Double Glazing - Retrofit - Low-E? Safety Glass? how to know...

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samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#272669 8-Jul-2020 14:59

Hi,

I about to get installed some double glazing (retrofit) and two windows will need to have safety glasses installed.

As those type of glass are more expensive, how can I tell if the glass installed is a safety glass?

same for Low-E. is there any way to know if it is Low-E glass or standard glass installed?

thanks guys. 👍

wellygary

8324 posts

Uber Geek

#2519410 8-Jul-2020 16:00

From

https://www.metroglass.co.nz/catalogue/037.aspx

For Safety Glazing in Buildings

Mark according to requirements of NZS 4223:Part 3:1999.
Section 303.7:

Each safety glazing panel shall be legibly and permanently marked.
Safety glazing laminate cut from stock must be permanently marked to certify it has been cut from safety glazing material.

The mark must contain the following information:

Name, registered trademark or GANZ registered number of the manufacturer or supplier.
Code or words indicating type of safety glazing material (e.g. the letter T or the word Toughened for toughened safety glass or the letter L or the word Laminated for laminated safety glass).
The standard to which the safety glazing has been tested and manufactured (e.g. AS/NZS 2208).
A letter indicating the grade of safety glazing
(e.g. Letter A for Grade A or letter B for Grade B).

bfginger

1268 posts

Uber Geek

#2519513 8-Jul-2020 20:22

Low e glass will look slightly darker than plain glass. The green discouration of normal double glazing glass may be less obvious. Beyond that a radiant heat lamp test should confirm which you have.

AFAIK glazing units are usually supplied from the OEM with big information stickers on them. Some joiners pull them off, some don't, I don't think they should pull them off. All safety glass will have a permanent mark printed in the corner for the inspector.

Safety glass, meaning laminate or toughened, will cost more. Laminate is stronger and reduces more noise but is less visually clear. Toughened is toughened against human impact and breaks into smaller, blunter pieces, but it is not more secure like laminate is. Usually laminate is installed in one of two panes so for a door you'd expect it to be combined with a toughened pane. Laminate is usually thicker than toughened which may be an issue in retrofits.

One advantage of laminate in bathrooms is the laminate itself can be used to obscure like with opalescent laminate.

Does your quote state the glazing air gap width? The closer to 14mm the better.

Are they replacing the handles? I'd ask for the Avon handle as it has 4 screws instead of 2. Two handles instead of one on a window is a good idea too.

Jase2985

13461 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#2519562 8-Jul-2020 20:27

laminate is usually 6.3mm over the standard 4mm safety glass. it reduces noise by about 20% over a standard double glazed unit.

it wasnt much more expensive when i price it up for new windows/doors for my garage.

Paul1977

5043 posts

Uber Geek

#2519726 8-Jul-2020 22:35

Laminate also reduces fading of curtains, furniture, and carpet.

Low E doesn’t always have an easily noticeable tint. Metro Low E Plus and Max do, but Xcel doesn’t really.

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2519832 9-Jul-2020 09:44

Awesome guys, thank you for your help. 💯

Arcturi

18 posts

Geek

#2522460 13-Jul-2020 19:36

After installation you can check whether low E glass has been installed by putting a flame next to the window and you will see a reflection from each of the glass surfaces (so 4 reflections for double glazing). The reflection from the low E surface will have a different coloured flame. There is an image showing this on the Build magazine article "Window selection balancing act" but sorry I can't post links yet - you will find it through a google search.

samgdan

160 posts

Master Geek

#2522461 13-Jul-2020 19:40

Arcturi:
After installation you can check whether low E glass has been installed by putting a flame next to the window and you will see a reflection from each of the glass surfaces (so 4 reflections for double glazing). The reflection from the low E surface will have a different coloured flame. There is an image showing this on the Build magazine article "Window selection balancing act" but sorry I can't post links yet - you will find it through a google search.

Really?? Time to do some Googling then. Thanks for the advice 😊😊