Single-chamber double-glazed window - what temperature is it designed for, what does thickness mean, single-chamber double-glazed window

The most popular characteristic of modern translucent structures is the number of air chambers in a double-glazed window.

This parameter directly affects all window characteristics that are usually of interest to the buyer:

Weight characteristics.
Price.
Heat-saving characteristics.

Considering the totality of this data, the choice often falls on windows equipped with single-chamber double-glazed windows.

A double-glazed window is a pair of glasses separated by a spacer frame.

Often, when talking about a double-glazed window, they mean a window made of PVC profile. But it is a separate product, the frame of which can be not only a PVC profile, but also aluminum, wood, or metal-plastic.

The window structure consists of a frame, which is inserted into the window opening, and sashes hung on it. Each of them is a frame with insulating layers, made of a special profile, and a translucent product recessed into it.

Myths about single-chamber structures

To reduce thermal conductivity, all air is pumped out of the chamber. It is impossible to create a vacuum inside the bag. Under the influence of atmospheric pressure, glass bends inward and bursts. To prevent this from happening, the chamber space is filled with dried air or inert gases. They exert sufficient pressure on the glass, but conduct almost no heat.

Inert gas chambers must have valves . This is partly true. In some packages, the separation frames are equipped with valves through which argon is pumped into the chamber. Manufacturers recognize this technology as imperfect, because it allows the chamber to be filled only 85%. In addition, the annual gas leakage through installed valves ranges from 6 to 8%. After 10-12 years, such a double-glazed window partially loses its energy-saving properties. Modern gas injection technologies make it possible to fill chambers by 90-100% without the use of valves.

The heat-saving properties of a window depend on the thickness of the glass . This is wrong. The thickness of the glass only affects the soundproofing characteristics of the package. The thermal conductivity of a window depends on the depth of the chamber, the type of glass and its coating.

Double-glazed windows with two i -glasses retain 2 times more heat. The second energy-saving glass, indeed, increases the thermal insulation properties of the structure, but only by 2-3%. At the same time, its cost increases by 15-20%.

When heated, the argon chamber may explode . Argon, xenon and krypton are noble gases. They do not support combustion, so they do not explode at any heating temperature.

What else to look for when purchasing

The gap between the glasses should not be more than 2 cm, otherwise the noise-reducing and heat-insulating effect of the window is lost.
A structure with dimensions larger than 3 * 3.2 m is likely to deform under its own weight. Regardless of the price of metal-plastic products, single or double glazing can be damaged.
If a colored glass layer is installed, then only on the outside, where it is securely fixed.
It is necessary to install the window structure when the temperature outside is at least -15, and indoors there is at least 5°C.

Before purchasing, you need to carefully study the details and weigh the pros and cons. When choosing a manufacturing company, as well as purchasing profiles and window fittings, you do not need to save money, because this significantly reduces their service life.

Installation of non-standard double-glazed windows

A thin double-glazed window in an aluminum frame is used for glazing objects with minimal load-bearing capacity. This category includes terraces, balconies, verandas, as well as ground-based objects installed on a shallow foundation. In this case, the double-glazed window acts as an alternative to window glass, and its thickness does not exceed 14 mm.

Lightweight single-chamber structures also place less load on a worn parapet or non-permanent foundation. However, they are inferior to standard packages in terms of sound and heat insulation properties.

The thickness of the glass in the lightweight package is from 3 to 4 mm. This allows you to reduce the load on fittings, reinforcement (section) of crossbars and supporting structure by 25%. Such packages are used for panoramic glazing, because they are easier to transport, install and dismantle.

Large double glazed window . The maximum size of a single-chamber double-glazed window reaches 3×6 meters. To increase the resistance of the structure to mechanical loads, it is reinforced with reinforced glass and sheets 6-8 mm thick. To separate them, metal frames with a width of 14 to 16 mm are used.

Oversized double-glazed windows are 6 times stronger than standard structures. They are safe for others, because... in case of damage they do not crumble into sharp fragments. Suitable for stained glass glazing of shopping centers, shops and work areas.

