Considerations for Selecting the Ideal Type Of Windows for Your Garden Building
How To Choose Types of Glass and Windows for Garden Buildings
Garden sheds, Summer Houses, workshops and log cabins have a range of windows. You will find that on garden sheds & workshops they are normally functional whereas on summer houses & garden log cabins the windows are a little fancier. The type of material used in these windows varies from the decent and top end garden buildings down to the cheap mass-produced sheds and summerhouses.
Understanding the Importance of Window Materials for Your Garden House
On the better buildings, you will find that proper glass has been used and the reason for this is that it is very stable. This means that it does not discolour, so you can see clearly through it all the time, nor does it move, meaning that you won’t hear it moving in the wind. On the cheap garden sheds and summerhouses, you will find quite often that they will use plastic, perspex or acrylic. This often is thinner than glass which enables these type of windows to flex and can be noisy when the wind blows. You will also find that over the years they will discolour and lose some of the transparency. These shed and summerhouse windows are also susceptible to unsightly scratches.
So why are these types of windows offered – they are cheap – and you would normally only find them on the cheap sheds or summerhouses ‘made down to a price’. In my view, after 40 years in the garden shed business, the only place to use plastic, perspex or acrylics is on children’s playhouse where they do offer a little more safety in case they break.
Exploring Different Types of Glass for Improved Safety in Garden Buildings
Glass in shed and summer houses windows are hard to beat, in fact, it’s quite a miracle how glass is made as it is manufactured from one of the abundant materials on the planet – sand or strictly speaking – silica. Compare that with perspex, acrylic or plastic which are all made from oil, which is rapidly running out. So as well as being clearer and quieter they are greener for the planet as well – so glass is eco-friendly and by insisting on it you are helping our planet. The small advantage which plastic has over glass is that glass is slightly more fragile however even this is not a problem if you select toughened glass, laminated glass or wired glass in your new garden shed or summer house.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Toughened Glass for Your Garden Building Windows
Toughened glass is specially treated so if it breaks, which is very hard to do, the shed window will collapse into small harmless ‘pea side’ granules, similar to car windscreens from a few years ago. Laminated glass consists of two sheets of glass with a plastic layer in the middle and this makes the summer house windows VERY HARD to break. If the glass breaks, and it’s a BIG IF, this glass stays in one piece so can be safely removed and replaced. Wired glass is normally used where visibility and light are required inside the shed or summerhouse but security is a big issue As the wire is actually inside the glass this makes the glass very strong and very hard to break through.
On summer houses and on some garden workshops with Georgian style windows you will find that these type of windows tend to be quite strong. This is because the smaller panes of glass are relatively stronger than larger sheets so you can feel more comfortable with normal glass in the window.
A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting the Right Glass for Your Garden Building From an Experienced Company
My advice is based on 44 years in the garden sheds business and you can get more information about shed and summer house windows on this How-To Guide.
All Diamond and Platinum garden buildings come as standard with toughened glass for strength and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How To Choose Types of Glass and Windows for Garden Buildings
- Can I Put Double Glazed Windows In My Shed?Yes, you can install double-glazed windows in your shed. Double-glazed windows are energy-efficient and provide better insulation than single-glazed windows. They can help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the shed and reduce energy costs. To ensure a proper fit, measure the window openings accurately before purchasing the double-glazed windows. Additionally, consider the overall structure of your shed to support the weight of the new windows. Platinum buildings can be supplied with double-glazed windows.
- Is There A Different Quality Of Glass In Garden Building Windows?The quality of glass used in garden building windows may vary depending on the manufacturer and price point. Higher-end garden buildings will likely feature windows with better quality glass, such as toughened or double-glazed glass, offering improved durability and insulation. Cheaper garden buildings may come with standard single-pane glass, which is more prone to breakage and offers less insulation. It is advisable to inquire about the type of glass used in the windows of a garden building before purchasing to ensure it meets your requirements for longevity and efficiency.
- What Are The Best Windows For A Garden Room?The best windows for a garden room offer ample natural light and ventilation. Opt for large, energy-efficient windows like casement or double-hung styles to maximise sunlight exposure and airflow. Consider installing windows with low-emissivity coatings to reduce heat loss and protect indoor furnishings from UV damage. Additionally, windows should be prioritised with durable frames to withstand outdoor elements and ensure long-term performance. Ultimately, the best windows for a garden room balance functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
- What Type Of Window Glass Is Best?Toughened or tempered glass is the best option when considering shed window glass. Toughened glass is stronger and more durable than regular glass, making it less likely to break or shatter. Additionally, if the toughened glass does break, it will crumble into small, dull pieces rather than sharp, dangerous shards. This makes it a safer choice for garden building windows, especially in areas where accidents or extreme weather conditions are a concern. Choosing toughened glass for garden shed windows provides added security and peace of mind.
