Choosing glazing for your next project involves more than picking between double and triple glazing. Selecting the right glass can improve energy efficiency, security, occupant comfort and noise reduction.
Glazing is a key part of specifying aluminium windows and doors. To help you make your choice, we’ve put together a simple guide to the main glass options available.
Double vs Triple Glazing Explained
Double glazing is a noticeable upgrade on single glazing. It significantly improves insulation thanks to the extra pane of glass incorporated into the design. BDC Aluminium offers double glazing as standard.
Triple glazing is a higher-performance upgrade with a third pane. Triple-glazed doors and windows provide improved warmth, sound insulation and security. It’s a larger investment, so its suitability depends on project requirements.
Low-E Glass and Managing Solar Gain
‘Low-E’ stands for ‘low emissivity’ and refers to a special invisible coating applied to the glass. It helps reflect heat into buildings during colder months, thus improving heat retention.
This type of glass also helps to reduce excess solar gain in warmer weather, doing so by limiting overheating from direct sunlight. This improves thermal efficiency, indoor comfort and the overall performance of glazing.
Low-E glass is particularly effective for large glazed areas and energy-focused projects. It helps support year-round comfort without affecting natural light levels.
Safety Glass Options: Toughened and Laminated
Safety glass is important for compliance, security and protection in commercial and residential projects.
Toughened glass is a stronger form of glass that has been heat-treated for improved strength and durability. If it breaks, it shatters into smaller, blunt pieces rather than dangerous, sharper shards.
This makes it ideal for doors and low-level glazing, plus higher-risk areas where accidental impact is a possibility.
Laminated glass consists of two panes bonded together by a plastic interlayer between them. If broken, this interlayer helps to hold the glass in place rather than allowing it to shatter fully.
Acoustic Glazing for Noise Reduction
Acoustic glazing reduces outside noise and improves internal comfort. It’s ideal for premises near busy roads, schools, town centres and any other high-traffic areas. It’s a practical upgrade for improving usability in noisy locations.
Get Expert Advice from BDC Aluminium
Glazing affects performance as much as appearance. For added benefits like efficiency, security, compliance and comfort, BDC Aluminium offers a range of glass options. Contact BDC to find out more about our glazing choices, and find out how we could better your next project.
