What type of glass should you choose when purchasing PVC windows?

The window is the bridge that connects our residence to the outside environment, and that's why we need to be very careful about the choices we make. When looking for the ideal windows for our home, we should primarily pay attention to their quality, to the components and materials they are made of, to the reputation of the manufacturer and, last but not least, to the price.

Another element to be taken into account when making a decision to purchase a window is the insulating glass used for its production. Why? Because the glass is the main element that offers heat- and noise-insulation properties, but also increased comfort. It accounts for up to 70% of a window’s area; therefore, it is worth focusing on the same when looking for the perfect windows for our home.

 

What type of glass should you choose for your needs?

The insulating glass used in the manufacture of PVC windows can be of several types, each having specific properties and generating various benefits.

1. Low-E glass – High UV protection

The Low-E glass, as opposed to other glass types, is provided with a layer of metallic oxides that helps reflect the heat. Because the metallic layer can be scratched, it will always be applied on the inside, in a sealed environment, in a glass package made of at least two glass panes.

This type of glass is characterised by super-low emissivity and is recommended in cases where the temperature variations between the outdoor and indoor environment are high, helping to reduce heat loss through the windows during the cold season and reduce overheating in summer.

Furthermore, as it reduces the penetration of UV rays to the inside, this type of glass is also recommended for residences with items of furniture that can become discoloured/stained due to UV rays.

2. Solar Control Glass – Optimal energy efficiency, no matter the season

The Solar Control Glass combines the advantages of SuperLowE glass with those of reflective glass. During summer it provides strong solar protection by reducing the greenhouse effect inside the residence, while during the cold season it retains its heat-insulation properties.

This type of glass is ideal for areas with very hot summers and cool winters. Solar Control glass is not recommended for buildings with north-facing windows, as it has stronger solar reflection properties and reduces the temperature inside the residence, and allows less natural light in the room, hence creating a risk of condensation.

You can safely choose solar control glass if your windows are east or west-oriented, as heat and light will get into your residence much more easily, and it is recommended to use a glass package offering good heat insulation.

3. Planistar Sun Glass – More natural light in the room for longer

Planistar Sun glass combines the two properties that a glazed window exposed to solar radiation and heat, especially during the summer, should fulfil. This glass has excellent ability to reflect infrared radiation and, through solar control, reflects much of the solar energy.

This type of glass is suitable for east- and west-facing windows, offering good light transmission properties and allowing you to enjoy daylight for a longer.

4. Rolled Glass – The best noise insulation

The rolled (duplex) safety or anti-burglary glass is commonly used in residential developments and commercial systems. It consists of two or more panes of glass glued to each other with a transparent resin layer between.

This type of glass is recommended if your residence is located in a very noisy area, as it provides the best noise insulation compared to other types of glass.

Additionally, the resin used to bond the panes of glass together prevents broken glass in cullets in the case of an accident, providing a high degree of safety. We recommend using this type of glass for glazed windows or doors that can be subject to impacts, because the resin layer and the manufacturing system for this glass provide greater durability.

5. Ornamental Glass – Increasing privacy

Ornamental Glass is mainly used to reduce visibility and provide privacy without reducing the brightness of the room.

This is ideal for offices, medical practices or law firms, increasing the security of a high degree of confidentiality and privacy

6. Float Glass – 100% brightness and clarity

If you are looking for windows that allow up to 100% of the natural light to enter the room and provide a high degree of clarity to the outside environment, the Float glass might be the most suitable for you. However, this is not recommended if you live in a crowded area where noise is elevated and temperature variations are significant between seasons or between day/night, because it does not have a high noise and heat insulation coefficient.

Instead, Float glass is often used in combination with other types of reflective or solar control glass.

 

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In order to increase the level of natural light in the room, QFORT has created an innovative system that makes the glazed area (glass) of the window 29% larger than regular windows, which translates to more natural light inside the residence. Test the QFORT View concept (move the cursor left or right to see the benefits)

You are hereby invited to learn more about the QFORT View system and about our products and services portfolio.

We also wish you good luck in making the best decisions about the proper fitting of your residence.