Not all glass is equal - understanding u-values in a modern Winter Garden conservatory
- Martin Pearson
- Oct 30, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Keeping a winter garden conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer is an important consideration. And the U-value of the glass plays an important role.
Thermal transmittance describes heat flow through a solid substance, and in building materials, this is defined by a property called the U-value. This is a key parameter in glass performance.
We all know that in an old conservatory that has stood for years, you are likely to feel freezing cold in winter, while in the height of summer, you feel as if you could cook an egg by cracking it on the floor. This is because the thermal transmittance, or U-value is high, and heat comes in through the glass in summer, and goes the other way just as quickly in winter.
Clearly, then, understanding the U-value for the different types of glass you might choose for your new conservatory is an important consideration. Here, we look at U-values in a little more detail, and find out how some of the most popular windows stack up.
Measuring the U-value
The U-value describes how much thermal energy, or heat, is transferred through one square metre of a given substance when there is a temperature difference of 1K (scientists use Kelvins, which are conveniently the equal to Celsius) on either side. Thermal energy is measured in Watts (W) so the unit of measure for U-values is W/(m2K).
Some typical U-values
From a homeowner’s perspective, the rule you need to remember when it comes to U-values is “the lower the better.”
To give you a feel for what is a good or bad U-value, here are some typical U-value examples:
Traditional single glazed window: 5.7 W/(m2K) BAD
Traditional double glazed window: 3.3 W/(m2K) BAD
Advanced double glazed window: 1.2 W/(m2K) GOOD SURPASSES BUILDING REGS
Well insulated roof: 0.15 W/(m2K) GOOD SURPASSES BUILDING REGS
Poorly insulated roof: 1.0 W/(m2K) BAD
Well insulated wall: 0.25 W/(m2K) GOOD SURPASSES BUILDING REGS
Poorly insulated wall: 1.5 W/(m2K) BAD
Modern conservatory glass and U-values
The above examples show just how big a difference the glass can make when it comes to thermal insulation. Suddenly, that complaint that an old conservatory is either freezing cold or boiling hot for 50 weeks of the year starts to make sense if it is single glazed with traditional glass.
The U-values of advanced double and triple glazing are a world away from these old fashioned materials.
At Glass House Architecture, our winter garden conservatory windows and bi-folding doors do not just look modern and sophisticated, they also offer astonishing levels of efficiency and comfort when it comes to thermal conductivity. The manufacturers quote a U-value from 0.8 W/(m2K).
Meanwhile, our large format sliding doors products are best in class. Their products have thermal conductivity properties that are an industry benchmark, quoting a U-value from 0.62 W/(m2K) with an ultra slim frame and over 98% of glass.
By using these industry-leading materials, Glass House Architecture conservatories provide a living space that is energy efficient, and most important of all, is a comfortable place to be all year round, whatever the weather.
If you need help to decide on which is the best solution for you and to meet your budget contact us and speak to one of our experts who would love to help you out.