Timber Windows UK

UK Timber Windows - Types of Glass Available

Once you've chosen timber windows for your UK home, in many cases you'll also need to determine what kind of glass is best for your particular application. Here's some basic information on the varieties of glass that may be available to be fitted into timber frame windows.

Double glazed glass: This is the most common glass found in timber replacement windows. Two panes of glass are fitted into the window frame with a space sealed between them. This space can be filled with either air or argon gas, which has better insulating properties.

Safety glass: Similar to what's found in automobile wind screens, safety glass resists impacts. If it does break, it shatters into small pieces that are much less dangerous than large, sharp shards. Some building codes require safety glass in certain applications, such as a window within 800 mm of the floor and a door within 1500 mm of the floor. Safety glass should not be confused with security glass, which is designed to resist shattering when installed in wooden windows.

Laminated glass: Comprised of two sheets of glass with a membrane or interlayer between them. Laminated glass in double glazing windows, for example, does not shatter when struck. Instead, it cracks but remains in tact due to the presence of the center layer. The thicker laminated glass is, the more resistant it is to shattering and punctures.

Low maintenance glass: This glass contains an ultra-slick coating that allows rain to run off in sheets and not collect on the surface. Also called "self-cleaning" glass, it requires substantially less cleaning than other types of glass and is a good choice for double hung windows or casement windows that are in difficult to reach locations.

Anti-Fade glass: This is a laminate glass that blocks the UV rays that cause fading of fabrics and furniture. Because of its thickness, this type of glass also has security and noise reduction benefits.

Acoustic glass: Designed for application in high noise areas, such as busy streets or near airports. Other types of glass, even double glazed, do not offer the same level noise reduction as acoustic glass, even if they are of the same thickness. Most manufacturers publish charts that detail the degree of noise reduction offered by acoustic glass. This glass can be tricky to install properly, so customers are cautioned to employ a professional installer. Also, since there are sources of noise that are unrelated to what comes in through the windows, an acoustic survey is recommended to determine exactly what percentage of the total noise the window will remediate when installed in a replacement sash.

Although choosing your uk timber windows frame style and materials is an important decision, it's important to remember that the type of glass is also a critical factor.

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