If you live in a period property or a listed building, you’re likely familiar with the "winter chill" that stubborn draft that seems to cut right through your beautiful original windows. While replacing those windows often isn't an option due to planning restrictions or cost, secondary glazing offers a brilliant workaround.
But not all glass is created equal. If you want to maximize your thermal performance, there is one name that stands above the rest: Pilkington K Glass™. What is Pilkington K Glass™?
Pilkington K Glass™ is a "low-emissivity" (low-e) coated glass. Unlike standard float glass, it features a microscopically thin, transparent coating on one surface. This coating is designed to reflect heat back into the room, making it an incredibly powerful tool for home insulation.
How It Works.
The coating acts as a thermal barrier. When your heating system warms up your room, that heat heads straight for the windows. Standard glass lets it pass through and escape. Pilkington K Glass™, however, reflects that long wave radiation back toward the interior.
The Key Advantages for Your Home.
Choosing Pilkington K Glass™ for your secondary glazing isn't just a minor upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in how your home handles energy.
1. Superior Thermal Insulation
The primary reason to choose "K Glass" is its ability to lower the **U-value** of your windows. A U-value measures heat loss; the lower the number, the better the insulation. By adding a secondary pane of Pilkington K Glass™, you can often achieve thermal performance that rivals or even exceeds modern primary double glazing.
2. Elimination of Cold Spots and Drafts
We’ve all sat near a window in January and felt that "falling" cold air. This happens because the air hits the cold glass, cools rapidly, and sinks. Because Pilkington K Glass™ stays warmer to the touch than standard glass, it reduces these internal convection currents, making the area near your windows much more comfortable.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air hits a cold surface. Because the inner pane of your secondary glazing stays warmer thanks to the low-e coating, the "dew point" is rarely reached on the glass surface. This protects your original timber frames from rot and prevents mold growth on your curtains.
4. Cost-Effective Energy Savings
By keeping heat trapped inside, your boiler doesn't have to work nearly as hard. Over time, the reduction in energy bills can effectively "pay back" the cost of the secondary glazing installation.
Secondary glazing is already the best way to preserve the character of a home while improving its performance. When you pair the physical air gap (which is great for soundproofing) with the thermal technology of Pilkington K Glass™, you get the best of both worlds: a quiet, peaceful home that stays warm all winter long.
If you’re planning an upgrade this year, don't just settle for "extra glass." Ask for the "K" your energy bills (and your toes) will thank you.
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