(03) 5562 4333Choosing your glass carefully will add to the interior comfort of your home. Standard clear glass was once the only choice available to homeowners. Today there are many glazing options available. The options shown are some common glass types with an indication of their thermal qualities. The decision in glass selection is usually one of balance between light, heat and fading control (from UV – ultraviolet radiation). The greater the light transmission the less heat and fading are controlled.
Double glazing offers some sound dampening qualities but the performance is critically dependent on the width of the airspace. More important are its thermal advantages. In the summer double glazing reduces heat and UV entry while in winter it provides good light levels and reduces outward heat loss.
Double Glazing
At Portland Aluminium and Glass, we specialise in double glazing aluminium windows and doors. Due to the unpredictable Portland, Hamilton and Mt Gambia climate that we are servicing double glazing is important. Double glazing dramatically reduces your heating and cooling bills and is effective for reducing your carbon footprint in your home.
iGlass
iGlass is a switchable privacy glass. iGlass is the only switchable glass manufactured in Australia. By switching the glass on and off, control of privacy within the space is achieved in no time. iGlass also reduces energy consumption and reduces glare. iGlass allows for no blinds or curtains as privacy achieved within the second and a modern clean design.
Tinted Glass
At Portland Aluminium and Glass we supply tinted glass. Tinted glass is produced by adding metal oxides during the float glass process. They come in a range of colours including grey, green, bronze and blue. Tinted glass has been developed to reduce the solar heat gain through the glass and also reduce the UV penetration and glare inside a building.
Reflective Glass
At Portland Aluminium and Glass, we supply an extensive range of reflective glass. This looks rather like mirror glass when viewed from the outside, the result of a metallic coating added during manufacturing. Reflective glass is particularly effective in cutting down solar heat gain in your home or commercial project.
Low E
Low E glass has been developed to improve the insulating performance of glass. The coating on the glass reflects long wave infra-red back to the heat source. In simple terms the heat created within a building is reflected back into the building making it more energy efficient. Colours available include clear, neutral, grey, green, bronze and blue.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is manufactured by adhering two or more pieces of glass together with a flexible interlayer. The interlayer is generally either a PVB (poly vinyl butyral) or a CIP (resin). Virtually all glass types can be laminated and the thickness and type of interlayer can be altered to provide security, energy efficiency, acoustic and solutions.
Portland Aluminium and Glass offer a number of options for your windows and doors which can help to reduce your carbon footprint, saving energy and money over the lifecycle of your aluminium windows and doors. But one of the most commonly asked questions is, what glass do I use and where? Well, where you live and the direction your windows face also plays an important part in window and glass selection.
North & South Elevations:
With north and south facing elevations, we need to achieve passive solar heat gain through winter and insulation all year round. To achieve this, we need to use a window with a low U Value and high solar heat gain co-efficient. In summer, you should have protection on the north elevation through the use of eaves or external blinds/sunshades.
East Elevations:
Tailored to the specific conditions of the southern states, we need to achieve passive solar heat gain through winter and insulation all year round. To achieve this we need to use a window with a low U-Value and high solar heat gain co-efficient.
West Elevations:
With west facing windows, we need to achieve protection from solar heat gain and insulation all year round. To achieve this, we need to use a window with a low U Value and a low solar heat gain co-efficient.
Keep in mind that the additional cost of purchasing energy efficient windows at the time of construction or renovation is usually less than the additional energy bills resulting from selecting inefficient windows.
Let your Portland Aluminium and Glass sales consultants help you make the right choice for your home, and the environment.
