There are several reasons why there are myths and misconceptions around glass windows. At SV Glass – a Perth windows and doors specialist – we have identified that a lack of knowledge is largely behind the myths and misconceptions.
As a result, we have put together this short guide that busts a lot of the misinformation out there and will address everything from the cost to the fear of change that holds people back from doing something about their glass windows.
MYTH 1 – GLASS WINDOWS ARE FRAGILE AND EASILY BREAKABLE
Fact: Modern glass windows are made with tempered or laminated glass that is stronger and more durable than traditional glass.
Tempered glass, also known as safety glass, is a type of glass that is heated to a high temperature and then cooled rapidly. This process makes the glass much stronger and more resistant to breaking than traditional glass.
Laminated glass, on the other hand, is made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two layers of glass. This makes the glass more impact-resistant and more secure. In case of breaking, the plastic layer holds the glass together, making it less likely to shatter and causing less damage.
Additionally, modern glass windows are often coated with a low-e coating, which makes them more energy efficient, and can also provide UV protection.
In summary, modern glass windows are stronger, more durable and more energy efficient than traditional glass windows, making them safer and more energy efficient options for buildings.
MYTH 2 – GLASS WINDOWS DO NOT INSULATE WELL
Fact: Today’s energy-efficient windows are designed to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Modern glass windows are built to insulate rooms through a combination of different technologies and materials.
- Double-paned or triple-paned glass: These windows have two or three layers of glass, with a sealed air space between them. This air space acts as an insulation barrier, helping to keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
- Gas fills: The sealed air space between the panes of glass can be filled with gases like argon or krypton, which are better insulators than air. This improves the window’s thermal insulation, making it more energy efficient.
- Low-e coatings: Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are thin, virtually invisible coatings that are applied to the surface of the glass. They reflect heat back into the room, helping to keep it warm in the winter, and reflecting solar heat away in the summer, helping to keep the room cool.
- Warm-edge spacers: These are insulating materials that are used to seal the edges of the window, preventing heat loss and keeping the window airtight.
- Weather stripping and caulking: These are materials that are used to seal any gaps around the window, preventing drafts and keeping the room well insulated.
By using combination of these technologies, modern glass windows can improve the energy efficiency of a building and help to reduce energy costs.
MYTH 3 – GLASS WINDOWS ARE EXPENSIVE
Fact: The cost of glass windows Perth can vary depending on the type and size, but there are many affordable options available.
It’s important to note that the cost of windows can vary depending on the size, style, and location, so it’s worth doing some research and getting multiple quotes to find the most affordable options for your specific needs.
SV Glass offers a range of products that are both affordable and cost-effective. Please get in touch with us to talk you through our Perth windows and doors range and how we can deliver for you.
MYTH 4 – GLASS WINDOWS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE CLEAR OR TINTED
Fact: Glass windows now come in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns.
The variety of colours, textures, and patterns available for glass windows has increased significantly in recent years. Some options include:
Tinted glass: Tinted glass comes in a variety of shades, from light to dark, and can be used to add privacy or reduce glare.
Textured glass: Textured glass can have a variety of patterns, such as frosted, reeded, or seeded, that can add visual interest and can also add privacy.
Coloured glass: Coloured glass can be made in a variety of shades, from clear to opaque, and can be used to add a pop of colour to a room or to complement the colour scheme of a building’s exterior.
Decorative glass: Decorative glass can include etched, bevelled, or leaded designs that can add a touch of elegance and style to a room.
Low-E glass: Low-E glass is a type of glass that has a thin, virtually invisible coating on the surface that reflects heat back into the room, helping to keep it warm in the winter, and reflecting solar heat away in the summer, helping to keep the room cool.
Reflective glass: Reflective glass, also known as mirrored glass, is a type of glass that has a reflective coating that can be used to reduce glare, increase privacy and also add a modern look.
Solar control glass: Solar control glass is a type of glass that has a coating that can be used to reduce the amount of solar energy that enters a building, reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed and helping to keep a room cool.
These are just a few examples of the variety of colours, textures, and patterns that are available for glass windows. New technologies and advancements are constantly being made, so the options are always expanding.
MYTH 5 – GLASS WINDOWS ARE HARD TO CLEAN
Fact: Glass windows Perth can be easily cleaned with a solution of water and mild detergent, and most modern windows are designed to be low maintenance.
For more on our cleaning tips, please see our previous blog The Definitive Guide To Cleaning Your Windows Inside And Out.
MYTH 6 – GLASS WINDOWS LET TOO MUCH UV LIGHT IN
Fact: Most modern windows have a low-e coating that blocks harmful UV rays while allowing natural light to enter the room.
Modern glass windows prevent UV light from coming in through the use of low-e coatings.
Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are thin, virtually invisible coatings that are applied to the surface of the glass. They are designed to reflect UV rays while still allowing natural light to enter the room. This helps to reduce the amount of UV light that enters a building, which can protect furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading or damage caused by UV rays.
Low-e coatings are made of a thin layer of metal or metallic oxide that is applied to one or both surfaces of the glass. They can be combined with other coatings to improve their performance, such as with a solar control coating, which can reduce the amount of heat that enters a building, as well as UV rays.
Some modern glass windows also have an increased thickness of glass that also helps to block UV rays.
It’s worth noting that Low-e coatings are not only good for blocking UV rays, but also for improving energy efficiency of the building. The coating reflects heat back into the room, helping to keep it warm in the winter, and reflecting solar heat away in the summer, helping to keep the room cool.
MYTH 7– GLASS WINDOWS ARE DANGEROUS IN CASE OF FIRE
Fact: Fire-resistant glass is available that can slow down the spread of flames and smoke, making windows safer in case of a fire.
Glass windows can be a problem in the event of a fire if they are not made with fire-resistant materials. Traditional glass windows will shatter and break easily when exposed to high temperatures, which can allow flames and smoke to spread quickly.
However, modern glass windows can be made with fire-resistant materials that can slow down the spread of flames and smoke, making them safer in case of a fire.
One common type of fire-resistant glass is tempered glass. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is heated to a high temperature and then cooled rapidly. This process makes the glass much stronger and more resistant to breaking than traditional glass.
Another type of fire-resistant glass is laminated glass. Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two layers of glass. This makes the glass more impact-resistant and more secure. In case of breaking, the plastic layer holds the glass together, making it less likely to shatter and causing less damage.
Additionally, some glass windows have special coatings that can be applied that can slow down the spread of flames, such as fire-resistant coatings that are made of a special type of paint, or even a fireproof film that can be applied to the glass.
It’s worth noting that even with fire-resistant glass, windows are not a fireproof barrier, but they can help to slow down the spread of flames and smoke, giving people more time to evacuate the building safely.
MYTH 8 – OLD DRAFTY WINDOWS CAN’T BE FIXED
Fact: Many types of windows can be repaired or retrofitted to improve their energy efficiency, even if they are older.
SV Glass relishes every opportunity to improve, repair and retrofit old windows. If you’d like us to assess your windows, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appraisal and quote.
