Types of double-glazed plastic windows

Single-glazed windows are structures in which the light openings do not have single- or double-glazed windows. These models have a wide range of applications and are in demand. Indeed, in situations where only protection from wind, dust and precipitation is needed for interior spaces, double glazing is not required. By simplifying the design of windows, it is possible to reduce their weight and cost. This article will tell you how single glazing differs from other technologies, where it is recommended to use it and in what situations it is advisable to abandon it.

Single-chamber double-glazed window

A single-chamber (sometimes called single) double-glazed window has two glasses in its design and an air gap between them, thus forming a kind of chamber. She gave the name to this type of double-glazed window.

A standard single-chamber double-glazed window has a width of 24 mm and consists of two glasses, each 4 mm thick, and a gap between them 16 mm thick. Until relatively recently, a couple of decades ago, plastic windows with such double-glazed windows were widespread. But after the introduction of new rules on heating engineering, they no longer meet modern requirements and cannot be used for glazing in living rooms.

Therefore, the main area of ​​application of single-chamber double-glazed windows is currently the glazing of balconies and loggias, as well as non-residential or industrial premises that are not heated. Quite often, single-chamber double-glazed windows are used in private housing construction for glazing verandas, terraces or country houses. The reason for this is obvious - this type of window construction has the lowest price compared to two- and, especially, three-chamber ones.

Rice. 2. Single-chamber option.

Design features of single glazed windows

Since ordinary profiles are used to assemble such models, they do not have any fundamental differences in design. Single frame windows have a frame, mullions, and active or fixed sashes. To complete them, all available opening mechanisms are used:

• swing;
• sliding;
• tilt and turn;
• shulpovy;
• accordion (folding);
• folding or lifting.

Single glazing of PVC windows does not affect the complexity of the structures. The use of this technology allows you to assemble models for installation in any openings.

Which profiles to choose for single glazing

Since when ordering windows with single glass, buyers aim to save money, there is no point in overpaying for improved systems - energy efficiency and noise absorption profiles are not so important when assembling single windows. The rigidity of the frames and sashes is important. To prevent deformation, you need to use reinforcing liners. In which profile they will be placed - 3 or 5 chambers, it does not matter in a particular situation. It is recommended to give preference to 3-chamber plastic systems or cold aluminum profiles without thermal inserts.

Single window shape

When choosing the shape of structures, it does not matter which models are assembled - windows with double glazing or single glazing. Using PVC systems, it is possible to produce arched, round, oval, radius, triangular and trapezoidal models.

Automation for single glazed windows

Automatic opening systems are installed on any windows - double-glazed windows, the design of which involves the use of a different number of glasses, only affect the choice of drive model. These devices are compatible with sensors that monitor the operation of mechanisms through a control panel. Most often, window automation with single glazing is used on the roof of greenhouses or in summer greenhouses.

Frameless designs

Single glazing of openings can be done without the use of traditional frames assembled from wooden, plastic or aluminum profiles. For these purposes, special designs have been developed:

• frameless glazing;
• soft windows.

If you have not yet decided which glass can be used in balcony glazing with low requirements for tightness, sound insulation and energy efficiency, it is recommended to choose the first option. Soft windows are often used in country houses and in the private sector as temporary protection from wind and precipitation.

Complex structures with single glazing

Double-glazed windows were previously manufactured using single-glazing technology and were installed in most older homes. In such cases, one glass was installed in the light openings. A sufficient level of heat conservation and sound insulation was provided by the air cushion between the two frames. Such wooden windows with double glazing have today been replaced by warmer designs. Finnish models are popular today.

Comparison of the cost of windows with different glazing

Models from the same systems have different prices - plastic window blocks with single glazing have the lowest cost. The price of exactly the same structures made of aluminum or wooden profiles will be higher.

The difference in price indicates that the number of glasses affects the cost less than the type of profile, so for the sake of saving, you should not reduce their number.

Double-glazed window

The design of a double-chamber double-glazed window consists of three glasses creating 2 chambers. They are filled with air or other substances that affect the characteristics of the product. Most often, argon, carbon dioxide or xenon are used as fillers for double-glazed windows (regardless of the number of chambers). All of them have lower thermal conductivity than ordinary air, as a result the thermal insulation properties of the double-glazed window increase.

The thickness of a double-chamber double-glazed window can vary from 30 to 58 mm. Most often, in domestic climatic conditions, a variety with a thickness of 38 mm is chosen, which consists of 4 mm glass, the distance between which is 14 and 12 mm. Such a double-glazed window not only fully complies with all thermal technical requirements of modern building codes and regulations, but also has improved sound insulation characteristics.

Double-glazed windows are actively used in the glazing of multi-apartment residential buildings, buildings and structures for public and industrial purposes, as well as private housing construction. It will not be an exaggeration to say that plastic windows with double-glazed windows are the most common window design used in construction at the moment.

