Features of two-chamber double-glazed windows

Plastic windows have been on the market for quite some time, but some still do not understand what a double-glazed window is, constantly confusing it with the window itself. In addition to the double-glazed window, the window consists of a profile, the choice of which is very important, because both heat insulation and sound insulation depend on it. It is quite erroneous to believe that if a glass unit is of high quality, the frame does not affect anything - no, it is really the main component of the window, but in connection with the profile it creates a sealed internal space inside the frame that can be filled not only with air, but also with different gas .

There is an incorrect proposition that the term “single-chamber” implies one glass, but the term “chamber” implies that it already consists of two glasses, between which there is a layer of a special substance designed to absorb moisture, and also prevents the appearance of condensate. Typically, such a structure is called a single or single-chamber glass unit. Both that, and another will be true and more clear for nonprofessionals.

The single-chamber double-glazed window consists of two glasses, each 4 mm thickas well as an air cavity of 16 mm, which gives a total of 24 mm of total thickness. This is the most common occurrence and has become a kind of standard. There are other sizes, for example, 36 mm, and there are also "ultra-thin" in 18 mm. The main difference that anyone can notice between a single-chamber and two-chamber glass unit is its weight.

It consists of three glasses also with a thickness of 4 mm each, air cavities of 14 or 16 mm (mainly on the market there are options from 14 and 16 in one design at once). It is one of the most popular options, with a thickness of 38 mm. Now about the differences: as mentioned above, the two-chamber transmits less light and sunlight, but it will not be visible to the naked eye.

There are differences in weight. When installing a two-chamber window, it is necessary to check whether the structure (window opening, balcony) will sustain the window itself. An important point remains the fasteners, which must hold the weight of the window itself in the design: they must withstand not only the weight of the window itself in any position, but also an additional about 30%, and this is due to regular mechanical stress.

This type of glass pane is common in northern areas: the main advantage of this design is increased heat saving. It consists already of four glasses, each still 4 mm thick, air cavities 16 mm in size (the cavity that is closer to the atmosphere), as well as two 14 mm each.

The total thickness of such a glass unit is 60 mm.This design weighs even more than the two-chamber, because the requirements are the same, but with the expectation of additional weight. Typically, these windows are divided into sections or made completely deaf to reduce the load of the plumb line. The heat saving of a triple glazing is two times more than that of a two-chamber one. True, there is a small caveat: this advantage can be felt at fairly low temperatures (from -35 degrees and below), and before this threshold the difference from the double can not be seen. But the price is about two times higher than the two-chamber windows.

What is the difference between single-chamber and two-chamber double-glazed windows - the most popular question from the customer, but almost always buyers also face the problem of cost. When selecting a two-chamber or single-chamber glass unit, the difference in price does not become such a condition that will play a huge role. The two-chamber double-glazed window costs approximately a quarter more than usual (single). But in the case of a three-chamber glass unit in this case, its price is half the price of a two-chamber one.

There is a kind of double-glazed window in which only one chamber, but not air, but argon (gas) is pumped in any way. Glasses are coated with silver coating on one side, which gives them duralumin properties. Of course, for such properties will have to pay more compared to the ordinary two-chamber.

But there are also expensive options that are made specifically for certain functions. There are double-glazed windows with silver coating or spraying, which endow the window with mirror properties. This affects the heat exchange: in the summer there is a reflection of the sun's rays, and in the winter it does not allow heat to leave the room. It is a lightweight version of the conventional glass, while the heat transfer is much superior to both single-chamber and two-chamber.

The weight of this design is lower by one third compared with single-chamber. The main disadvantage of such a glass unit is a relatively short service life, which ranges from 10 to 15 years. This is due to the filler - gas.During service life, it eventually evaporates and the structure loses its original properties. The silver coating is held at the expense of gas, because with the volatilization of the gas, the coating itself is lost, and the glass unit becomes worse than ordinary glass.

