Choosing the right type of glazing is a key factor in the performance, safety, and certification of an aluminium system. Whether you’re working on residential windows, commercial façades, or secure doors, the glass you select must meet specific performance, regulatory, and aesthetic requirements.

What You Should Know

Even at a basic level, you should consider:

1. Glass Thickness

  • Most aluminium systems are designed to accommodate double or triple glazing, with thicknesses ranging from 24 mm to 48 mm.
  • The system’s glazing bead and gasket choice will depend on the glass thickness.

2. Thermal Performance

  • U-values for glazing should meet or exceed local building regulations (e.g., Part L in the UK).
  • Common low-E double glazed units (DGUs) achieve values around 1.2–1.4 W/m²K.
  • Triple glazing can reduce this to 0.8–1.0 W/m²K, but adds weight and cost.

3. Acoustic Control

  • Laminated glass or asymmetrical DGU layouts help reduce sound transmission.
  • Ideal for urban or high-traffic projects.

Security Requirements – PAS 24

If your project requires PAS 24 compliance (common in residential doors and windows), your glass selection must:

  • Include laminated security glass (usually P1A or P2A class),
  • Be internally glazed, to prevent removal from outside,
  • Be installed using security glazing beads or clips, specific to the system supplier.

Important: PAS 24 is not a glass certification — it’s a whole system test. The glass must match the exact spec used in the tested configuration.

Solar Control & Other Options

  • Toughened glass (heat treated) is used where safety is a concern – e.g., doors, floor-level glazing.
  • Solar control coatings can reduce solar gain in south-facing facades.
  • Obscure or decorative glass can add privacy without compromising light.

Want to go deeper?

This is just a basic overview.
In our full course, you’ll learn how to:

  • Calculate optimal glass specifications based on Uw and G-values
  • Match glass specs with system limitations
  • Ensure compliance with Part Q, PAS 24, EN 1279 and other standards
  • Handle tricky configurations (e.g. lift & slide, shaped glazing, fire-rated)

👉 [View Full Module: Glazing & Compliance]