass. It comes in various types, such as tempered, laminated, and annealed. Generally, different types of glass offer different benefits, and when deciding which one to choose for your home, it is best to research your options to determine which is most suitable.
Glazing
So, what’s glazing? Glazing typically refers to the glass component of a wall or window. It’s also commonly used to refer to work that has been conducted by a glazier.
Glass and glazing often get used interchangeably
The words glass and glazing often get used interchangeably because when it comes to windows, they are essentially the same thing. Understandably for those who aren’t familiar with glass products, it can get confusing fast. To give you an example, one pane of glass in a window is called a single glazed window.
What kind of glazing is best for my windows?
Now that we’ve explained the difference between glass and glazing, you can now determine which type of glazing is best for the windows at your home or business. Here is a rundown of some popular types to help you make your choice:
Single glazing
Most older homes have single glazed windows, and many newly constructed homes do as well as they are the cheapest option. Single glazed windows are generally around 4mm to 6mm thick, and they provide minimal insulating properties as well as very little sound blocking benefits. This type of glass is most prone to condensation compared to other types as well.
Key factors to consider about single glazing
They aren’t energy efficient
Single glazing doesn’t offer great insulating properties and this allows energy to transfer through the glass with ease. This means that when it’s warm outside, the glass doesn’t prevent the heat from coming in and when it’s cold outside, the glass doesn’t stop the heat within the home from getting out. This generally results in having to run your heating and cooling for far longer to bring the house up or down to a comfortable temperature. Having single glazing in your home isn’t environmentally friendly, and it’s likely your energy bills will reflect that.
Not as safe
Single glazing is far easier to break than thicker glass types, and this makes your home more susceptible to break-ins. The windows of a home are a vulnerable point, and it provides easy access for unwanted intruders. Single glazing is also unlikely to remain intact in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or cyclone.
Double glazing
Double glazing is two panes of glass rather than one used in a window. Argon gas is sealed between the two to separate them. This provides good insulating properties and is shown to be 100% more energy-efficient than single glazing alone.
Key factors to consider about double glazing
- Unlike single glazing, double glazing offers great insulation. There are not only two panes of glass, but the gas also provides another layer of insulation. Installing double glazing is a great way to boost your homes thermal protection.
- Added security. Double glazing is much harder to break than single glazing, and it reduces the chances of an intruder gaining entry. This ensures your belongings and family are safe.
- It can add value to your property. Having quality glass in your home can add to its overall value. It can be used as a selling point and can make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to put it on the market.
- Fantastic soundproofing benefits can be expected when choosing double glazed windows. The gas-filled space inhibits the conduction of sound. This can include noise from cars, neighbours, and planes. Those living in population-dense areas such as the CBD greatly benefits from this type of glass.
Triple glazing
Triple glazing is three panes of glass separated by two argon gas areas. This provides the ultimate soundproofing, insulating, and security. They are better than double glazed windows in the sense that they let less energy transfer, less noise conduct through the glass, can save you more money on your electricity bill and in turn, those with this type of glazing will reap the biggest benefits.
How do I know which type of glazing is best for my home?
There are a few factors to consider before making your choice. Here are some of them:
- Your budget. The more panes of glass your windows have, the more expensive it will be.
- The climate where you live
- What your home is constructed with
- How many windows you have and how big they are
- The importance of energy efficiency to you
Can all windows have double or triple glazing?
Yes, virtually all window types can have either double or triple glazed windows.
We hope this post has given you a brief idea of what the differences are between glass and glazing. If you have any questions about this topic or would like to discuss some new glazing for the windows at your place, contact our helpful team here at True Blue Glass.
