Q.
Trade- When do I need to move to 6mm glass thickness rather than standard 4mm?
A.4mm glass is quite flexible, and we recommend that 6mm glass be used in larger or longer unit sizes. This prevents the glass from flexing too much, which could lead to unit failure or breakage. We recommend that any unit over 1300mm in both width and height or has one length longer than 2400mm should be manufactured using 6mm glass.
Q.
Homeowners- My new glazing appears to have condensation on the outside, why is this?
A.Condensation is moisture forming on cold surfaces. High-performance insulating glass units reduce heat loss from the home, which means that the outer pane of the glazing unit is now cold, allowing condensation to form. Condensation will only appear at certain times of the year and for short periods.
For more information, view the GGF Condensation Brochure download in the Quality section of our website: https://www.regencyglass.co.uk...
Q.
Glass Quality- On close inspection of my new windows and glazing, I can see marks in the glass. Is this normal?
A.The industry operates to a standard visual quality guide. This states that glazing should be looked at from a distance of no less than 3 metres for toughened, Low-E and laminated products. Looking through the glass on a dry day in indirect sunlight, nothing should stand out as intrusive to the viewer.
For more information, view the GGF Quality of Vision download in the Quality section of our website: https://www.regencyglass.co.uk...
Q.
Trade & Homeowners- Can you make square cut outs in glass for cat flaps?
A.No. This is because the internal angle will ‘run’, so the glass continues to break across the straight line. We can do circles, and circular cat flaps are available.
Q.
Trade- What is the minimum cavity thickness for an IGU containing Georgian bars?
A.Georgian bars are 8mm thick, with anti-rattle centres adding a couple of millimetres, so we only go down to 12mm cavities for Georgian profiles.
Q.
Trade & Homeowners- I need noise reducing glazing, what do you offer?
A.Regency can manufacture glazing to meet any noise reduction target. Firstly, the decibel reduction sought needs to be determined, and we can build glazing to achieve this. Please note that in a 28mm space and still achieving performance, the choice is limited; necessary thermal performance and 40db rw reduction are about as good as they get. This is 6.8mm acoustic laminated/16mm Argon cavity / 6mm Low-E.
Q.
Homeowners- My glass appears to have unexplained marks that cannot always be seen but show more when the sun shines. What is this?
A.This could be several things, but the Low-E coating usually reflects the sunlight at different angles. The ‘marks’ seem to disappear when the sun isn’t shining. This is normal and varies across the day as the sun moves across the sky. They are reflections of light or processing marks that cannot be seen under normal viewing conditions.
Q.
Homeowners- I am thinking of having new windows and have heard many claims that triple glazing is much better than double glazing. What is best?
A.Triple glazing can be better, but it is essential that the right glazing make-up is specified. This needs to be a minimum of 4mm clear glass/8mm Argon/4mm low e glass/8mm Argon/4mm Low-E glass. At 28mm glass unit thickness – industry standard- this is possibly worse than double glazing and may not be worth the extra cost. Widening the units to a minimum of 36mm will be beneficial and offer up to 50% improvement over double or narrower triple glazing. Use our 'Glass for your home' tool on the homepage to help recommend the right glass!
Q.
Homeowners- The decorative lead designs on my glass have gone all discoloured and mottled. What has happened?
A.Natural lead is a soft metal, and when in the atmosphere, it will rust! This oxidation process can take a variable amount of time but will ultimately result in a dull grey patina that remains constant.
Q.
Safety Glass vs Security Glass- What is the difference between toughened and laminated glass?
A.Toughened glass is known as safety glass because when it breaks, it breaks instantaneously into tiny pieces to significantly reduce the risk of injury. However, this creates a large unobstructed opening that does not protect against break-ins, especially in patio doors. Laminated glass is known as security glass because when it breaks, it stays together entirely, reducing the risk of injury and keeping the opening secure. Compared to toughened glass, it takes a long time and a lot of noise to break through laminated glass, thus being the preferred option for police forces up and down the country to help tackle crime.
