Picking the right window glass can feel a bit confusing. With options like double glazing, triple glazing, or solar control glass, it’s hard to know which one is best for your home.
At BSF Windows, we know homeowners want windows that look great and perform well. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality glass to suit every property.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of window glass, explain their benefits, and help you figure out which is right for your home, so that you can enjoy comfort, lower energy bills, and peace of mind for years to come.
What is the best glass for windows?
Not all glass is the same. The right choice can reduce heat loss, block harmful UV rays, improve noise reduction, and even protect against sharp shards in case of breakage. Below we break down the main contenders to help you decide which type of window glass suits your living space.
Double glazing
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air or inert gas, usually argon. This configuration improves insulation, reducing heat transfer and keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Benefits:
- Improves home’s energy efficiency
- Reduces heat loss and lowers energy bills
- Minimises outside noise for a peaceful living space
- Can be fitted with low emissivity coatings to reduce solar gain
Choose if: you want an excellent, affordable choice for everyday energy efficiency and comfort in standard homes.
Triple glazing
Triple glazing adds an extra pane of glass, providing superior insulation compared to double glazing. Ideal for cold climates or urban areas where noise levels are high.
Benefits:
- Maximum heat retention and lower energy costs
- Greater acoustic insulation
- Reduces condensation and improves thermal performance
- Compatible with advanced low-emissivity coatings and argon gas
Choose if: you live in cold climates or near busy streets and want to significantly reduce heat loss and noise levels.
Toughened glass
Toughened glass is heat-treated to increase strength and break into small, blunt shards rather than sharp pieces. Perfect for areas prone to accidents or impact.
Benefits:
- Safety glass reduces injury risk
- Ideal for large windows, patio doors, and bi-fold doors
- Can be combined with double or triple glazing for added protection
Choose if: safety is a priority, especially for homes with children or high-traffic areas.
Acoustic glass
Acoustic glass is designed to reduce noise from outside, making it ideal for urban living or properties near busy roads. It uses laminated layers and specific spacing between panes to absorb sound.
Benefits:
- Significantly lowers noise levels indoors
- Improves peace of mind and comfort
- Can be combined with other features like solar control
Choose if: you want a quiet, serene home in noisy surroundings.
Solar control glass
Solar control glass reduces heat gain from the sun while maintaining natural light. It often comes with a special coating that reflects UV rays and protects your interior furnishings from fading.
Benefits:
- Reduces solar gain and keeps interiors cooler
- Protects against UV rays and fading
- Can help lower air conditioning costs
Choose if: your home has large windows or faces high temperatures in summer.
Replacement windows from BSF Windows
Choosing the right type of window frame and style is just as important as picking the glass. At BSF Windows, we offer a wide variety of materials and designs to suit any home.
uPVC windows
Durable and low-maintenance, uPVC frames are popular for energy efficiency and affordability. Our uPVC windows can accommodate double or triple glazing to improve heat retention.
Choose if: you want practical, cost-effective windows with low upkeep.
Aluminium windows
Aluminium frames are strong, lightweight, and available in a wide range of colours. They work well with larger glass panes, giving a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Choose if: you want contemporary, stylish windows that can support large glass panels.
Timber windows
Traditional timber windows offer a warm, natural look. They are highly customisable and can be double or triple glazed for improved insulation.
Choose if: you prefer a classic, elegant style that adds character to your home, and don’t mind the odd bit of maintenance.
Timber effect windows
These combine the aesthetic of timber with the low-maintenance benefits of uPVC.
Choose if: you want the charm of wood without the extra upkeep.
Window styles
- Casement windows: Open outwards on hinges, offering a wide view and easy ventilation while keeping a neat, modern look.
- Flush sash windows: Have a smooth, flush finish that sits perfectly within the frame, ideal for period properties that need a traditional appearance.
- Sliding sash windows: Move up and down smoothly, providing a classic style with vertical proportions that suit both contemporary and historic homes.
- Tilt & turn windows: Open in two ways, tilt inwards for gentle ventilation or swing fully open for easy cleaning, combining practicality with sleek design.
- Bay & bow windows: Project outward from the wall, creating extra space, letting in more natural light, and offering panoramic views with an elegant curve or angle.
- Residence collection: High-end designs with clean lines and larger panes of glass, giving a premium look while maintaining excellent thermal performance.
- Cottage style windows: Feature charming grid-patterned panes, adding character and warmth to rustic homes while letting in plenty of natural light.
FAQs
Which type of window glass is best for energy efficiency?
Triple glazing generally offers the best thermal performance, but double glazing with low-emissivity coatings and argon gas is also highly effective for most homes.
Does upgrading window glass really reduce energy bills?
Absolutely. High-performance glass can significantly cut heat loss, meaning your home uses less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures, saving money in the long run.
Who are BSF Windows?
At BSF Windows, we are a family-run business with over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality windows, doors, conservatories, and orangeries across Surrey and Sussex. Our products include uPVC, aluminium, and timber windows, as well as a variety of styles including casement, sliding sash, bay & bow, and cottage windows.
We take pride in exceptional customer service, premium craftsmanship, and swift installation times. Explore our quality showroom, speak to our friendly team, and discover the perfect window glass and frames for your home.
Get in touch today to discuss your replacement windows or visit our showroom to see our wide range of glass options in person. Let BSF Windows help you create a warmer, quieter, and more stylish living space.
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