Are you in need of some new windows? Did you know that there are many specialty glazing options for new double glazed windows in the UK?
Whether you’re interested in safety, temperature regulation, or visual appeal, there are many options available on the market today that you can consider.
Annealed Glass
Let’s start simple. Annealed glass is a fairly standard type of glass that is popular for its durability and thermal stress resistance.
During its manufacture, annealed glass is cooled slowly which gives it its strength and insulation properties. While it’s not as strong as security glass (see below), it offers a more affordable alternative.
Security Glass
For those interested in the security of their property, like those living on street level or for commercial projects, then there’s a special type of glass you should consider.
Security glass windows can resist physical damage, such as being hit by a hammer, for up to 2 minutes.
Toughened or tempered glass windows use a specially thermally or chemically strengthened glass. This improves the strength of the glass five-fold and prevents the glass from breaking into sharp shards. Instead, if it does break, then it will shatter into small round pieces.
You can also consider laminated glass, where 2 layers of glass are bonded together with plastic film which holds the glass together and strengthen your entire window.
Laminated glass window prices are a more expensive alternative to toughened glass since it involves a more complicated and intensive manufacturing process.
Low-E Glass
Low-emissivity, or Low-E, glass is the most effective option for saving energy by preventing heat from escaping through your windows.
This glass has a special coating that absorbs heat and light energy and radiates it back. This acts as a thermal barrier, keeping heat energy indoors during the winter, and keeping your home cool over summer.
Nearly 20% of your home’s energy could be escaping through your windows every year. For those living in especially cold regions, Low-E glass provides an extra layer of protection that will help regulate the temperature in your home and save you money on energy bills.
Acoustic Glass
This type of specialty glass uses two or more layers of glass that are bonded using a resin-based plastic interlayer. Together, this provides acoustic insulation that will prevent outside noise from disturbing the peace and comfort inside your property.
Self Cleaning
If you have windows fitted in high-up areas or skylights, then there’s a glass option that will help you reduce time spent on maintenance.
Self-cleaning glass has a transparent coating that reacts to UV rays by breaking down dirt and debris stuck to the surface of the glass. This is then easily washed away during rainfall, or by simply pouring water over it.
Solar Control
For those that find they are disturbed by glare from the sun through their windows, solar control glass helps prevent this.
Its special coating acts as a barrier of insulation by absorbing and reflecting heat, as well as filtering the levels of light to reduce the levels of glare.
This way, you don’t need to use blinds whenever the sun shines, you can still enjoy the light and views through your windows, without being bothered by excessive brightness.
Fire Glass
For those especially concerned about fire safety in their home or commercial property, fire-rated glass is the best option.
It works thanks to an interlayer within the glass which is activated in the event of a fire. It then expands to prevent fire, smoke, and heat from passing through it.
Decorative Glass
There are so many decorative designs out there, each offering something different in terms of colour, transparency, and patterns. With so many options, it becomes easier to design your windows to suit your personal style.
Beyond functionality, plenty of people are also interested in the visual appeal of their windows or enhancing the privacy of their home from the outside. For those people, we’ve included some of the most popular decorative glass options available today.
Etched Glass
With some etched glass, the possibilities are endless. Etched glass describes any glass with a design etched onto the surface of the glass. The decorative area can cover the entire panel or just a certain area, such as the border of the glass.
This versatile option can include any design from modern squares or geometry, to more traditional floral patterns. You can incorporate etched glass design into any home style since there are so many designs available.
Etched glass will also help reduce glare from the sun since it’s less transparent compared to standard glass. The level of transparency varies depending on how much of the surface of the window is covered by the etched design.
Fusion
Fused glass windows are elaborate and colourful. Using a mix of stained glass tiles that are joined together and connected by sandblasted lines, fused glass designs come in many unique variations.
Even without the sun’s light shining through it, this glass will make a colourful and striking addition to any room.
Bevelled
Bevelled glass windows include polished angled edges that can create a huge variety of patterns across your windows, although they are most recognisable for a simple diamond pattern.
With bevelled glass, homes can appear ultra contemporary or traditional, depending on your design preference.
Frosted
Frosted glass is commonly used for those wishing to increase the levels of privacy from the outside. For example, for bathrooms, or rooms at the front of a building.
That’s because fully frosted glass prevents anyone from seeing through it, although you can usually adjust the levels of transparency. They can also come in a variety of designs that will suit any style of home.
