Choosing the Right Glass for Your Conservatory

Since bespoke conservatories utilize a great deal of glass in their design, it is important to understand your various glass options and the pros and cons against choosing certain types of glass for your structure. In this way, you can make the choice that best suits both your needs and your budget.

Insulated Glass Panels

One of your glass options is to use insulated glass panels, which are also commonly referred to as double glazed, double layer, dual glazed or simply as DG. Insulated glass panels actually contain two layers of glass, though space is left between the two panels. The space is then filled with krypton gas, argon gas, carbon dioxide, air or a combination of different gases.

Both sides of both panels of glass are also coated with Low-W or reflective materials, which helps to block the heat generated by the sun in the summer while also helping to keep the room warmer in the winter. Therefore, if you are planning to use your conservatory as a year-round extension of your home, insulated glass panels are your best option. Even if you do not foresee using the conservatory throughout the year, you should use insulated glass panels if you plan to install a heater or air conditioner in the space, as the insulated glass panels will help the heater or air conditioner work more efficiently.

Single Layer Glass

Single layer glass panels are often referred to as single glazed or SG. As the name implies, single layer glass conservatories only contain one layer of glass. Since there is only one layer, there is no built-in air pocket at the amount of glazing that can be completed is more limited than it is with insulated glass panels. As a result, single layer glass panels are less efficient when it comes to climate control. Nonetheless, conservatories with single layer glass panels are generally still good for three seasons of the year and the windows can be easily opened up in order to provide ventilation. Of course, single layer glass is far less expensive than insulated glass. Therefore, if money is an issue and you don’t plan to use the conservatory in the winter, single layer glass may be the way to go.

Whether you choose to go with insulated panels or single layer glass, be certain to purchase a conservatory with tempered glass. Tempered glass is more resistant to breaking and, if it does break, it will crumble rather than break in shards. This makes the conservatory far safer if an accident were to occur.