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Versatile window glazing
that inspires!

Find the right type of glazing for your building

Window glazing has evolved significantly over the last few decades. This article will introduce you to the latest window glazing systems.

Window glazing has evolved significantly over the last few decades. This article will introduce you to the latest window glazing systems.

Versatile glazing:
different types of window glass

Suitable window glass is available for every application:

  • Thermal insulation glass – i.e., insulating glazing – improves the energy efficiency of a house, as less heat escapes outside.
  • Soundproof glazing systems manage to reduce noise by more than 50 decibels.
  • Safety glass can have different properties. Single-pane safety glass (ESG) shatters into rounded shards when it breaks, thus significantly reducing the risk of injury. Laminated safety glass (VSG) on the other hand does not fall apart when it breaks, so that for example, anyone who runs into it is protected, and burglars are kept outside.
  • Sun protection glass reduces the solar warming of your rooms.
  • Ornamental glass such as frosted glass provides a visual decoration and protects your privacy.
  • Intelligent glass, when subjected to an electrical current, provides a privacy protection effect. There are liquid crystal molecules between the panes. The glass is initially opaque. When a current is applied, the arrangement of the molecules changes, and the glass becomes transparent.
  • There are many other types of glazing: ranging from self-cleaning, bird-visible to fire-resistant.

The great thing is: It is possible to incorporate several of these properties into a single piece of glazing.

Which window glass provides the best insulation?

Saving energy is usually the top priority these days. Taking a look at your window glazing is therefore particularly worthwhile. Windows with multiple insulating panes significantly reduce heat loss to the outside.

Triple glazing for windows

In earlier times, glazing usually consisted of a single pane of glass. Over time, manufacturers came up with the idea of positioning two panes one in front of the other, to achieve a greater thermal insulation effect. This standard has continued to develop, so that triple glazing is in regular use today. The space between the panes is filled with inert gases in order to improve the insulation effect even further. Other elements, such as a coating or the so-called “warm edge”, a spacer between the panes, are also used.

All in all, the energy-saving effects can vary greatly depending on the glazing selected and its insulating properties. The Uw-value is the heat transfer coefficient and describes how much heat is lost through a window. The lower the value, the lower the heat loss and hence also your heating costs. The Energy Saving Ordinance (Energieeinsparverordnung - EnEV) requires a Uw-value of 1.3.

U-values (W/(m²K)) for different types of window glazing:

  • Single glazing: 5 - 6
  • Double glazing: 1.1 - 3
  • Triple glazing: 0.5 - 0.8

The window frame also has insulating properties

The window frame holds the window panes in the correct position and provides additional insulation. The frame also opens up opportunities for personal design wishes:

Security – an important consideration in window glazing systems

When you take a look at the different types of glazing, you will come across window glass that provides a high level of intruder protection. You want to feel safe at home. With the right windows, you protect yourself from uninvited guests!

Laminated safety glass in particular is a type of window glass that provides additional, increased security. There are special films between the different panes in this window glazing. These make it much more difficult for burglars to get through the window.

What glazing is best for older buildings?

It is also possible to install triple glazing in older buildings. The thermal insulation of the window should not however be better than that of the façade. If this is the case, the walls will become more susceptible to mold. To prevent this, you should install additional insulation in your walls, or install controlled ventilation.

Entrance doors with glass – French doors

Glazing is used in windows as well as in entrance doors. Entrance door glazing is mostly identical to the types of glazing used in windows. Here too, the right, individual glazing is available.

How about the prices for a window glazing system?

Because of the wide range of types of window glazing, prices also vary widely. This will depend on its type and dimensions.

Basically, standard glazing with fewer high-level properties is usually most economical. We recommend that you give careful thought to the features that your window glazing should have for your purposes. Do you live in the city, and therefore require better soundproofing? Or do you place particular importance on saving energy?

Get comprehensive advice!

UNILUX is a manufacturer of windows, glass façades and doors with a powerful partner network in Germany and worldwide. We will work together to see which window glazing is suitable for you. Talk to one of our local partners!