Glass Options
Understand which glass option is best for your project.
Double Glazing vs Triple Glazing
Glass Options to Suit Any Project
All of our products at GFD Homes come with a wide range of double or triple glazing options. There are so many glass options available nowadays, it can be intimidating when placing your order. Traditional double glazing companies often upsell certain glass types to make more margin, when in reality there could be no benefit to the homeowner. This page clearly explains your options and when each one might be the best choice for you.
Glass Options to Suit Any Project
All of our products at GFD Homes come with a wide range of double or triple glazing options. There are so many glass options available nowadays, it can be intimidating when placing your order. Traditional double glazing companies often upsell certain glass types to make more margin, when in reality there could be no benefit to the homeowner. This page clearly explains your options and when each one might be the best choice for you.
All of our external window and door products come with either 24mm or 28mm double glazed units as standard. Some products are also available with a triple glazing option, which are usually 36mm or 44mm. The only exception is the Smart Designer Door range, which has a hefty 66mm thick unit!
Top Tip: When we say 28mm unit, we refer to the thickness of the double glazed unit. 28mm is basically the industry standard nowadays, but if you have older windows and doors you will likely notice the glass units are thinner than this.
Both double glazed and triple glazed units have many benefits over traditional single glazing, including:
All of our external window and door products come with either 24mm or 28mm double glazed units as standard. Some products are also available with a triple glazing option, which are usually 36mm or 44mm. The only exception is the Smart Designer Door range, which has a hefty 66mm thick unit!
Top Tip: When we say 28mm unit, we refer to the thickness of the double glazed unit. 28mm is basically the industry standard nowadays, but if you have older windows and doors you will likely notice the glass units are thinner than this.
Both double glazed and triple glazed units have many benefits over traditional single glazing, including:
When Should I Consider Upgrading to Triple Glazing Over Double Glazed Units?
When thinking about upgrading to triple glazing, it's all about what suits you and your home. Here's a simple breakdown of when it might be the best choice for you.
To Achieve a Specific U Value:
Triple glazing offers better energy ratings than double glazing because of its wider cavity. This makes it ideal when you're aiming for a specific U-value. For instance, if your architect has specified a U-value of 1.2 for your windows, standard double glazing won't quite hit the mark—but triple glazing will. That's why we often recommend it for homes that need that extra level of insulation.
You Live in a Noisy Area:
An unsung benefit of triple glazing is that it can reduce external noise much better than double glazing. We've recommended it in the past to customers who live near busy roads or railways, for whom the noise reduction was a concern.
You're Looking for Total Comfort:
If drafts or temperature changes are a problem, triple glazing provides a more stable indoor climate. It helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.
You're in It for the Long Haul:
While it's more expensive upfront, triple glazing can save you money on energy bills over time. So, if you're planning to stay in your home for the long term, it's an investment that can pay off.
Boosting Your Home's Appeal:
For those thinking about adding value to their property, triple glazing can be a selling point. It's especially attractive to eco-conscious buyers looking for homes with excellent energy ratings.
South-Facing or West-Facing Windows:
If your home has south or west-facing windows, triple glazing helps manage solar gain and temperature fluctuations, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Condensation Woes:
If condensation is an issue in your home, the extra layer of insulation in triple glazing can help reduce it, making it less likely that you'll deal with dampness or mould.
When Should I Consider Upgrading to Triple Glazing Over Double Glazed Units?
When thinking about upgrading to triple glazing, it's all about what suits you and your home. Here's a simple breakdown of when it might be the best choice for you.
To Achieve a Specific U Value:
Triple glazing offers better energy ratings than double glazing because of its wider cavity. This makes it ideal when you're aiming for a specific U-value. For instance, if your architect has specified a U-value of 1.2 for your windows, standard double glazing won't quite hit the mark—but triple glazing will. That's why we often recommend it for homes that need that extra level of insulation.
You Live in a Noisy Area:
An unsung benefit of triple glazing is that it can reduce external noise much better than double glazing. We've recommended it in the past to customers who live near busy roads or railways, for whom the noise reduction was a concern.
You're Looking for Total Comfort:
If drafts or temperature changes are a problem, triple glazing provides a more stable indoor climate. It helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.
You're in It for the Long Haul:
While it's more expensive upfront, triple glazing can save you money on energy bills over time. So, if you're planning to stay in your home for the long term, it's an investment that can pay off.