Single-chamber bags with thick glass (8-9mm) are an alternative to double-chamber models. They match in weight and soundproofing characteristics. They are often installed in city apartments in the southern regions of the country.

Installation of a single-chamber PVC window

A popular material for the manufacture of window frames and sashes is PVC profile. This is a hollow plastic form with bridges between which air chambers are located. The number of chambers affects the thermal conductivity properties of the structure and its rigidity. In other words, the more chambers in a design, the warmer, quieter and stiffer it is. In the production of single-chamber windows, a 3-, 5-, 6-chamber profile is used, reinforced with an internal metal frame.

Single-chamber PVC windows are used for glazing the following structures.

Balcony block between the glazed loggia and the room.
Seasonal housing: dachas, summer houses and kitchens.
Unheated extensions to the house: verandas, terraces.
Utility and utility rooms: workshops, garages, gazebos, patios, sheds.

According to SNiP 23-02-2003 “Thermal protection of buildings”, it is allowed to install single-chamber windows in residential premises located in regions with a warm climate. If in the winter season the temperature outside the window does not drop below –5⁰С, ice and condensation do not form on the surface of the glass unit.

Where is it recommended to use single glass windows?

There are virtually no restrictions on the use of this technology. It is considered universal and is suitable for both external and internal glazing. Today such structures are ordered for the following objects:

country houses that are not planned to be used in the autumn-winter period;
unheated utility facilities;
verandas, terraces, gazebos and summer pavilions;
interior spaces of commercial buildings that are planned to be separated by partitions;
dormer windows;
uninsulated balconies and loggias.

In this case, if necessary, during the operation of the windows, single glazing can be replaced with double glazing. Most often this happens when property owners decide to use their dacha in winter or want to thoroughly insulate a balcony with a loggia.

How to calculate the number of glasses in a structure?

Using technical documentation . Information about the double-glazed window is indicated in the technical passport of the window and the marking sticker. The manufacturer applies it to the glass itself or its frame. The label contains the package formula indicating the number of glasses and the distance between them. So, for example, a standard single-chamber double-glazed window has the formula 4M-16-4M, where:

4M – thickness of external glass;
16 – depth of the air chamber;
4M – thickness of the inner glass.

A design with triplex glass can have the formula 4.4.1-16-4, where:

4.4.1 – thickness of triplex glass (9 mm);
16 – depth of the air chamber;
4 – thickness of the inner glass.

The thickness of the glass and the distance between them may vary.

Double-glazed windows consist of 3 glasses and 2 air chambers, therefore they have a complex formula. For example, 6M-14-4M-10-6M, where:

6M – thickness of external glass;
14 – depth of the first chamber;
4M – thickness of the intermediate glass;
10 – depth of the second chamber;
6M – thickness of the inner glass.

With the help of a candle. You can check the information specified in the product label and passport yourself. To do this, light a match or candle and bring it to the window. Pay attention to the flame: the number of reflections will coincide with the number of glasses, and their color will help determine the type of spraying.

A yellow flame indicates that the package contains plain float glass.
Violet, red or blue - glass with energy-saving coating.

Using a thermal imager . A thermal imager is used to professionally assess the quality of windows. It helps determine cold bridges, air chamber filling and the number of glasses.

Thermal imaging is carried out in the cold season, when the temperature difference between the street and the room is 15-20⁰С.

At the preparatory stage, all windows, doors and ventilation openings in the apartment (house) are closed. The air conditioner is turned off.
Tulle and curtains are removed from the window, and foreign objects are removed from the windowsill.
The thermal imager is pointed at the window opening and its thermogram is taken.

Thermogram helps to detect technical leaks and eliminate insulation defects in a timely manner. Cold areas of the window are highlighted in blue in the image, warm areas are highlighted in red or orange. If there is an inert gas in the chamber, the surface of the glass is painted green.

Which glasses are suitable for equipping single windows?

