When selecting the best glass to put in windows or doors, the usual choice is between insulated glass and regular windows. Both can be used for the purpose of providing clarity and allowing natural light to pass through. However, there are major differences to take into account. Both glasses vary a lot in the sense of energy efficiency, sound insulation, and durability. In this blog post, we will compare insulated glass and regular glass with the obvious distinction being highlighted and find out which glass raises the bar between the two.
What Makes Up Insulated Glasses?
Insulated glass is a kind of glass which is constructed of two or even three panes of glass with a cavity inside. This void is commonly filled with air or with gas like argon. The role of argon is to help in minimising heat loss and the transfer of noise. This type of glass has high insulation properties and can help prevent heat or cold from entering the building, thus contributing to energy efficiency. This can lower power bills and improve the comfort of the building.
What Makes Up Regular Glasses?
Regular Glass consists of a single glass pane or single glazing. It is commonly used in various door and window settings. It does not have any extra air space or insulating function, which makes it less energy-efficient than insulated glass.
Ordinary glass tends to be less expensive than insulated glass, making it the right choice for others living on a tight budget. It is also easier to replace if a single pane of glass is broken, as it does not require the same level of expertise as replacing a pane of insulated glass.
Insulated Glass vs. Regular Glass: Key Differences
Let’s compare some of the key features of insulated glass and regular glass.
Insulated Glass: Key Points
- Energy Efficiency: Insulated glass is highly energy efficient. It reduces the transfer of heat or cold into your home, which can help to lower your energy bills.
- Noise Reduction: It makes your home quieter and more peaceful by helping to reduce noise pollution from outside.
- Condensation Resistance: Insulated glass is less likely to form condensation on its interior surface, which can help to prevent issues like mould and mildew.
- Increased Home Value: Installing insulated glass can increase the value of a building, as it is a desirable feature for many.
- UV Protection: Insulated glass can block harmful UV rays, helping to protect furniture and carpets from fading.
- Thermal Insulation: Insulated glass offers superior thermal insulation. The dual-pane structure with the air or gas-filled space acts as a barrier against heat transfer, helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Regular Glass: Key Points
- Less Energy Efficient: Insulated glass uses less energy than regular glass does. Heat can easily pass through it, which may result in greater energy costs.
- Noise Transmission: Regular glass’s sound barrier function is not very good. If you live in a noisy neighbourhood, you may experience a lot of outside noise entering your home.
- Condensation: Regular glass is more likely to experience condensation, which, if left unchecked, can result in problems like mould and mildew.
- Reduced Cost: Regular glass is generally less expensive than insulated glass, which may make it a more affordable choice for certain homeowners.
- Simpler to Replace: Replacing a single damaged pane of glass is usually less complicated and costly than doing it for an insulated pane.
- Minimal Thermal Insulation: Because regular glass offers little insulation and heat can easily pass through it, heating and cooling systems must use more energy.
Which is the Better Investment: Insulated or Regular Glass?
With the key distinctions given above, it’s pretty clear which is the better investment. From a broader perspective, let’s look at some of the key elements to figure out which type of glass will work best in any setting.
Considering that insulated glass has some features that regular glass does not, such as energy efficiency, thermal insulation, sound insulation, and durability, it is obvious that insulated glass is superior to regular glass. Insulation glass may have a higher price at first, but the energy savings and enhanced comfort it provides over time make it a worthwhile investment.
Insulated glass can also improve your property’s value, which would attract the interest of many buyers. On the other hand, regular glass might seem affordable at first; however, the building’s overall upkeep can become very costly because of its poor insulation and reduced maintenance.
Therefore, insulated glass is the perfect solution for homeowners and builders who desire to achieve energy efficiency and comfort in their dwellings. Its outstanding performance in multiple aspects makes it the perfect option for doors and windows, both in residential and commercial buildings.
Conclusion
If you are considering upgrading your windows to insulated glass, start by making smart choices. Consider the Glass Guru, the top architectural glass manufacturer in Punjab, India. The Glass Guru is a leading provider of high-quality insulated glass, with a range of options to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today and start enjoying the benefits our architectural glasses will bring to your residential or commercial construction projects.