What are single-chamber windows and where to install them

Design and characteristics of a single-chamber glass unit

A standard single-chamber double-glazed unit consists of:

• made of two glasses, held together by a spacer frame;
• spacer with silica gel inside.

Gluing into a single structure is carried out by two types of adhesive sealants: butyl (non-hardening) and thiol (hardening). The space formed between the glasses - the chamber - serves as a heat insulator.

To meet the design characteristics, various types of glass can be used: transparent M1 grade, energy-saving I-glass, shockproof triplex, etc.

The air chamber can be filled with an inert gas to increase the thermal insulation properties or be used for the installation of decorative crossbars - shpross or sun blinds.

Double-glazed windows are used for installation in PVC window frames, aluminum and wooden frames, sashes and door structures. For use for glazing purposes, single-chamber double-glazed windows of universal thickness are used:

• 24 mm;
• 32 mm.

Universal dimensions allow you to quickly replace a broken glass unit with a new one without dismantling the frame from the opening when one or both glass is broken. How to replace a glass unit in a window

Difference of double-glazed windows depending on the gas used to fill the chamber

The main properties of a glass unit are heat permeability and sound insulation largely depend on the gas that is pumped into the chambers. Light transmittance practically does not depend on this - here the characteristic of the glass itself plays the main role.

Dry air is pumped into ordinary double-glazed windows of a budget level, it has a rather low thermal conductivity, high transparency and does not differ from atmospheric in chemical composition. In more expensive double-glazed windows, argon, krypton or xenon are used - inert gases that are completely harmless to humans. Do not be afraid that if the sealing layer is damaged, these gases will penetrate into the room. Even if this happens, they do not pose any danger.

At a price, such double-glazed windows are somewhat different, it depends not so much on consumer properties as on the cost of gas. Argon is the cheapest, and xenon is the most expensive. Inert gases show their main qualities when used in double-glazed windows equipped with energy-saving glasses (i or K). But even with ordinary glasses, some indicators improve, however, the changes are not so pronounced.

Useful qualities of inert gases:

• decrease in the coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• reducing the risk of condensation;
• protection of internal i-spraying from oxidation.

But with obvious advantages, double-glazed windows filled with inert gases are not devoid of disadvantages. The main one is that the gas must be injected at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This requires increased strength of the sealing layer at the end of the glass unit. The high penetrating ability of the inert gas determines its leakage through the smallest seal defects. Even in the best double-glazed windows, up to 3% of the gas evaporates per year.

The average effective service life of an energy-saving window filled with inert gas is 10 years; after this period, the glass unit must be refilled with gas. This comes with some inconvenience and unnecessary costs.

In addition, there is another risk factor - inert gases are odorless and colorless, it is extremely difficult to determine what exactly is pumped into your window.If you buy an expensive window from a trusted manufacturer, then you can be sure that there is an inert gas in the chamber. But in other cases, such confidence is not 100%.

Comparison of a single-chamber double-glazed window with a two-chamber

The difference between a single-chamber and double-glazed unit is in the number of glasses. A single-chamber glass unit has 2 glasses, a two-chamber glass unit - 3. In a finished product, a single-chamber glass unit can be changed to a two-chamber unit, since in some cases it has better characteristics.

Comparison of thermal insulation of a standard single-chamber and two-chamber double-glazed windows

Comparison of noise insulation of a standard single-chamber and two-chamber double-glazed windows

We made a comprehensive comparison to find out which double-glazed unit is better: single-chamber or double-chamber.

Variety of glass unit decor

Most double-glazed windows are an ordinary plane without excessive decor. But other options can also be used, for example, glass with shpros - decorative metal profiles installed inside the glass unit. The profile width is in the range of 8 - 26 mm. The color of the spros is silver, gold, bronze. They have a rather decorative look, but recently they are practically not used.

In addition to the spros, false linings are used - decorative elements of various configurations that are attached to the glass. They have no effect on the strength and tightness of the glass unit, but they allow you to adapt any window to the features of the exterior of the building.

There can be many options for the manufacture of insulating glass. If there is a choice, then professional builders should be attracted to it - windows are not bought every year, and they cost a lot. The comfort of housing and a healthy atmosphere in the house depend on their quality.

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Order a single-chamber double-glazed window by size

The catalog contains the price per square meter of double-glazed windows of the most demanded formulas (structure). You can find out the cost of a double-glazed window by size by calculating its area (height multiplied by width).

If you want to order a double-glazed window of the original formula and properties - indicate the size and formula to the manager or in the note to the order (when placing through the basket). An accurate calculation will be made taking into account the comments and you will be able to buy the necessary product exactly according to your size. The term for manufacturing a structure to order is 2 days

Additionally, you can order:

• Jalousie
• Roller blinds
• Stained glass drawing
• Tinting
• Shockproof coating for nursery or anti-vandal double-glazed windows

Prompt calculation of the price of a double-glazed unit to order will be made by a manager by phone (during working hours). Details of ordering, guarantees and special offers in the section how to buy.

