Window glasses: how not to make a mistake in the choice?

The windows in the house serve for natural ventilation, lighting and insolation - irradiation of surfaces with ultraviolet radiation. They are the enclosing structure and must comply with soundproofing and heat engineering standards.

Types of glasses

Glass is the standard material used in the window block to fill the opening. Window glass is represented in a variety of variations, for example:

• Hardened - having increased resistance to shocks and temperature changes;
• Reinforced - safe and heat-resistant;
• Reflective (reflex) - used for protection from the sun;
• Colored.

You can also find mirror translucent options that create a cozy coolness in the house, due to the reflection of sunlight. Such windows with the simultaneous use of air conditioning can significantly save electricity.

A wide distribution was acquired by film coatings, which give certain decorative and functional characteristics. They are able to provide one-sided visibility, protection from the sun, toning, noise insulation, fire resistance, energy saving, impact resistance. Sputtering or specialty films are used for toning.

To implement the design project and solve certain problems, glass triplex, design (matte, sandblast and others), stained glass, decorative glass is used.

Choice of construction

Thanks to the design of modern windows, there is an extensive choice of ways to fill the light opening, which allows finding an individual solution for each case. It is necessary to take into account the functions assigned to the window. For example, there is no need for a complex design, if there are no high requirements for sound and thermal insulation. If for a given region a single-leaf variant with selective glasses and double-glazed windows corresponds to regulatory requirements, then this constructive scheme will suit the customer.

There is a triple, double and single glazing. The first two options are divided into windows with separate and connected bindings, and the used glazing can be ordinary or in the form of a double-glazed unit .

Window glass can be retained both with blind windows and with a frame. The boxes used in place of the flaps are installed as an isolated element.

Double-glazed windows

Consist of double-glazed windows of two or more glasses, which have a tight contour connection and separation by layers of inert gas or air. Standard or selective window glass can be used, which reduces heat loss. With the use of special coatings, it is possible to obtain a given spectrum of sun rays entering the rooms. By changing the composition of the gas filling, the inter-glass distance, the types of material and film coating, you can choose the option with the specified functions.

Installation of the glazing system is possible in window blocks of any materials, including traditional wood. There are special programs that simplify the process of choosing the right solution.

Glass window: dimensions and compliance

The required level of illumination is calculated, depending on the purpose of the rooms, by determining the exact ratio of the floor size and window openings. Also the proportions and dimensions of the windows must meet the decorative and building requirements. It should be noted that in terms of hygienic standards, increasing lighting improves the living environment, but at the same time contributes to large costs in construction and heating.

Thickness of pane

According to GOST, double-glazed windows in thickness should be from 16 to 46 mm. Thermophysical properties increase with increasing glass thickness. But the increase in characteristics occurs with attenuation - from a specific moment the growth of thermal insulation decreases with each additional cm of the insulating glass unit. In this case, a good effect gives the use of energy-saving options from glasses with a special low-emission surface. The thickness does not have a significant effect on soundproofing properties.

When the interstitial space is filled with gases having an increased density, in comparison with ordinary air, the heat losses that occur due to convection are reduced. Dynamic viscosity, density and conductivity have a direct effect on the thermal conductivity of the space between the glasses.

It is also worth noting that if the glass unit is damaged, replacing the window panes will not be a way out of the situation, it will have to be completely changed. But thanks to the design of modern PVC windows, it becomes much easier to make the necessary changes. Expenses for repair from the cost of production of insulating glass and installation work are added.