A guide to window glazing

Window glass first appeared in ancient Rome. As the knowledge of glass making increased, glass pieces grew larger. However, it did not become affordable until the turn of the 20th century. Now, there are many styles of windows consisting of one to many pieces of glass which require different methods of window glazing, i.e. the fitting of glass to the frame.

Multiple window glazing

Multiple glazing refers to many pieces or panes of glass which are fitted together to create the glass for the window. The glazing in this application can take the form of leaded bars or muntins. The effect this glazing creates is similar to puzzle pieces fitted together. Examples of these type of glazing can be found in stained glass windows or older style of buildings dating back to the Tudor or Elizabethan era, such as Great Dixter in East Sussex or Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley Street. These windows often feature diamond pieces of glass held together with lead bars. Multiple window glazing can also be found in the stained glass windows of churches and cathedrals, such as the famous south rose window at Notre Dame, or the secular windows created by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Conservatory glass

Another form of window glazing can be found in glass conservatories. The conservatory designs can be quite elaborate and can even be found in older buildings or made custom for new structures. What sets these glazed windows aside is the fact that they are often structured, forming walls as well as roofs which allow in as much light as possible. This form of glazing can even extend to the conservatory doors.

Replacement windows and doors

Another form of window glazing can be found in replacement windows and doors. These doors and windows are often added as an upgrade to improve the building's energy cost, or rather, the amount of money needed to heat or cool the building. The replacement windows and doors can often be double glazed. This means that there are more than one pane of glass within the frame of the window or door. Some companies fill this void with air or gas to further improve the door and window's insulating capacity.