Rice. 3. Double-glazed glass design.

Main characteristics of single glazed structures

A plastic window with one glass is inferior to standard models in all main characteristics. The weakest point of these structures is the level of heat conservation and sound insulation. This is explained by the fact that the air or inert gas inside double-glazed windows with several panes retains heat better. The glass itself has a fairly high thermal conductivity, so it actually does not participate in the process of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the interior. The profile brand, the number of internal chambers, and the installation depth also do not have a fundamental impact on the energy efficiency of single-frame windows. After all, most heat loss occurs through the glass area. Therefore, such a plastic window can have at least 8 air chambers in the profile of the sashes and frame - it will still let the cold in.

Wooden, aluminum and plastic single-pane windows retain heat equally poorly.

The absence of air gaps in light openings is the main reason for the entry of cold into interior spaces. To better understand the difference between a double-glazed window and a single-glazed one, you need to compare the main characteristics of the 3 types of windows.

In all cases, window models assembled from 3-chamber PVC systems were compared.
The table shows that the warmest and quietest are plastic windows with triple glazing. They provide the best protection from cold and noise. If you install a single glass unit in the light opening, the efficiency of the structures will decrease by approximately 20-25%. Double glazing of windows in residential buildings and offices is allowed only in the southern regions of the Russian Federation. It is not suitable for other climatic zones of our country. In addition, double plastic windows are superior to single models in terms of safety, wind resistance and burglary resistance. However, in this situation, the characteristics can be changed. It is enough to replace single glass with triplex. This configuration option allows you to increase the levels of noise absorption and resistance to wind loads, as well as make it more difficult to break into. However, when single windows are equipped with triplex, their weight and cost increase. At the same time, energy efficiency remains insufficient. If you require a high level of heat conservation and good sound insulation, it is better to immediately order metal-plastic windows with double glazing.

Energy-saving double-glazed window

Despite the high performance qualities of two- and three-chamber double-glazed windows, which fully comply with current standards in terms of heat conservation and sound insulation, manufacturers of window structures are constantly working to improve and improve them. As a result of modern research and development in this area, energy-saving double-glazed windows have appeared.

They differ from conventional two-chamber ones in that their design provides for:

• use of special energy-saving glasses. The effect of increasing the thermal insulation properties of glass is achieved by applying a special coating to its surface. It is environmentally friendly and has the property of reflecting heat coming from the room back. At the same time, the coating does not prevent sunlight from entering the room. Spraying can be applied to one or several glasses, depending on its types and design features;
• filling the chambers not with ordinary air, but with an inert gas - most often argon, somewhat less often - krypton. They have higher thermal insulation properties compared to air.

The effectiveness of energy-saving packages depends on the number of chambers, the thickness of the glass and the gap between them, but, in any case, their use can significantly reduce heat loss, which is an important advantage in modern conditions of high energy prices.

Rice. 4. Operating principle of energy-saving double-glazed windows.

Advantages of single glazed windows

When single-glazed windows are used, PVC profiles do not experience the same load as structures with double-glazed windows. This significantly reduces the risk of deformation and premature wear of the fittings. Also, this option for completing windows allows you to save a lot of money. If you install thick triplex in the light opening, the sound insulation will significantly improve. However, in this case, the load on the profile systems and fittings will increase. The only disadvantages of such structures include poor thermal insulation, but in this particular situation it is rather a conditional disadvantage. After all, when choosing windows with single glazing, buyers do not initially count on their high energy efficiency.

Soundproof double glazing

One of the most important characteristics of quality housing is a high level of noise insulation of the premises. The greatest amount of sound enters the house through window openings. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that manufacturers of window structures have developed special double-glazed windows with enhanced sound insulation qualities.

They differ from conventional double-glazed windows in that they have one or more design features:

• The glass used in the manufacture of double-glazed windows has different thicknesses. The most common combinations of 4 and 6 mm glass;
• triplex system glass is used;
• The thickness of the chambers for two- and three-chamber varieties is also different. As, for example, in the above version of a double-glazed window - 12 and 14 mm;
• Particularly high-quality sealing of all joints and connections is carried out using special compounds or resins.

The use of one or more of the listed points in the manufacture allows you to give the double-glazed window increased sound insulation properties. They are especially relevant in a modern city, when the noise level is very high.

Rice. 5. Operating principle of soundproofing double glazed windows.

Double-glazed windows: price, types, description

Double-glazed windows are the main element of glazing, which is used as part of window and door units, as well as when creating facades.
Double-glazed windows are the translucent part of window and door units, which can have different optical and thermophysical characteristics depending on the technical requirements for the building being used. The main advantages of double-glazed windows include high noise insulation and thermal insulation properties, long service life, and a large selection of special glass. Structurally, double-glazed windows are a rigid, sealed structure consisting of two (single-chamber) or three (double-chamber double-glazed windows) glasses.

