Wooden Timber Windows, Doors and Stairs. High Quality, Long Life, Bespoke
Glazing Guide
The choice of glazing unit has a large effect on the overall performance of the product. By taking into account the following options will allow the unit to meet a wide range of criteria. If you need further assistance in this area, please contact us.
Thermal Loss (U-value)
Barnsdale's have carried out extensive research on the effects of using different glazing systems. We have the widest range of BFRC Energy Rated windows in the country and are currently developing more.
The major influences on the U-value of the glass are:
- The coating on the glass
- The type and width of spacer bar between the 2 pieces of glass
- The medium in the cavity (gas or air)
Coating
As standard we use Saint Gobain Total glass which has a softcoat coating. This has a very good centre pane U-value coupled with excellent solar gain performance and has a neutral look. We also have a wide range of options including self cleaning glass and solar control glass to achieve the exact performance characteristics required.
Spacer bar
These bars form the perimeter of the glass providing the spacing between two panes and the cavity seal to ensure gas is retained. As standard glazing units have an aluminium spacer, which while cost effective, provide poor insulation and as a result a poor U-value.
An alternative is to use a warm edge spacer, manufactured from a significantly more thermally efficient material. These reduce the thermal bridging effect at the edge of the glass and produce a significantly better overall U-value.
Cavity Gas / Size
We have a large choice of sash widths, so the cavity width can be changed, but normally a width of 16mm with a filling of argon will provide good performance at a competitive price. Krypton can provide better performance but this only significant when the cavity width is very small, when wither specifying a slimline or a triple glazed unit.
Thermal Gain (Solar gain)
Solar gain is due to the amount of thermal energy transmitted through the unit to heat the inside of the building. In the UK, this is generally a very positive effect and as a result a high performance softcoat glass is usually the best choice.
However, there are a number of situations where the solar gain has a negative effect on temperature control especially if an increase in air conditioning is then required. In these situations solar control glass is more beneficial, allowing the suns impact to be restricted giving a reduced and more consistent heat flow.
With a wide range of glazing options we are able to achieve the exact specifications that you require.
Acoustic performance
The thickness of the glass, the material used in the centre of laminated glass and the gas cavity width all have an effect on acoustic performance. We have carried out a wide range of tests using different systems in different sash widths and can provide technical help and data to deal with individual requirements.
Security
All of our windows and door have very good security performance. Our glazing systems are capable of achieving British Standard 7950 through the use of either toughened or laminated glass
Safety
Toughening coated glass has been a problem in the past but the latest products allow for the coated pane to be toughened. This has benefits over laminated glass as it is cheaper and is more consistent with other units that do not have safety requirements.
Obscure options
We can provide a wide range of obscure glass if privacy is an issue.