How to choose the right glass for windows and doors for comfort, energy efficiency and style
Double glazing glass options for Norfolk homes
For most Norfolk homeowners looking to upgrade their double glazing, the focus is upon the style of windows and doors, often with consideration of the colour of the frames. Yet an overlooked, but important aspect of these home improvements is the type of glass selected.
Double glazing uses two panes of glass, separated by a sealed gap filled with insulating gas, to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency, an essential for Norfolk properties which are often exposed to coastal breezes and chilly winters. At West Norfolk Glass, our expert team can advise on the various glass options which can be used to create a unique design for your property, but this guide is a useful starting point when thinking about the best glass choice for your home.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass
Low-emissivity or Low-E glass features a microscopic coating that reflects heat back into your home, while allowing natural light to pass through. Suitable for every home, Low-E glass can help to retain heat during the colder months, reducing heating costs and improving the comfort of your home.
Toughened glass
Toughened glass is much stronger than standard glass and designed to break safely. Heat-treated to be up to five times stronger than standard glass, it is designed to shatter into small, granular pieces rather than shards, which can reduce the risk of injury in the event of a breakage. Required for certain installations under UK building regulations, toughened glass is ideal for patio and bi-fold doors and can withstand impact and temperature changes.
Laminated glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass made by bonding two or more glass panes together with a tough plastic interlayer. If broken, this holds the shattered pieces in place preventing them from scattering and acting as a security barrier. The interlay also helps to reduce sun glare, which can fade fabrics and furniture over time.
Solar control glass
With rising summer temperatures in the UK becoming more common, solar control glass is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Norfolk homeowners, particularly for south-facing rooms, conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms. Solar control glass reflects excessive heat, reduces glare and keeps the room’s temperature comfortable year-round.
Textured and obscure glass
Textured glass is trending again, with more Norfolk homeowners choosing patterned glass to glaze areas such as bathrooms, cloakrooms, utilities and garages in addition to entrance doors. With more than 20 textured glass designs available from Pilkington of which West Norfolk Glass is an approved supplier, there are several historic styles.
Reeded, which features clean vertical ribs, was designed by M L Anderson in 1933 and is still used widely in doors and cabinetry, while Cotswold – which was inspired by timber grain – was created in 1961 by Brian Yale, then a student at the Royal College of Art. Both are used widely to this day, along with a wealth of more recent designs.
West Norfolk Glass, your local glazing experts
With rising energy costs and changing weather conditions, upgrading your home’s glass offers multiple benefits. Choosing the right type of glass for each setting allows you to optimise and customise the design for each setting:
- For energy efficiency – choose Low-E glass
- For Norfolk coastal homes – add toughened glass for durability
- For security and noise – improve with laminated glass
- For sunny rooms – use solar control glass
- For privacy – customise your home with textured glass
From Norfolk’s brick and flint cottages to a contemporary coastal house, each home is different so work with West Norfolk Glass’ team to create a unique style to suit your property.
