Choosing the right window glazing for a home can make a noticeable difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and overall performance. At Adera Windows & Doors, our team helps homeowners, builders, and strata managers find glazing solutions that work well for a wide range of building styles. That is why we have outlined the main types of window glazing to help you make an informed decision for your space.

Find out what you should consider before replacing your windows.

How to Select the Right Window Glazing

Modern window glazing is not just about letting in light; it is about controlling temperature, reducing noise, and protecting your Okanagan home from harmful UV rays. By knowing the different types of glazing and additional enhancements, you can make a choice that balances comfort, energy efficiency, and durability.

Double Glazing

Double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar and a sealed gap, often filled with air or inert gas like argon or krypton. This gap reduces heat transfer, improving thermal performance and creating a more comfortable indoor environment. Double glazing is widely chosen in the Okanagan for its balance of affordability, insulation, and durability.

Triple Glazing

Triple glazing adds a third pane of glass to the double-glazed format, further enhancing insulation and sound reduction. Homes in busier areas of Kelowna or near Lake Country’s main roads often benefit from the quiet and energy efficiency triple glazing provides. While it comes at a higher cost than double glazing, the added thermal control and noise reduction make it worthwhile in colder climates or noise-prone neighbourhoods.

Low-E Coatings

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are microscopically thin metal layers applied to the glass surface to manage heat transfer. They allow natural light in while reflecting unwanted heat, improving energy efficiency and comfort. Key Low-E types include:

• Passive Low-E (LoE-180): Provides higher solar gain, ideal for retaining warmth in colder months.
• Solar Control Low-E (LoE3-366, LoE3-340+): Offers superior solar control, reducing heat during hot Okanagan summers.
• Hybrid/Advanced Low-E (LoE2-272, LoE-i89): Balances moderate solar control with excellent insulation.
  

LoE Argon combines Low-E coatings with argon gas between panels, further reducing heat transfer and improving the window’s overall U-Factor (thermal conductivity). When comparing options, look for key metrics:

• U-Factor: Measures heat transfer; lower numbers mean better insulation.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measures solar heat entering your home; lower values keep interiors cooler.
• UV Transmission: Indicates how much ultraviolet light passes through the glass, impacting furniture and flooring fading.
  

Tempered and Laminated Glass

Other important considerations for Okanagan homeowners include:

• Tempered Glass: Heat-treated for strength, making it safer for bathrooms, large windows, or areas close to the ground.
• Laminated Glass: Offers improved sound reduction, additional safety, and lower UV transmission, perfect for homes near busy streets or sunny areas.
  

Spacer Bars and Overall Window Performance

The spacer bar separates glass panes and creates an insulating gap. Modern warm-edge spacers reduce condensation and improve thermal efficiency, enhancing the performance of double- and triple-glazed windows. At Adera Windows & Doors, we help our customers evaluate glazing options based on comfort goals, performance expectations, and design needs. If you are considering upgrades or planning a new build, get in touch with us to learn more about the different types of window glazing and to find the right solution for your project.