The combination of profile and glass is the one that gives us the capacity of thermal and acoustic insulation of a window. So, important is to choose a good profile for your new windows, like choosing the right glass and its composition, since glass accounts for 80% of the window gap.
From a few years to this part, double glazing windows have become popular because of the great features they offer and we want to inform you of the importance of choosing the composition of the same.
What are the double-glazed windows
Double-glazed windows are those composed of two or more glass sheets separated by a sealed chamber of dehydrated air or gas. Its low thermal conductivity and a low absorption coefficient of the radiation makes it a very resistant element to the passage of heat.
“Currently this is the predominant system for new constructions or renovations of Windows, due to its greater effectiveness in achieving better thermal and acoustic insulation”.
Why install double glazed windows
The installation of double-glazed windows significantly impacts the energy consumption of a home. In winter, a reduction of the heat loss of the house will be achieved, and therefore, a lower consumption of gas or electricity will be required to heat the house. In summer, it will be possible to avoid the entrance of hot air from the outside, with the consequent saving in air conditioning. This lower overall energy expenditure during the year directly translates into economic savings for the family’s pocket (a lower bill for electricity and or gas).
The type of glasses
At present, there are multiple types of glasses (with specific treatments) that offer different benefits. Depending on the location, orientation, and needs of the house, it is recommended to install one or the other, always in a double glazing:
Basic glasses: Simple insulation. They are not recommended for areas with a lot of direct sun exposure. When the sun sets (especially in summer) it is necessary to protect the window by means of an awning or a shutter to prevent the entrance of the heat in the house. It is perhaps the most common solution we can find, but its insulation performance is low, so we do not recommend choosing this type of glazing.
Low emissions Glasses: These glasses offer thermal insulation up to three times higher than a basic double glazing. Assembled in a double glazing, one of the glasses has a special treatment (glasses with low emissive layer) that contribute to improving the thermal insulation of the home significantly. They are also known with Reinforced Thermal Insulation (ATR) glass.
Low glasses with solar control: Assembled in a double glazing, one of the glasses has the advantages of the glasses under emitter (ATR), which adds a plus of solar control: with the consequent reduction of Ultraviolet rays, reducing the heat entering the house. With the added benefit of enabling a very neutral aesthetic, thanks to its high light transmission. It is recommended for locations with a lot of exposure to the sun (east, south, west).
Glass with acoustic treatment: Two or more glasses joined together by one or more sheets of acoustic polyvinyl butyral, an acoustic insulation that enhances the acoustic attenuation properties of the double glazing. They can be combined with a low emissive glass, combining the advantages of both types of glass in the same double glazing. It is the most recommended option when the environment of the house is noisy or the required acoustic comfort is high.