Commercial Glazing vs Double Glazing – What Is The Difference?

Few people understand the difference between commercial glazing and double glazing. Commercial glazing is any glazing that is installed on a commercial property. As such, it must meet with certain quality and safety standards and regulations. Different materials and application techniques are used in residential double glazing due to their size. Read on to learn more about the difference between both types of glazing:

Commercial Glazing

Specialised equipment is needed for commercial glazing due to the size of commercial buildings. Very often, the glazing application is done on-site. In order to meet with UK health and safety regulations, the glass and materials used must meet certain standards. Because a commercial building owner is responsible for the health and safety of all occupants, current regulations demand that commercial glazing must meet with the following requirements:

* The glazing must regulate solar energy transmission. Inside commercial buildings, far more heat is generated from people and equipment than in the average home. Cooling systems are often used. The glazing must regulate solar energy by limiting its absorption. This is quite different to regular residential double glazing that is designed to absorb solar energy.
* The glazing must provide weather resistance. Strong aluminium frames that are lightweight and flexible must be used and the windows must be able to withstand building sway, water penetration, temperature changes, and strong winds.

Interior and exterior applications of commercial glazing

* Custom glass
* Furniture
* Skylights
* Mirrors
* Door Closures
* Storefront glass
* Curtain glass
* Security glass
* Entrance doors

Benefits of commercial glazing:

* More natural lighting can enter the office environment
* Aesthetic appeal is ensured while shoppers get to see clearly into the store (window shopping)
* Thermal insulation (which also helps to reduce heating bills)

Double glazing

Double glazing uses two panes of glass that are separated by a layer of gas (or air). The gas is a poor heat conductor and therefore provides good thermal insulation. This means that the building is quicker to heat and retains heat – reducing electricity bills too. Double glazing offers excellent acoustic insulation too.

Standard double glazing is not always done on site. It is often supplied as a unit to be installed into the window frame. The safety regulations and standards for double glazing differ from that of glazing used in a commercial environment.

Double Glazing Energy Ratings

Glazed windows come with a WER (Windows Energy Rating) attached. The ratings range from very efficient, which is A++, to very inefficient, which is G. Double glazing on the market must comply with building regulations which demands a minimum of a C rating. The rating is calculated by considering various things, including the thermal transmittance (U value), air leakage (L value), and solar factor (G value.

Why Commercial Glazing And Double Glazing Are Different

Commercial buildings and residential buildings face very different environmental exposure and therefore the glazing they require must meet with very different regulations and standards.

Need more information and advice? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you to save money on your energy bill.