Smart glass
Single glazing no longer needs to be the energy drain it once was. Low emissivity (Low E) SmartGlass is an innovative product made by Viridian Glass that carries with it improved insulation performance, making it both energy efficient and budget friendly. In the past, toned glass has been used to reduce the amount of heat gain caused by sunlight. The downside of this is it also limits the amount of natural light entering your home; and its darker colour can cause the glass heat up quickly, heat which is then transferred inside through the glass.
Low E Glass allows all of the natural light in from the sun, yet reflects glare and a large amount of UV rays and heat back out towards its source. All in a single pane of glass. SmartGlass is an ideal energy efficient solution for homes in climates where double or thermal glazing may not be necessary. SmartGlass can also be used in double and thermal glazing applications for an even high level of energy efficiency.
- Up to 39% better insulation performance than traditional single glazing
- Allows natural light to enter the home
- Limits the amount of UV rays
- Limits the amount of heat gain
- Reduces glare
Double glazing
Double glazing is when two panes of glass are installed with an air gap between them in the window frame. This air gap creates an insulation barrier between the inside and outside, reducing heat flow and thermal conductivity. Double glazing greatly increases a home's energy efficiency, and reduces the energy required for heating and cooling. Because the inside pane of glass is kept closer to room temperature, the occurrence of condensation is also greatly reduced.
The most effective double glazing uses SmartGlass panes, combining the Low E reflective film with the added insulation of an air gap. Double glazing units can sometimes be retrofitted to your existing window frames, however can dramatically alter the facade of your home. At Southside Aluminium Windows, we can replace your existing windows with new aluminium frames and pre-made double glazing units that make no change to the facade.
Learn more about Double Glazing here
Thermal glazing
Thermal glazing, which uses a special combination of Low E glass, double glazing and a thermoset foam, offers up to 68% improved insulation than standard single glazing. Thermal glazing reduces the heat conduction between inside and outside, without reducing natural light from the sun.
Thermal glazing can be built in three different ways. Either with metal spacing between the two panes of glass, a thermoplastic spacer, or a thermostat foam spacer. The most energy efficient thermal glazing is made with the thermostat structural foam spacer. This glazing unit allows for expansion and contraction, UV resistance and has a temperature resistance between -51 degrees celsius and 127 degrees celsius.
Learn more about Thermal Glazing here
Why should I get energy efficient glass?
When building or renovating your home, would you consider not installing insulation? Probably not.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics found in 2011 that 69% of houses had insulation. Around 51% of households considered energy ratings when purchasing appliances; and 75% did when purchasing air conditioners.
So why wouldn't you consider energy efficiency when purchasing and installing windows?
Benefits of energy efficient windows
- Maximise the energy efficiency of your home
- Up to 68% improved insulation in your windows
- Save money on heating and cooling
- Increase natural light
- Minimise cold draughts inside
- Reduce condensation on windows
Take a look at our other products now