Almost all glass that is used in the production of double-glazed windows is suitable for the manufacture of such windows. At the request of the client, the following types of glass can be installed in the light opening:

float is the most popular and economical option with good light transmittance;
reflex - provide excellent protection from overheating and privacy;
low-emission - allow you to retain heat and protect interior spaces from exposure to UF radiation;
triplex – increases the level of safety and improves sound insulation;
reinforced and hardened – make it difficult for unauthorized access;
stained glass – improve the aesthetic characteristics of products and protect from the sun.

You can read more about all types of glass on OknaTrade. Each of them comes in different modifications, so you can always choose the best option without any problems.

Glass with a soft low-emissivity coating is not suitable for single-glazed windows. This type of metallized layer is too vulnerable to any external influences, therefore it is suitable for use only in double-glazed windows.

How to choose the number of cameras?

Single-chamber double-glazed windows allow you to save money on the purchase and installation of windows, as well as reduce the load on the structure. Double-chamber packages retain heat better and protect the room from extraneous noise.

When choosing the number of cameras, consider the following criteria.

Climate. In the southern regions of the country, it is possible to install single-chamber double-glazed windows. In the northern regions, it is recommended to use two- and three-chamber structures, because they are able to withstand low temperatures and wind loads.
Room type . In residential buildings and apartments, two-chamber packages or single-chamber structures with an energy-efficient layer or increased sound insulation are installed. In seasonal and non-residential buildings, a cold type of glazing is used.
Load-bearing capacity of the structure . If the load-bearing capacity is weak, the installation of double-glazed windows is not allowed.

Is it possible to replace a single-chamber package with a two-chamber one?

In most cases, a single-chamber package can be replaced with a two-chamber one. For this:

check the depth of the structure, wide single-chamber bags with a thickness of 32 mm can be replaced with standard two-chamber models with the formula 4-10-4-10-4;
with a standard thickness of a single-chamber package (24 mm), determine the structural depth of the profile (indicated in the passport for the window); you can replace the package if it exceeds 40 mm.
take into account the maximum permissible load on the profile and fittings; double-chamber packages weigh 1.5-2 times more than the original structure and can lead to distortion and deformation of a weak window frame and sashes.

To replace a double-glazed window, you will need the following tools:

thin glazing beads;
shoulder blade;
putty knife;
rubber hammer.

To remove a glass unit from the frame, you need to remove the beads that hold it in place.

To do this, insert a spatula into the gap between the frame and the bead and press it along its entire length.
After removing the beads, check the mobility of the package. If the glass is stuck to the seal and does not come out, carefully pry it off in this place with a spatula.
The old double-glazed window is removed, and the structure is cleaned of any remaining construction dust and debris.
If necessary, plastic linings are replaced with new ones.
The two-chamber package is inserted into the frame.
Thin glazing beads are driven into the grooves using a rubber hammer.

After this, the structure is checked for strength. The doors open and close and their position is adjusted if necessary.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing double-glazed windows for your apartment, every buyer is concerned about a number of issues. The most common ones are: where can it be installed, what temperature is it designed for, will it be warm in the apartment after installation. Let's consider all the pros and cons of single-chamber structures.

Pros:

Light weight, which reduces the load on the fastening system and supporting elements. This means that a window with one camera will last much longer.
Reasonable price. Due to the smaller number of glasses and the weight of the structure, it is about 15% cheaper than two-chamber options.
Good level of illumination. This is an important point if the apartment windows face north or west, where there is not enough sunlight throughout the day.
Minuses:
High thermal conductivity. Is it warm with single-chamber double-glazed windows? Alas, not as much as in the case of two-chamber analogues. But to make the room temperature higher, you can install energy-saving glass.
Low sound insulation. Not only do such structures lose a lot of heat, they also transmit noise. The sound insulation level of the apartment will not exceed 28 dB. Therefore, if the house is located on a busy avenue or near a highway, this option will not suit you.

Thus, before making a choice, it is important to take into account the properties and features of the room, climatic conditions and other factors. Only then will the decision you make not upset you.