What is glazing all about?

Thinking Long Term

In Australia, window glass cannot be recycled, which makes choosing the right glazing a decision with extraordinarily long-term implications.

When you install windows and doors, you’re essentially cutting large holes through the insulation of your home. If the glazing is poorly chosen, comfort will be compromised and energy bills will rise. On the other hand, investing a little more in high-performance glazing means your home will not only look beautiful but will also remain comfortable year-round, even as the climate changes.

What Makes Glazing “High Performance”?

High-performance glazing is designed to do more than simply let light in. It can reduce ultraviolet penetration, control how much heat passes through the glass, and help maintain a stable internal temperature. These performance gains come from a mix of factors: the thickness and type of glass, the use of coatings such as low-e films, the colour of the glass, and, importantly, the type of frame in which it is set. Understanding a WERS rating can be complex.
In practice, glazing needs vary depending on the orientation of your windows or doors. In South East Queensland, for example, south-facing windows can often get by with standard glazing, provided they are paired with a pelmet and heavy curtains. If they are oversized, double glazing may be a better option. West-facing windows, by contrast, benefit from being kept small. When they are required, they perform best with timber or thermally broken aluminium frames, tinted glass with a low-e finish, and some form of mechanical shading to reduce afternoon heat.

Choosing Frames

Frames play a crucial role in how glazing performs. Standard aluminium is widely used but is a poor thermal performer, conducting heat and cold directly into the home and often allowing drafts through. Thermally broken aluminium, while more expensive, incorporates an internal barrier that greatly reduces this transfer and usually comes with superior seals. Timber frames, by comparison, naturally resist heat transfer and perform exceptionally well, though they do demand a little more maintenance over time.

Understanding Window Types

The style of window also influences performance. Casement and awning windows are excellent for sealing tightly and providing good airflow, but regulations or security requirements often limit them to only a small opening. Louvre windows are the opposite: they allow outstanding airflow and good security but do not seal well. Double hung and sliding windows strike a balance in cost and availability but are typically only half operable and prone to leakage. In most homes, a thoughtful mix of window types ensures that each space has the right balance of ventilation, sealing, and practicality.

Why a Glazing Plan Matters

Because glazing choices involve so many variables—orientation, frame, glass type, window style—it is worth having your designer prepare a customised glazing plan. This plan ensures the home remains comfortable throughout the seasons without relying heavily on heating and cooling systems. While higher-quality glazing can add to upfront costs, the return comes in the form of reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and a home that is better suited to Australia’s changing climate.

In summary

Glazing is so much more than just glass. The right combination of operation, frame material, and glass treatment tailored to your site and climate can transform your home into a comfortable, energy-efficient, and resilient living space.

Speak to us to find out more.