The cost of specific orders depends on several parameters that the customer chooses:

• type of double-glazed windows (single-chamber or double-chamber)
• glass size
• special properties of double-glazed windows (impact-resistant, heat-saving, tinted, with decorative layout).

Our production capabilities allow us to realize any of your ideas, taking into account the desired shape, color, and other important characteristics.

You can order an exact cost estimate by filling out a special form on our website. Our specialists are also ready to give you qualified advice around the clock if you request a call back.

Basic price list

We have individual terms of cooperation depending on production volumes. Want to know your price? Please indicate the size and number of double glazed windows required.

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Armored glass unit

When performing work on glazing the lower floors of residential buildings, as well as commercial buildings and structures (offices, banks, shops, etc.), one of the necessary requirements for window structures is high impact resistance and strength. In this case, as a rule, armored double-glazed windows are used. They come in two types:

• anti-vandal. In the manufacture of a double-glazed window, triplex is used, consisting of several glasses, which are connected by pressing into a single structure, covered with a special film. Triplex has high strength and is able to withstand quite serious mechanical stress. The film prevents fragments from scattering if the glass does break;
• safe. In the manufacture of double-glazed windows, special tempered (enamel) glass is used. In addition to its high strength, it has an important advantage - in the event of destruction, the glass breaks into small fragments that do not have sharp and dangerous edges that can cause cuts.

The cost of armored double-glazed windows is noticeably higher when compared with conventional ones. However, due to their unique strength characteristics, they have become quite widespread.

Rice. 6. Operating principle of armored glass.

How to remove and replace damaged glass?

The question of what to do if the glass in a plastic window breaks or is damaged in some other way is quite relevant. It is entirely possible to solve the problem yourself: to do this, you will need to remove the damaged glass from the frame. You should not break it: remove the glazing beads that hold the remaining sheets, remove the remains with a spatula, and thoroughly clean the frame from fragments.

Broken glass

Replacing glass in a plastic window is done as follows: using a spatula, the glazing beads are pressed out and lifted, then plastic spacers are inserted under them, with the help of which the element can be pushed out. Damaged glass can be pulled out entirely.

Before removing glass from a plastic window, cover the floor with something in case shards fall into the room. Before replacement work, it is also advisable to immediately order a new double-glazed window of the same size.

Installation work is carried out in reverse order; It's better to do it together. The glass is inserted into the seal and pressed back using glazing beads. It is important that each element is in its place; it is better to start mounting from the bottom. Check whether the glass unit is installed evenly, whether there are any cracks, how tightly the seal fits, otherwise there will be air blowing out of the window .

To find out which double-glazed windows are best to choose and their cost, see this link: Before purchasing windows, read about energy-saving glass. Find out what I-glass and K-glass are in our material on the website.

Solar control glass unit

The main purpose of solar-protective double-glazed windows is to maintain comfortable indoor conditions in hot and sunny weather. To do this, it is necessary for the window structure to act as a kind of filter, allowing the required amount of heat to pass in, while providing a sufficient level of lighting. The adhesive films used as such a filter are ineffective compared to specially designed double-glazed windows.

They contain factory-processed glass that can provide sufficient protection from excess heat and prying eyes, while transmitting a sufficient amount of sunlight. There are several types of glass used in solar-protective double-glazed windows:

• tinted by spraying, pyrolysis, film or in bulk;
• hardened (or enameled). It is made by applying a special coating (stemalite) of enamel to the surface of the glass. It increases the strength of the material, imparts sun protection characteristics, and also allows you to give the glass a wide variety of colors and shades.

Solar control double-glazed windows can provide very different levels of light and heat transmittance, which allows you to obtain exactly the conditions that the customer requires.

Rice. 7. Operating principle of solar control glass.

Tinted double glazing

This type of double-glazed windows is in many ways a continuation of sun-protection windows, since the manufacturing technologies are largely the same. But in the case of tinted double-glazed windows, their main purpose is to give the building an attractive and original appearance. It is achieved by using special tinted glass in the manufacture of double-glazed windows, which can be obtained by using various technologies:

• during glass production, coloring pigments are added to the molten mass;
• applying a layer of metal oxides in a vacuum (production of the so-called i-glass);
• When producing glass, a layer of metals is also applied to its hot surface (pyrolysis method).

The scope of application of tinted double-glazed windows can be in a wide variety of buildings:

• high-rise buildings for any purpose;
• sports objects;
• shopping and business complexes, any other commercial real estate;
• built according to original architectural and design projects.

The use of various types of tinted double-glazed windows can significantly improve the aesthetic characteristics of a building or structure under construction, making it more visually attractive and impressive.

Interior of Palais des congress Montreal. To create a Palais open to the world, the architectural concept of the Palais focuses on the aspects of light and transparency.

