Homeowners desire and deserve a home that is safe and secure, affordable to run, with no winter heating worries and low noise levels. These qualities are exactly the kind of benefits the right type of glass in doors, windows and glazed extensions can deliver.

Glass plays a critical role in enhancing a home’s comfort by improving energy efficiency, minimising external noise, and maximising daylight while controlling heat and protecting interior furnishings from fading. With the ongoing emphasis on sustainable building practices, understanding glass specifications is crucial for creating homes that are comfortable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective to run.

Why glass specification matters

The right glass specification can transform a property by enhancing energy efficiency and overall comfort. As we spend more than 80% of our time indoors, the choice of glass can have a direct impact on the quality of interior spaces, affecting both the homeowner’s health and well-being.

Saint-Gobain Glass offers high-performance glass ranges such as COOL-LITE® and PLANITHERM®, designed to optimise home comfort. However, it’s important to remember that not all glass is the same, and what works for one part of a home may not be ideal for another. For instance, the glass used for windows facing a busy street could differ from the glass used for south-facing bi-fold doors.

Getting the glass specification right

Retaining internal heat - U-values measure how well glass retains heat inside a building. The lower the U-value, the better the glass insulates, helping to keep homes warm during colder months while reducing energy consumption. By selecting glass with the right U-value, homeowners can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and cut heating costs.

Reducing overheating - G-values indicate the amount of solar heat that passes through glass. For south-facing windows or glazed extensions, glass with lower G-values and solar control coatings - such as those in the Saint-Gobain COOL-LITE® range - can help prevent overheating, keeping rooms cool and reducing reliance on air conditioning in warmer months.

Enhancing security and UV protection - For enhanced security, laminated glass with a 0.8mm interlayer can be specified. This type of glass is designed to meet the "Secured by Design" standard and is much harder to break through, offering protection against burglary and vandalism. Additionally, this interlayer blocks over 99% of harmful UV rays, helping to protect interior furnishings from fading due to sun exposure.

Reducing noise - Noise reduction is another key consideration, particularly for properties in urban or high-traffic areas. Laminated glass with a specialised acoustic interlayer, like STADIP® SILENCE, provides 26% better noise reduction compared to standard double glazing. This helps create a quieter and more peaceful living environment, which is essential for homeowner comfort.

By carefully specifying the right glass for each application within a home, you can create spaces that are not only more comfortable but also more efficient and secure. Whether reducing heat loss, preventing overheating, protecting against external noise, or improving security, Saint-Gobain Glass products provide tailored solutions for every requirement.

For residential properties, glass is more than just a building material—it is a tool to optimise comfort, energy efficiency, and the long-term value of the home.

To learn more, please see here or email the team at uk.marketing@saint-gobain.com