Heat-shielding properties of single-chamber plastic windows

Russia is a multifaceted country. Stretching from the shores of the Black Sea to the Arctic Circle, it demonstrates a whole collection of climatic zones, in each of which the weather conditions differ significantly. Therefore, one cannot count on the fact that single-chamber plastic windows will equally protect premises from the penetration of cold everywhere.

Yes, filled with air and hermetically sealed from contact with the surrounding atmosphere, the window chamber reliably separates the interior and exterior glass. It, like a protective screen, prevents the room glass from cooling, which in turn prevents the formation of condensation on its surface.

But this rule applies only in those regions where winters are rather mild and short. But the extremely low temperatures in Moscow and in other, more northern regions, a small air space between the glasses is not a hindrance.

Prolonged exposure to frosty air on single-chamber plastic windows significantly reduces the temperature of the inner glasses, as a result of which moisture condenses on them, gradually turning into ice.

Design features of single-glazed windows

Since conventional profiles are used to assemble such models, they have no fundamental differences in design. Single-frame windows have a frame, imposts and active or fixed sashes. All available opening mechanisms are used to complete them:

• swing;
• sliding;
• swing-out;
• shtulp;
• accordion (folding);
• folding or lifting.

Single glazing of PVC windows does not affect the complexity of the structures. The use of this technology makes it possible to assemble models for installation in any openings.

Which profiles to choose for single glazing

Since when ordering windows with one glass, buyers pursue the goal of saving, there is no point in overpaying for improved systems - energy efficiency and noise absorption of profiles are not so important when assembling single windows. What matters is the rigidity of the frames and sashes. To eliminate deformation, you need to use reinforcing liners. In which profile they will be placed - 3 or 5-chamber, in a particular situation it does not matter. It is recommended to give preference to 3-chamber plastic systems or cold aluminum profiles without thermal inserts.

Single window shape

When choosing the shape of the structures, it does not matter which models are assembled - double-glazed windows or single-glazed windows. With the use of PVC systems, you can make arched, round, oval, radius, triangular and trapezoidal models.

Single-glazed window automation

Automatic opening systems are installed on any windows - double-glazed windows, the design of which implies the use of a different number of glasses, affect only the choice of the drive model. These devices are compatible with sensors that control the operation of mechanisms through the control panel. Most often, window automation with single glazing is used not on the roof of greenhouses or in summer greenhouses.

Frameless structures

Single glazing of openings can be performed without using traditional frames assembled from wood, plastic or aluminum profiles. For these purposes, special designs have been developed:

• frameless glazing;
• soft windows.

If you have not yet decided which glass can be used in balcony glazing with low requirements for tightness, sound insulation and energy efficiency, it is recommended to choose the first option. Soft windows are more often used in summer cottages and in the private sector as temporary protection from wind and precipitation.

Complex structures with single glazing

Double glazed windows were previously produced using single glazing technology and were installed in most older buildings. In such cases, one glass was installed in the skylights. A sufficient level of heat saving and sound insulation was provided by an air cushion between the two frames. These wooden double glazed windows have now been replaced by warmer structures. Finnish models are popular today.

Comparison of the cost of windows with different glazing

Models from the same systems have different prices - plastic window blocks with single glazing have the lowest cost. The price of exactly the same structures made of aluminum or wooden profiles will be higher.

The difference in price indicates that the number of glasses affects the cost less than the type of profile, therefore, for the sake of economy, you should not reduce their number.

Which glasses are suitable for equipping single windows

For the manufacture of such windows, almost all glasses that are used in the production of double-glazed windows are suitable. At the request of the client, the following types of glass can be installed in the skylight:

• float is the most popular and economical option with good light transmittance;
• reflex - provide excellent overheating protection and privacy;
• low emissivity - allow you to keep warm and protect the interior from the effects of UF radiation;
• triplex - increase the level of safety and improve sound insulation;
• reinforced and hardened - make it difficult for unauthorized access;
• stained glass - improve the aesthetic characteristics of products and protect from the sun.

You can read more about all types of glass at OknaTrade. Each of them is represented by different modifications, so there is always an opportunity to choose the best option without any problems.

Glasses with a soft low-emissivity coating are not suitable for single-glazed windows. This type of metallized layer is too vulnerable to any external influences, therefore, it is suitable for use only in double-glazed windows.

Where is it recommended to use windows with one glass

In fact, there are no restrictions on the use of this technology. It is considered universal and is suitable for both external and internal glazing. Today, such designs are ordered for the following objects:

• country houses that are not planned to be used in the autumn-winter period;
• unheated household facilities;
• verandas, terraces, gazebos and summer pavilions;
• internal premises of commercial facilities, which are planned to be divided by partitions;
• dormer windows;
• non-insulated balconies and loggias.