Rice. 8. Tinted double-glazed windows.

Impact-resistant glass unit

An impact-resistant double-glazed window is, in fact, an analogue of an armored one, practically no different from it. Strictly speaking, the difference lies only in minor nuances. For an armored glass unit, the main requirement is resistance to penetration or cutting through and the ability to withstand mechanical stress from any objects. They are used mainly in commercial buildings.

For impact-resistant double-glazed windows, the requirements for strength and durability are somewhat lower; the main focus is anti-hooligan and anti-vandal. At the same time, impact-resistant double-glazed windows are much cheaper than armored ones, so they are much more often installed in residential buildings.

Impact-resistant double-glazed windows are manufactured using the same technologies as armored ones:

• using triplex;
• using tempered glass.

In most cases, various protective films are also glued to prevent fragments from flying away and increase the strength of the entire structure.

Rice. 9. Impact-resistant double-glazed window in action.

Features of products with one glass

PVC windows with single glass can be successfully used, since there is not always a need to install a structure with a thick double-glazed window. Such a window may be needed in a non-residential premises, on a balcony, or useful for a country house that is not used in winter. One glass does not insulate sound very well and retains heat poorly, so such windows are usually not installed in residential premises. This option is well suited for a summer house in a warm climate, which will be used mainly in the summer.

Most often, plastic windows with one glass are installed indoors; they serve to delimit space and can act as a certain design element. Partitions are made from such windows: for example, they are widely used in shopping centers to separate the territory of retail outlets from each other. Single glass is well suited for interior doors and is used for glazing verandas and balconies. The latter is quite relevant, since the structure is sealed enough to protect from wind and moisture, is lightweight, and is more effective in thermal insulation than an uninsulated aluminum profile, but the price is comparable to it.

Do you want to know what smart glass that changes transparency is? Read our article “Windows with smart glass that change transparency for home and office.” You can also read about armored windows and their advantages and learn more about other types of double-glazed windows.

If you want to buy tempered glass, you can see the prices for it using the link:

Heat-saving double-glazed window

According to experts, almost 40% of heat loss occurs through window openings and structures installed in them. Therefore, it seems quite logical that window manufacturers pay significant attention to improving the thermal insulation properties of their own products. As a result, heat-saving double-glazed windows were developed. In fact, this is another name for energy-saving plastic windows.

A special feature of their design is a special coating that is applied to the glass surface facing the inside of the room. As a result, this coating reflects the heat coming from the room, directing it back inside. The peculiarity of spraying is that it is not visible to the human eye and does not at all interfere with the penetration of sunlight.

Rice. 10. Operating principle of heat-saving double-glazed windows.

The use of various heat- and energy-saving double-glazed windows can significantly reduce heat loss, which, in turn, leads to a noticeable reduction in heating costs. The resulting savings will allow you to quickly recoup the slight increase in the cost of heat-saving double-glazed windows compared to conventional ones.

Some features of heat-saving double-glazed windows are outlined in the video:

How to insulate single glazed windows

The insulation of single glazing can be done independently during the operation of the windows. To do this, you need to buy a special energy-efficient film. How to cover windows with it, read the instructions on OknaTrade. Its use will slightly reduce heat loss, but you should not place too much hope on it, since it is not capable of replacing a sealed double-glazed window. However, covering the windows of a balcony or loggia with such film is guaranteed to reduce the cost of heating the apartment.

In a similar way, you can increase the level of sound insulation of single windows - there are special sound-absorbing films that are also glued to the glass.

Mirror glass unit

The use of mirrored double-glazed windows in the glazing of buildings and structures, as a rule, pursues several main goals:

• serves as an obstacle to harmful infrared radiation entering the premises, while allowing natural light to pass through completely;
• regulates the amount of heat penetrating inside, which is especially important in hot weather;
• is an important decorative element of the building, giving it a sophisticated and modern look.

The mirror effect is achieved by using special mirror glasses in the glass unit, which are a type of tinted glass. They are manufactured using the technologies listed in the corresponding section of the article.

The scope of application of mirrored double-glazed windows is also similar to tinted ones. They are most actively installed at various commercial facilities (shops, shopping and business centers, office premises, etc.), public buildings (sports facilities, cinema and drama theaters, etc.) In addition, recently mirror Double-glazed windows have become actively used in luxury new buildings, as well as in private housing construction.

Rice. 11. Use of mirror glass units.

Double-glazed windows with decorative layout.

The decorative layout on the double-glazed windows allows you to imitate window sashes. Its use is especially important in individual construction, as well as in the implementation of individual projects. The layout can have different designs. presents the following color solutions:

• white,
• gold,
• brown,
• imitation of various types of wood.

The layout width can be 8, 18 or 25 mm. As a rule, decorative layout is used in double-glazed windows of complex shapes, for example, round or arched.