This type of glass has a very mediocre insulation, albeit much better than ordinary glass. It is mainly used on the glazing of loggias and balconies, as the design by weight is quite suitable. If the loggia is planned as a warm room, then in the case of installing such a glass pane it is worthwhile to carry out additional heating (take out the radiator), but as a rule, in the middle or southern latitudes this is not necessary, the situation can be saved by a regular floor mat. As a plus, the internal space of the loggia or balcony will be a natural heat-insulating background that will noticeably warm the interior itself.

In the presence of heating, it does not matter what type of glass unit to install. Usually, summer houses are insulated with special materials, and a window, even single-chamber, will be quite reliable in terms of heat exchange.But in the summer house they do not live in the winter, but those who still want - they put two-chamber double-glazed windows for themselves, since at a negative temperature they still show themselves much better as thermal protection.

Terrace, as a rule, has no insulation, and there is no heating. But plastic windows can often be seen in such structures. But to put a single-chamber window is only in those areas where in winter the temperature does not fall below -5 degrees. Otherwise, the situation will be slightly better than outside the window.

Not the least importance is the thickness of the glass, with this standard is 5 mm, but it is more correct to select a thickness of not less than 6 mm. In this case, a single-chamber glass unit will be much more efficient than a two-chamber one. In this case, it is likely to save significantly, since the extreme option will cost much more, regardless of which glass is selected.Chamber and two-chamber double-glazed windows, the difference between them consists not only in cost, but also in energy saving, they have different thickness.

When selecting a design for the purpose of sound insulation from external sounds, the thickness does not matter, but in order to preserve heat this coefficient is significant. The best option for the metropolis is a two-chamber system.

To begin, let us analyze the chamber and two-chamber glass. Differences, pros and cons of such systems are calculated on the basis of basic data. The advantage of the first system can be considered a small weight. It is used in the arrangement of terraces, balconies and loggias, while not adding excess weight, thereby making them heavier.

In economic terms, it is also a huge advantage. The minus can be attributed to a small noise reduction, rather than the two-chamber, and in addition, the lowest resistance to heat transfer, which is not enough in a cold climate. The use of single-chamber double-glazed windows could remain very limited.

The view of this system is much stronger than the single-chamber window, it has a greater width and mass of kg per m2. The main characteristics of noise insulation and thermal insulation in a two-chamber window are much better., for this reason its use is more widespread.

There are 3 glasses and 2 air chambers in it, and the profile thickness is slightly larger than the single-window window systems. As a result of this, optimum noise absorption and heat retention are formed. The price of a double-glazed window is higher than the cost of a single-chamber by 30 - 40%. For this reason, they gained fame from buyers.

Installation of chamber and two-chamber glass (the discrepancy and disadvantages of the systems presented a little higher) will require considerable attention and accuracy. For this reason, it is preferable to seek the services of specialists.

The gap between the glasses in the package should not be higher than 20 mm. Otherwise, it will not satisfy the excellent data according to noise insulation and thermal insulation.The dimensions of the double-glazed window will not be able to be above 3.2 x 3 m. Large dimensions will lead to the fact that during the operation the double-glazed window will change its shape, the chamber and two-chamber double-glazed windows may be completely deformed. The difference in value here will not make sense. Multicolored glass is introduced only outside, in this scenario, it is thoroughly strengthened.

Increasingly, people are acquiring energy-efficient double-glazed windows, and this has become very popular, especially during the crisis. In fact, it is a silver plating, which is not visible without special equipment. And also a huge plus is that the sun's rays still warm the room, but the silver plating does not allow the heat to come out.

Inert gas for the air chamber at the energy-saving window allows to reduce heat losses and increase thermal insulation properties by 10%. Argon has a high viscosity, poor thermal conductivity, unlike air. But also this type of glass allows you to protect the interior of the room from burning out. He also maintains a microclimate near his window, in which it is located.Due to such a special design, the glass remains warm, which completely prevents the occurrence of condensate, as well as freezing. Well, and gives a very good sound insulation compared to the usual single-chamber.

How to choose windows for windows, see the video below.