Boosting Your Home's Appeal:
For those thinking about adding value to their property, triple glazing can be a selling point. It's especially attractive to eco-conscious buyers looking for homes with excellent energy ratings.
South-Facing or West-Facing Windows:
If your home has south or west-facing windows, triple glazing helps manage solar gain and temperature fluctuations, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Condensation Woes:
If condensation is an issue in your home, the extra layer of insulation in triple glazing can help reduce it, making it less likely that you'll deal with dampness or mould.
Triple glazing offers enhanced benefits in certain situations, but if your climate is mild and your budget is tight, double glazing might still do the job just fine.
Toughened Safety Glass
Toughened safety glass, also known as tempered glass, is a specially treated type of glass designed to be much stronger and safer than regular glass. It undergoes a heating and cooling process that makes it four to five times tougher. The main benefit? If it does break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp, dangerous shards, reducing the risk of injury.
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When it comes to installing glass in your windows, doors, or other glazed areas, there are important rules and regulations to follow. Here’s a clear guide to help you make sure you’re using the right safety glass in the right places.
To meet Building Regulations, certain areas in your home (referred to as "Critical Locations") must have safety glass or protective guards to prevent injury. The most common areas where accidents involving glass breakage can happen are doors, side panels next to doors, low windows, and glass that’s set into walls or partitions. These can lead to serious cuts or injuries if not properly safeguarded.
Where Safety Glass Is Required:
Doors and Glazed Areas Below 800mm: Safety glass should be installed in any windows or glazed areas that are less than 800mm from the floor.
Glazing in Doors: Any glass in doors that's within 1500mm of the floor must be safety glass. As shown in the diagram, glass positioned lower than 1500mm is a potential risk if not reinforced with safety glass.
View DiagramGlazing Next to Doors: Side panels or windows that are within 300mm of a door and also within 1500mm of the floor need to have safety glass for added protection.
Low-Level Glazing: Even if the window isn't next to a door, any glass that's lower than 800mm from the floor should be fitted with safety glass. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your home stays safe and compliant with the necessary regulations, offering peace of mind for you and your family.
Please note all GFD Homes door products will come with toughened safety glass standard, including any side or top glazed panels. For window enquiries, please contact us if you are unsure if toughened glass is required.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that’s made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two or more layers of glass. This design ensures that if the glass breaks, the pieces stay stuck to the plastic layer, preventing it from shattering into large, dangerous fragments.
It’s a must-have for critical locations on new builds (though not always required for extensions) and is highly recommended for windows and doors in areas that might be more vulnerable. While laminated glass is a bit more expensive and heavier—something to keep in mind for larger bi-folding or sliding doors—it offers additional perks.
Not only does it provide better noise reduction than standard glass, but it also helps with UV protection. For instance, some customers with south-facing rooms have noticed that switching to laminated glass helps reduce sun damage to their furniture. It’s a solid choice for both safety and comfort.
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Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that’s made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two or more layers of glass. This design ensures that if the glass breaks, the pieces stay stuck to the plastic layer, preventing it from shattering into large, dangerous fragments.
It’s a must-have for critical locations on new builds (though not always required for extensions) and is highly recommended for windows and doors in areas that might be more vulnerable. While laminated glass is a bit more expensive and heavier—something to keep in mind for larger bi-folding or sliding doors—it offers additional perks.
Not only does it provide better noise reduction than standard glass, but it also helps with UV protection. For instance, some customers with south-facing rooms have noticed that switching to laminated glass helps reduce sun damage to their furniture. It’s a solid choice for both safety and comfort.
Make an EnquiryTextured/Obscure Glass
If you're looking for privacy, a touch of style, or more natural light in your home, Pilkington texture glass has plenty of attractive options to offer.
Pilkington decorative glass is a great choice for letting in maximum light while still maintaining your privacy or blocking out less-than-ideal views. Plus, it adds a stylish decorative element to any room. With five levels of privacy to choose from—ranging from 1 (the least obscured) to 5 (the most)—you can find the perfect fit for your space. And for added peace of mind, it's available in both toughened and laminated versions for extra safety and security.
Explore the wide range of unique designs to find the one that suits your home perfectly.
All pattern names (e.g Everglade™) are a trade mark of Pilkington plc. All pattern images are the copyright© of Pilkington plc and are reproduced by the permission of Pilkington plc.
Textured/Obscure Glass
If you're looking for privacy, a touch of style, or more natural light in your home, Pilkington texture glass has plenty of attractive options to offer.
