Glass is a traditional material used to fill a skylight. Until recently, traditional glazing systems using two- and three-glass structures with large air gaps were used to reduce heat loss. Currently, a double-glazed window has become an integral part of the windows. The invention of the double-glazed window was another revolutionary step (along with tilt and turn fittings) in the development of window technology. Double-glazed windows consist of two or more glasses, hermetically connected along the circuit and separated by air or filled with inert gases interlayers.
Examples of window glazing:
A-glass;
B-glass unit;
B-laminated glass;
L-laminated glass in the construction of a glass unit.
Double-glazed windows can be assembled both from ordinary glass and from special, so-called selective, which reduce heat loss. Using glasses with different coatings in double-glazed windows, it is possible to obtain a given spectrum of rays penetrating into the room. By varying various types of glass and films with heat-reflecting and other coatings, inter-glass distances and the composition of the gas filling of glass units, it is possible to produce windows with specified characteristics.
There are many types of glass used to fill skylights. Let’s name just a few of them:
- Reflex – sun-protection reflective glass;
- Laminated (triplex) – preventing violent entry into the premises;
- Reinforced – safe and fire resistant;
- Tempered – glass with increased resistance to impacts and temperature drops;
- Bulk tinted glass – absorbing solar energy;
In addition to special glasses, film coatings are also widely used, applied both to single glasses and to glasses used in double-glazed windows. Films give glass certain properties, both functional and purely decorative. In particular, they provide:
- Strengthening glass;
- Shatterproof;
- Heat saving;
- Sun protection;
- Fire resistance;
- Noise protection;
- Toning;
- Information protection;
- UV protection;
- One-way visibility;
As we can see, a modern window has many possibilities for filling the light opening, allowing you to choose your own individual solution for each specific case. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the function that the window will carry. For example, there is no need to use a complicated window structure where there are no increased requirements for heat and sound insulation. If a single-leaf window with a double-glazed window and selective glass meets the regulatory requirements adopted for a given region, it is quite possible to limit ourselves to this design scheme. The need for 2 + 1 glazing (glass + double-glazed window) appears if windows are installed in cold areas where there is a possibility of freezing or in houses that are located next to busy transport highways, where additional sound insulation is needed.
It should also be noted that any type of glazing can be installed in window blocks made of any material (including traditional wood).
Special computer programs have been developed to facilitate the process of finding the optimal solution. By setting the type of glazing: the number of glasses, the width of the air gap of the glass unit, the type of glass (selective, with a film, etc.), the gas content of the glass unit, the user of the program receives the necessary technical characteristics of the glazing.
What are some of the different types of glazing available and how do they differ in terms of energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetics?