Glazing comparison table
Single Glazing Double Glazing Slim Double Glazing Vacuum Cavity Glazing
4-8mm thick glass which can
be float, crown or cylinder
depending on the production
method. Two sheets of 4-6mm float
glass separated by a spacer
bar. Space between two panes
(cavity) typically 16-20mm and
filled with inexpensive inert
gas. Two sheets of 4mm float glass
separated by a spacer bar.
Cavity between glass panes is
reduced to 4-6mm and filled
with more expensive inert gas. An inner pane of clear float
glass and an outer pane of
low-e glass separated by
microdots. Cavity between
glass panes is reduced to
0.2mm and air is extracted to
give a vacuum.
Pros: Pros: Pros: Pros:
• Traditional, with no double
reflection • Inexpensive • Limited double reflection • Good energy efficiency • Moderate energy efficiency • No discernible double
reflection
• Inexpensive
• Long lifespan
• Moderate lifespan
• Good energy efficiency
• Better sound insulation
• Long lifespan
• Ultra-thin glazing: Pilkington
Spacia™ is 6.2mm.
Cons: Cons: Cons: Cons:
• Poor energy efficiency • Non-traditional with
pronounced double reflection • Poor lifespan • Plug on face of unit and tiny
microdots within glass
• Poor acoustic performance
• Heavier and thicker glazing
typically 24mm requires
larger frame sections
Gowercroft Joinery is the first window
manufacturer to have incorporated Pilkington
Spacia™, into a traditionally crafted range
of Heritage windows made with modern
materials like Accoya ® , (a modern modified
timber whose cellular structure has been
treated to increase its durability, stability and
longevity) sprayed with a unique formulation
of protective paint, guaranteed to deliver zero
maintenance for 10 years.
Whilst the range does not claim to use
real putty to secure the glass panes like
the windows of yesteryear - in a modern
high-performance window this would be
incongruous - the putty line is replicated in the
outer profile. Although more regular looking
than traditional putty, it does significantly
improve security and coating longevity.
Similarly, modern seals that are designed
to keep the windows weather-resistant are
neatly concealed within the joinery.
Arguably, any attempt to provide an
acceptable modern solution for a listed
property will involve some degree of
compromise.
The perfect window for ‘modern living’ in
a heritage home may not yet have been
designed to everyone’s satisfaction, but
conservation officers, specifiers and owners
of listed properties do now have options,
including some highly functional, future-
proofed and genuinely sympathetic modern
products.
For more information about Gowercroft
Joinery, telephone: 01773 300 510.
Fax: 01773 300 511
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gowercroft.co.uk
For more information about Pilkington
Spacia™ visit www.pilkington.co.uk/spacia
20 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
• Expensive
• Limited unit size
• Expensive