Glazing Benefits

What's Actually Inside Your Window Glass?

The glass unit is the largest component of any window, and the biggest influence on thermal, acoustic and solar performance. Here's how to choose the right one.

Double glazing uses two glass panes separated by a sealed cavity of still air or argon gas to slow heat transfer. Triple glazing adds a third pane and a second cavity for passive-house U-values. WindowPlus double-glazed units start at Uw 1.0 W/m²K, triple-glazed from 0.6 W/m²K, compared to 5.8 W/m²K for single glazing. Acoustic laminated glass reduces street noise by up to 51 dB.

Your First Decision

Double Glazing vs Triple Glazing

Both are vastly better than single glazing. The right choice depends on your climate zone, orientation and budget.

Double Glazing

Regular Performance

Two panes of glass with a sealed air or gas-filled cavity between them. A dramatic improvement over single glazing, reducing heat transfer by 50% or more. The right choice for most Perth homes.

U-value approx. 1.0–1.6 W/m²K (with Low-E + argon)
Significant reduction in heating and cooling costs
Good acoustic performance, Rw 32–38 dB typical
Most cost-effective upgrade from single glazing

High Performance

Triple Glazing

Passive-House Grade

Three panes with two sealed cavities, filled with argon or krypton gas. Achieves passive-house U-values and dramatically superior acoustic performance. Ideal for street-facing rooms, near airports or for zero-energy home targets.

U-value from 0.6 W/m²K, passive-house standard
Acoustic glass option, up to 51 dB noise reduction
Near-zero condensation risk on interior surface
Maximum NatHERS star rating contribution

Inside the Unit

The Components That Make It Work

Low-E Coating

A microscopically thin metallic layer applied to the glass surface reflects radiant heat, keeping heat in during winter and keeping solar heat out in summer. Invisible to the eye, significant in impact.

Argon or Krypton Fill

Noble gases are denser than air and conduct heat far less efficiently. Replacing air in the sealed cavity with argon reduces heat transfer by a further 15–20%. Krypton provides even better performance in thinner cavities.

Warm-Edge Spacer

The aluminium spacer bar that separates the glass panes is a thermal weak point. Our warm-edge spacers use low-conductivity materials, eliminating the cold edge that causes condensation around the perimeter of cheaper units.

Acoustic Glass

Up to 51 dB Noise Reduction

Acoustic laminated glass uses a thin PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer bonded between two glass panes. This interlayer damps sound vibrations that the glass itself would otherwise transmit, reducing noise levels dramatically compared to standard glass.

For comparison: a 10 dB reduction halves the perceived loudness. A 51 dB reduction, achievable with our triple glazed acoustic units, turns a busy street into near silence inside your home.

Rw 34

Standard double glazed

Rw 53

Acoustic triple glazed

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the U-value of a window and why does it matter?

Uw-value measures how much heat passes through the entire window per square metre per degree of temperature difference, in watts (W/m²K). Lower is better. Single glazing is around 5.8 W/m²K, our double-glazed units start at 1.0 W/m²K, triple-glazed from 0.6 W/m²K (passive-house standard).

Is triple glazing worth it in Perth?

Triple glazing pays off in noisy locations (near roads, flight paths, schools) thanks to dramatic acoustic improvement, and in homes targeting zero-energy or passive-house performance. For most Perth homes, double glazing with the right Low-E coating delivers excellent everyday performance for less cost.

What is Low-E glass?

Low-E is a microscopically thin metallic coating on the glass that reflects radiant heat - keeping warmth in during winter and rejecting solar heat in summer. Different coating types can be specified to either block solar gain (ideal for west-facing windows) or allow it (north-facing in winter).

How much noise reduction do double-glazed windows provide?

Standard double-glazed units typically deliver Rw 32-38 dB of noise reduction. Acoustic laminated triple glazing can reach Rw 51 dB - enough to turn a busy street into near-silence inside your home.

What is argon gas fill?

Argon is a colourless, non-toxic noble gas denser than air. Filling the sealed cavity between glass panes with argon instead of air slows heat transfer further, improving the U-value. Krypton gas provides even better performance, used in our highest-spec units.

Not sure which glazing is right for you?

We'll assess your home's orientation, noise exposure and energy goals and recommend exactly the right specification.

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