Glass and Glazing Options

Selection

Glass is the only building material that not only insulates us from temperature extremes; it can also control the passage of light and heat into and out of our homes.

There are 3 main areas to consider when thinking about windows and glazing for your project: natural light, solar heat gain and thermal conductivity.

By choosing the right performance glass, you can enjoy your views and natural light while controlling UV and glare. Benefit from the natural warming effect of solar heat during winter and minimise its impact during summer and insulate your home against excessive heat loss or gain.

By understanding your climate’s heating and cooling needs, you can determine your overall glass selection priorities. Performance glass can also help to overcome site limitations so you can still enjoy your views without compromising your home’s energy efficiency.

You can combine energy efficient glass with other options, including glass that reduces noise, provides protection from intruders and creates shelter from extreme weather to create the perfect windows for your building project.

Hunter Windows can advise you regarding the ideal glass for your project.

Glass Selection

Natural Light

When selecting glass for windows or glass doors, it is important to consider the amount of natural light that you want to allow into your home. The placement of the windows and doors will also affect the amount of natural light that you receive.

For example, north-facing windows will receive the most natural light, while south-facing windows will receive the least. East- and west-facing windows will receive moderate amounts of natural light, but they will also receive more direct sunlight, which can lead to glare and heat gain.

Solar Heat Gain

The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how much solar radiation is transmitted through a window or glass door. A lower SHGC will indicate less solar heat gain, while a higher SHGC will indicate more solar heat gain.

In hot climates, it is important to choose windows and doors with a low SHGC. This will help to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home and make it more comfortable. In cold climates, you may want to choose windows and doors with a higher SHGC to allow more solar heat to enter your home and reduce your energy costs.

Thermal Conductivity

The U-value is a measure of how well a window or glass door insulates against heat loss. A lower U-value will indicate better insulation, while a higher U-value will indicate worse insulation.

In cold climates, it is important to choose windows and doors with a low U-value. This will help to keep your home warm and reduce your energy costs. In hot climates, you may want to choose windows and doors with a slightly higher U-value to allow more natural light to enter your home and help to keep it cool.

Low-E Glass

Low-E (low emissivity) glass is a type of glass that has a thin coating of metal or metal oxide applied to one surface. This coating reflects infrared (IR) radiation, which is the type of radiation that heat is transmitted through.

Low-E glass can help to reduce both heat gain and heat loss in your home. In the summer, it can help to keep your home cool by reflecting sunlight away from the windows. In the winter, it can help to keep your home warm by reflecting heat back into the room.

Low-E glass is available in a variety of different coatings, each with its own unique properties. Some coatings are more effective at reducing heat gain, while others are more effective at reducing heat loss.

Double-Glazed Glass

Double-glazing, also known as insulated glass units (IGUs), is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer. The spacer is filled with air or an inert gas, such as argon or krypton. This creates a thermal barrier that helps to reduce heat gain and heat loss.

Double-glazed glass is more energy-efficient than single glass. It can help to reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable. Double-glazing is also more durable than single glass and can help to reduce noise pollution

Tinted Glass

Tinted glass is a type of glass that has a dark tint applied to it. This tint can help to reduce glare and heat gain. Tinted glass is often used in commercial buildings and homes with a lot of north-facing windows.

Tinted glass can also help to improve privacy. The darker the tint, the less visible the interior of the building will be from the outside. However, it is important to note that tinted glass can also reduce the amount of natural light that enters a building.

Which type of glass is right for you?

The best way to determine the best type of glass for your windows or glass doors is to consult with a window or glass door professional. Hunter Windows can assess your specific needs and recommend the best type of glass to meet your requirements.

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Glass and Glazing Options

Glass is the only building material that not only insulates us from temperature extremes; it can also control the passage of light and heat into and out of our homes.