If you think about it, glazing is fundamental to good project design as it heavily impacts the quality of life in the building. That said, careful consideration of glazing is therefore essential to ensure a pleasant living environment.
Your choice matters. It determines how you use a property in the long term. It determines the aesthetics of a structure. Also, glazing determines whether you’re adequately protected and insulated from the elements.
As you can see, the quality of glazing is critical whether it’s a new building or a replacement project.
So what are some of the things to keep in mind before investing in glazing?
Let’s get down to business.
#1. The Existing Guidelines
First, you need to check with your local building department and find out if permits are needed for certain types of glazing. As always, building codes vary depending on your location. For instance, your project could be in an area that requires tempered glass.
Likewise, listed buildings are subject to a conservation officer’s approval. And since windows play a major role in a building’s image, any changes must maintain the structure’s character.
All said, in some cases, a certified glazing company can help take care of the necessary approvals.
#2. The User’s Needs
When choosing glazing you need to consider the preferences and the needs of your property. Maybe privacy is a priority. In this case, you can go for frosted or textured glass because it allows natural light indoors but still maintains obscurity.
Additionally, your glazing choice needs to ensure a serene environment. For example, if the project is situated near a busy street, the endless noise can be a nuisance to the occupants. As a result, you need to go for glazing that offers sound insulation.
#3. The Energy Efficiency
In an effort to conserve the environment, there’s a need for glazing that allows maximum natural light indoors. With the right choice, you can reduce your energy costs by taking some load off your HVAC system.
In other words, during cold winters, the glazing traps the hot air inside reducing the need for heaters. Similarly, for sunny days, it keeps the interior cool without blocking out any sunlight.
#4. The Well-being of Users
For every building project, top-quality safety measures are paramount. That said, it’s important that the glazing keeps the occupants safe.
For instance, tempered glass enhances security because it can withstand heavy impact and can also cope with extreme weather. Also, for the unfortunate times this type of glass breaks, it crumbles into small dull-edged pieces. This further protects the dwellers.
On the contrary, untreated glass will break more easily and shatter into sharp and dangerous shards of glass.
#5. The Aesthetics
In addition to being functional, glazing also enhances the architectural designs of buildings. It adds style and charm to your project. The goal therefore is to choose the glazing that best complements your structure design.
For example, tinted and reflective glass types can be used in malls and office blocks to augment building facades. Alternatively, you can use coloured glass to enhance the architectural aesthetics of building facades, partitions and interior spaces.
#6. The Budget
Let’s be honest. We invest in doors and locks that ensure maximum security for the occupants. It’s the same mindset you should adopt when considering glazing. In other words, it’s an investment that you will make maybe once or twice in your lifetime.
Even when on a budget, please don’t take shortcuts. You need to get value for what you’re paying for. You see, something maybe cheaper now but cost you more in the long run especially in energy costs. That said, take your time to weigh the long-term benefits against the short-term purchase.
For glass, low emissivity coatings (Low-E) is recommended as it allows your home to be energy-efficient. In cold months, it locks heat indoors and lowers your heating costs. On the other hand, during hot days, it reflects the heat away from your property keeping the interior cooler hence saving on your utility bills.
#7. The Orientation
Understanding the orientation of your windows and how much sunlight they get throughout different seasons will determine the glazing you need.
In Britain, windows should ideally face south so as to bring in as much sunlight as possible and warm the indoors. This is especially important in the cold months when the sun rises much lower than in summer. Additionally, for windows facing east and west, the glazing should ensure that there’s no overheating.
#8. The Warranty
Whenever you make a purchase, you want to be reassured that you’re making the best decision possible. You want to know that whatever you buy will last, and if it doesn't then you can reach out to the seller for support. This is where glazing warranties come in.
A Warranty helps safeguard your investment. And with a guarantee of at least a decade, you can trust that a glazing company will offer quality services.
Word of caution: You need to clarify what the warranty does and doesn’t cover.
What Does This Mean For You?
Glazing is a significant decision and requires lots of thought. Your choice will determine the comfort, beauty and security of your property. Choosing the wrong glazing can have grave long-term consequences such as excessive utility bills.
And with the numerous options out there, you can use the above pointers to help you with the process. Take your time and find a one-stop-shop that caters for all your glazing needs.
It will be worth it.
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