In this case, if necessary, during the operation of windows, the replacement of single glazing with double glazing can be performed. Most often this happens when real estate owners decide to use a summer house in the winter or want to thoroughly insulate a balcony with a loggia.

Advantages of single glazed windows

When single-glazed windows are used, PVC profiles do not experience the same load as structures with double-glazed windows. This significantly reduces the risk of deformation and premature wear of the fittings. Also, this option for completing windows allows you to save a lot. If a thick triplex is installed in the skylight, sound insulation will significantly improve. However, in this case, the load on the profile systems and fittings will increase. The disadvantages of such structures can be attributed only to poor thermal insulation, but it is in this particular situation that it is rather a conditional disadvantage.After all, when choosing windows with single glazing, buyers do not initially count on their high energy efficiency.

Where are they used?

The fact is that single-chamber double-glazed windows are not used everywhere. For example, in large cities, houses of mass residential development are not accepted by the state commission if such structures are installed in them, since it is believed that for the middle zone, and even more so for cold regions, their thermal characteristics are insufficient.

Their use in regions where the average winter temperature is minus 5 degrees is considered impractical.

But, such windows are cheaper than with two-chamber ones, and in some cases their use is justified and even necessary.

Glazing of a balcony or loggia

Many people choose plastic products in order to decorate a balcony or loggia. Firstly, it is beautiful and practical, and secondly, not everyone can afford to install sliding aluminum glazing - it is rather inconvenient to wash it.

But, for example, you do not plan to make a loggia a living space, since you will have to make a lot of additional investments - insulation, installation of an additional battery, and so on. For such purposes, single-chamber structures are exactly what you need.

If you install plastic structures on a cold balcony, what kind of double-glazed window will be there is absolutely not important, the temperature will be the same.

Balcony block

If your loggia has glazing on the parapet, even if it is wooden, but not too full of holes, it is quite possible to install a balcony block (this is a window with a balcony door) with a single-chamber double-glazed window.

And if your balcony is glazed with plastic or modern aluminum, then there is no need for a double-glazed window, the balcony is your second chamber, and it is very large, the cold will go through it the longest.

Summer house

Nowadays, modern realities are such that plastic products with a single-chamber double-glazed unit are almost equal in cost to ordinary wooden frames sold on the market.

Moreover, they can be purchased ready-made, it is even cheaper, and openings in the summer house can be made for them, because the summer house is usually made of wood. Even in late autumn, when the temperature is close to zero, it will be warm and cozy with one heating device in the summer house.

Terrace in the house

The terrace, even in a major house, is often summer and therefore not heated. Therefore, plastic windows with such a glass unit are often installed in it for the same reasons as in a summer house.

Advantages and disadvantages

The pros and cons of energy efficient windows are obvious. The clear benefits include the following points.

1. Preservation of the indoor climate at any time of the year. It works on the principle of a thermos - prevents heat loss in winter, protects against heat in summer.
2. Increased heat and sound insulation. The gas layer additionally absorbs noise.
3. Protection against fading of interior details.
4. A light weight. With the same characteristics, a single-chamber double-glazed unit weighs less than a standard two-chamber.
5. Lack of condensation. There is no temperature difference causing fogging.
6. Savings on the budget by reducing the consumption of energy carriers.

The first drawback is the price. The cost in comparison with conventional blocks is 5-10% higher. But the difference will pay off quickly by saving on utility bills for heating and electricity.

It is not known how long the coating will last. Metallic spraying is oxidized by interaction with oxygen. If the product is defective or the sealing is broken, rainbow stains will soon appear on the inner surface of the glasses and all valuable properties will be lost.

Storing glasses with a soft i - coating without packaging for more than a month also leads to the appearance of iridescent stains. Unscrupulous manufacturers are trying to use expired components.Therefore, if the installed package contains rainbow-colored glass, you should immediately discard it.

It is believed that products are harmful to flowers, as they reflect sunlight. This is a mistake, the spectrum required for plant photosynthesis passes unhindered.

They let in less light due to the coating. For the eyes, the difference of 5% is almost imperceptible, but it is possible to fix it with a special device.

Is it profitable to buy inexpensive windows?

It is profitable to buy plastic windows of the economy category only in those cases for which they were developed - the list of objects has already been given above. It is better not to install them in apartments, offices, shops and municipal buildings. Ignoring the recommendations subsequently leads to tangible losses, given the current cost of heating and air conditioning of premises. In addition, additional costs will require maintenance and repair of budget windows. Indeed, in the process of their operation, sash distortions often occur, problems arise with fittings and sometimes even welded seams crack. It takes a lot of time and money to fix these defects.