Single Strength vs Double Strength Glass Windows

When considering which window to choose for your project, an often overlooked design element lies within the glass strength of the window being recommended to you. While single strength, double strength, and triple strength options are available depending upon the manufacturer, the most common applications in today’s replacement market are single and double strength solutions, and that is what we’ll focus on in the article below.

What many homeowners don’t realize, especially when working with window contractors who compete on price, is that you are likely being sold a single strength glass window. Upgrading from single strength to double strength glass can increase total cost by an average of 15% to 20% on your total project price. While the short-term idea is to minimize costs, there are long-term considerations to keep in mind before you opt for single strength.

Let’s dive into the differences between the two.

The rudimentary difference between single strength and double strength window glass lies in the thickness of the glass itself.

Single Strength Glass (SS):
- Thickness: Typically around 3/32 inch (2.4 mm).
- Common Use: Generally used for windows in older homes and for certain types of glass products like storm windows or picture frames.
- Durability: Because it’s thinner, it’s known to be more prone to breaking under stress or impact.
Double Strength Glass (DS):
- Thickness: Usually around 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
- Common Use: More commonly used in modern construction and is found in most recommended residential and commercial windows.
- Durability: It’s thicker and stronger, offering greater durability and resistance to breaking or damage compared to single strength glass.

Advantages of Choosing Double Strength Glass Windows:

1. Increased Durability & Strength

Double strength glass is thicker and more robust, making it less likely to break or crack under pressure or impact. This added durability is especially useful in areas prone to high winds or storms.

2. Better Energy Efficiency

Double strength glass can contribute to better insulation. While it's not the same as insulated glass, the increased thickness helps with thermal performance, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, which can improve energy efficiency in your home.

3. Enhanced Noise Reduction

The extra thickness of double strength glass can help dampen external noise, providing a quieter indoor environment. This is especially beneficial if you live near busy streets, airports, or other noisy areas.

4. Improved Security

Thicker glass offers an additional layer of security against break-ins or accidents. It's harder to break than single strength glass, which can deter burglars or accidental damage.

5. Better Long-Term Value

Although double strength glass might have a slightly higher initial cost, its increased durability, energy efficiency, and potential for reduced maintenance costs can offer long-term value. The added thickness also makes it more resistant to weathering over time.

Another element to understand, notably with regard to our volatile weather here in Nashville with frequent thunderstorms and powerful wind gusts, there is an improvement in design pressure ratings between double strength glass and single strength glass windows.

Design Pressure Ratings Explained:

Design pressure (DP) refers to a window's ability to withstand wind loads, water pressure, and other forces, such as impact from debris during a storm. The higher the design pressure rating, the more robust the window is in terms of withstanding extreme weather conditions.

How Double Strength Glass Improves Design Pressure Ratings:

1. Stronger Material

As shared earlier, double strength glass is thicker (usually 1/8 inch or 3.2 mm) compared to single strength glass (about 3/32 inch or 2.4 mm). This added thickness increases the glass's resistance to bending and breaking under pressure.

2. Higher Resistance to Wind Loads

The extra thickness and strength of double strength glass make it more capable of withstanding the force of high winds. Windows with double strength glass can generally handle higher design pressures and more intense storm conditions than those with single strength glass.

3. Improved Performance in Harsh Environments

For buildings in tornado-prone or high-wind areas such as ours here in Middle Tennessee, windows with double strength glass often have higher design pressure ratings, ensuring better performance and safety during extreme weather events.

4. Stronger Frame Support

Windows with double strength glass are usually built with stronger frames to support the additional weight and thickness of the glass. These stronger frames can also help enhance the design pressure rating of the entire window system.

Double strength glass generally results in better performance for design pressure ratings compared to single strength glass. With increased exposure to high winds, heavy rain, and extreme weather in our Nashville region, double strength glass is a better choice for ensuring the window system can handle these stresses and maintain structural integrity.

Conclusion:

In summary, upgrading to double strength glass windows provides superior strength, improved insulation, increased security, better noise reduction, and longer-lasting performance, all of which contribute to a more comfortable and efficient living space.

When investing in replacement windows, be sure to know what you’re getting and how it will help improve your comfort, energy efficiency, security, and peace of mind. Not all windows are created equal, and short-term decisions can have long-term consequences.

Wallaby Windows of Nashville proudly offers a wide range of high quality products to meet your needs and budget when replacing your windows. Our expert team is ready to assist you with your project and to ensure you receive the very best value for your investment.

Call today or schedule your free consultation using the Instant Booking link at the top of the page.