Pilkington decorative glass is a great choice for letting in maximum light while still maintaining your privacy or blocking out less-than-ideal views. Plus, it adds a stylish decorative element to any room. With five levels of privacy to choose from—ranging from 1 (the least obscured) to 5 (the most)—you can find the perfect fit for your space. And for added peace of mind, it's available in both toughened and laminated versions for extra safety and security.
Explore the wide range of unique designs to find the one that suits your home perfectly.
All pattern names (e.g Everglade™) are a trade mark of Pilkington plc. All pattern images are the copyright© of Pilkington plc and are reproduced by the permission of Pilkington plc.
Double Glazing With Blinds Inside (iBlinds)
What Are iBlinds?
iBlinds are built-in blinds that sit inside a double-glazed unit, meaning you won’t need external blinds or curtains. With Venetian blinds sealed inside the glass, you get a sleek, fuss-free solution. You can operate them manually, motorise them, or even control via remote control — giving you total control over light and privacy at the touch of a button.
Since the blinds are protected from dirt and damage inside the glass, they’re practically maintenance-free—making them the perfect choice for any modern home.
Double Glazing With Blinds Inside (iBlinds)
iBlinds are built-in blinds that sit inside a double-glazed unit, meaning you won’t need external blinds or curtains. With Venetian blinds sealed inside the glass, you get a sleek, fuss-free solution. You can operate them manually, motorise them, or even control via remote control — giving you total control over light and privacy at the touch of a button.
Since the blinds are protected from dirt and damage inside the glass, they’re practically maintenance-free—making them the perfect choice for any modern home.
Georgian Bars
Integral Georgian bars are a stylish addition to double glazing, giving your windows that classic, traditional look with all the benefits of modern glazing. Instead of bars fixed on the outside, these are placed between the two panes of glass inside the sealed unit.
This means you get the timeless charm of Georgian-style windows while still enjoying the smooth, easy-to-clean surface and energy efficiency that double glazing offers. It's the perfect way to blend character with convenience in your home.
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Georgian Bars
Integral Georgian bars are a stylish addition to double glazing, giving your windows that classic, traditional look with all the benefits of modern glazing. Instead of bars fixed on the outside, these are placed between the two panes of glass inside the sealed unit.
This means you get the timeless charm of Georgian-style windows while still enjoying the smooth, easy-to-clean surface and energy efficiency that double glazing offers. It's the perfect way to blend character with convenience in your home.
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Astragal Bars
Astragal Bars are decorative bars that sit on the outside of the glass, creating the classic look of multiple panes within a single window. Unlike integral Georgian bars, which are inside the glass, astragal bars are fitted on both sides of the glass. On some products, it’s possible to order double glazed units with back to back spacer bars that line through with the astragal bars, creating the appearance of individual glass panes.
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Astragal Bars
Astragal Bars are decorative bars that sit on the outside of the glass, creating the classic look of multiple panes within a single window. Unlike integral Georgian bars, which are inside the glass, astragal bars are fitted on both sides of the glass. On some products, it’s possible to order double glazed units with back to back spacer bars that line through with the astragal bars, creating the appearance of individual glass panes.
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Leadwork
Integral Georgian bars are a stylish addition to double glazing, giving your windows that classic, traditional look with all the benefits of modern glazing. Instead of bars fixed on the outside, these are placed between the two panes of glass inside the sealed unit.
This means you get the timeless charm of Georgian-style windows while still enjoying the smooth, easy-to-clean surface and energy efficiency that double glazing offers. It's the perfect way to blend character with convenience in your home.
Leadwork is available in silver, gold or antique blackened finish, depending on the product range. Leadwork offers the perfect blend of timeless design and contemporary performance for your home.
Rectangular
Elizabethan
Leadwork is available in silver, gold or antique blackened finish, depending on the product range. Leadwork offers the perfect blend of timeless design and contemporary performance for your home.
Leadwork
Integral Georgian bars are a stylish addition to double glazing, giving your windows that classic, traditional look with all the benefits of modern glazing. Instead of bars fixed on the outside, these are placed between the two panes of glass inside the sealed unit.
This means you get the timeless charm of Georgian-style windows while still enjoying the smooth, easy-to-clean surface and energy efficiency that double glazing offers. It's the perfect way to blend character with convenience in your home.
Leadwork is available in silver, gold or antique blackened finish, depending on the product range. Leadwork offers the perfect blend of timeless design and contemporary performance for your home.
Rectangular
Elizabethan
Glass Options
Choose the right type of glass to pair with your integrated blinds:
