Selecting the right doors and windows is crucial to the efficiency, comfort and environmental impact of a home, explains Showhome Assistant Editor Hannah Larvin
The door to sustainable living has long been open, with energy efficient solutions a top priority for homeowners. Nowadays, even choosing the right doors and windows for a new build has become a crucial yet delicate task. These components are not merely architectural elements; they play a pivotal role in a building’s energy consumption, indoor comfort and environmental impact. By adopting advanced door and window solutions, new construction projects can make significant strides in enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency.
Quadruple Glazing
One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in new builds is through the installation of triple or even quadruple-glazed windows. Traditionally, double glazing has been the standard, featuring two layers of glass with a space in between, often filled with inert gases like argon or krypton. This design significantly reduces heat transfer, keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
However, the transition to triple glazing offers even greater benefits. Triple-glazed windows consist of three layers of glass, creating two insulating gas-filled spaces. This additional layer further minimises heat transfer and enhances the window’s insulating properties. For instance, companies like Velux, Internorm and Pilkington manufacture high-quality triple-glazed windows that are widely used in new builds across Europe and North America. Velux’s triple-glazed roof windows, for example, provide excellent thermal performance and sound insulation, making them a popular choice for energy-efficient homes.
Going one step further, quadruple glazing incorporates four layers of glass and three insulating spaces. This advanced glazing technology provides superior insulation, significantly reducing heat loss and enhancing energy efficiency. Manufacturers such as Alpen High Performance Products offer quadruple-glazed windows that boast exceptionally low U-values, which measure the window’s thermal performance. The lower the U-value, the better the window insulates. Alpen’s Zenith Series windows, for instance, are designed to meet the highest energy efficiency standards, making them ideal for passive house projects and other ultra-low-energy buildings.
The benefits of transitioning to triple or quadruple glazing are substantial. These windows not only improve thermal insulation but also enhance acoustic insulation, reducing noise pollution from outside. This is particularly advantageous in urban areas or near busy roads where external noise can be a significant issue. Additionally, the increased number of glass layers and gas-filled spaces in triple and quadruple glazing reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on the interior surfaces of the windows, thereby improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of mould growth.
Moreover, incorporating Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass into triple and quadruple glazing enhances these benefits. Low-E glass features a microscopically thin, transparent coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. This helps regulate indoor temperatures more effectively, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems and thus lowering energy bills. When combined with triple or quadruple glazing, Low-E glass maximises efficiency, making these windows a cornerstone of sustainable building design.
In summary, while double glazing offers significant energy efficiency improvements, the transition to triple and quadruple glazing represents the next step in sustainable window technology. By providing superior thermal and acoustic insulation, reducing condensation, and enhancing overall energy efficiency, these advanced glazing solutions play a crucial role in creating comfortable, environmentally friendly homes. As the market for energy-efficient building materials continues to grow, manufacturers like Velux, Internorm, Pilkington and Alpen High Performance Products are at the forefront, offering innovative window solutions that meet the highest standards of sustainability and performance.
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Joseph Clarke
Editor, Showhome
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