WHICH GLAZING TO CHOOSE ?

Here’s some useful information and advice on energy efficiency and sound absorption options to help you make an informed decision.

Double glazed window

Double-glazed windows are the most attractive value for money solution on the market today. It consists of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air or gas enclosed between them. This structure is designed to improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of windows.

It is interesting to know that triple glazing is not necessarily more soundproofing than double glazing. In fact, it is the thickness of the glazing that has a greater influence than the quantity of glass. Thus, double glazing with two different glass thicknesses will be more soundproofing than triple glazing with three identical thicknesses.

There are several possible components between the two panes that can impact the performance of your glazing.

Argon gas

Argon gas is an inert gas used between the two panes of double-glazed windows to improve their thermal insulation performance. Colorless, odorless and non-toxic, argon is an excellent insulator, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature by limiting heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. In recent years, we have also seen a new type of gas arrive on the market: krypton.

Low-e film

The Low-E film acts by blocking part of the infrared rays (responsible for heat) while allowing visible light to pass through. This will keep a house cooler in summer without blocking light and provide better thermal insulation in winter by returning heat to the interior.

Triple glazing

This type of glazing is the next trend in standards. Made up of three walls, a triple-glazed window has two air spaces, one more compared to double glazing. Thus, this type of glazing provides better thermal insulation. Depending on the thickness of the glazing, this type of solution can also offer an excellent sound barrier.

Soundproofing

According to popular belief, triple glazing has greater sound-proofing power than double glazing. This belief is false: the difference in thickness of the glass panels will have an impact on the sound passing through them, since they will be able to cut off groups of different sound waves. Thus, double glazing with two different glass thicknesses will be more sound-absorbing than triple glazing with three identical glass thicknesses.