Double Glazing Window Styles
In the world of energy efficiency, standard single-pane windows are not only passe, they're practically a sin. Double-glazed windows offer an energy-efficient alternative that not only reduces energy waste, but also might cut the utility bills down too. Double-glaze windows use two panes of glass set with an air or gas-filled space between them designed to act as a thermal insulator. One size doesn't fit all for many products, and double-glaze windows are no exception. These windows come in a number of styles, different tinting, coatings and mounting materials, to fit just about anyone's needs or budget.
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Clear Glass
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With the basic double-glazed window, both panes of glass are clear, separated by an air gap for thermal insulation to help reduce heat loss. The clear glass also allows for the transmission of high visible light and high solar heat gain. In the end, this window type helps gain and retain heat within the home, while increasing interior lighting during the day.
Bronze or Gray-Tinted Glass
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The addition of a bronze or gray tint to a double-glazed window reduces solar gain, which means that less heat is absorbed by the window and into the home. At the same time, the transmission of visible light is reduced compared to double-glazed windows with clear glass.
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High-Performance Tinted Glass
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High-performance tint is a midway point between clear glass and bronze or gray tint. Typically light green or blue in color, high-performance tinted glass offers more solar gain than bronze tint; however, it also allows the transmission of more light, much closer to clear glass than bronze tint.
Low-Emittance Coating
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Low-emittance (Low-E) coatings are transparent, microscopic layers of metal or metallic oxide. These Low-E coatings are virtually invisible and reduce the thermal transfer between one pane of glass to the other in the double-glaze window, which can drastically reduce the heat flow through the window. Low-E coatings are designed in three formulations to allow for either high, moderate or low solar gain from the window.
Gas Fills
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To further reduce the conduction of heat through the window, the space between the two panes of glass is filled with gas instead of air. Typically, argon or krypton are used to create a less conductive space for heat to pass through. Both are nontoxic, non-reactive, clear and odorless. Krypton features better insulation performance, but is more expensive than argon. Sometimes, a blend of the two is used as a medium between low cost and high performance.
Frame Materials
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Frame material is often a large contributor to window performance. Frames typically come in aluminum, wood, clad wood, insulated and uninsulated vinyl, fiberglass and composites. Each has individual properties regarding thermal conduction and solar gain.
Window Types
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Double-glaze windows come in a number of styles to fit just about any aesthetic. Hinged options include casement, awning and hopper-style windows. For sliding windows, horizontal sliding and both single- and double-hung windows are also available.
Other Uses
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Double-glazed windows have expanded from simple windows to many other uses. You can use them as storm windows, sliding and swinging patio doors, for skylights and roof-mounted windows and window systems for bay or bow windows. Additionally, use double-glazed windows to create miniature greenhouses or full sun rooms.
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