I need to replace the glass in my unit. What type of glass should be used?

This depends upon where the window is and its purpose. If you have children who will be playing near an external window, for example, tougher glass will reduce the risk of the glass being smashed by a stray ball. Experts can advise you of the differences in the types of glass they provide, and advise you of which would best meet your requirements.

It is worth bearing in mind that, by law, glass in the external windows of your house should meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations (1994), which stipulates that glass which breaks safely ought to be used. This means that if the glass is subjected to a heavy impact it will crack, rather than shatter, reducing the risk of injury from sharp pieces of glass. Glasses deemed to be suitable for domestic use are generally described as 'safety glasses' and include 'toughened glass,' which is treated with heat to toughen it up, and laminated glass, which is formed from two layers of glass attached to a plastic layer which prevents the glass from shattering if it is broken. Whilst safety glasses are more expensive than ordinary glass their excellent durability makes them good value.

Safety will not be your only concern, of course. The type of windows you choose has an impact upon the style of your house and so you may well want to give some thought to the ascetic effect of your choice, in addition to its practicality. A wide range of different windows are now available:

• Stained Glass – Stained glass comes in a variety of different designs and colours. Companies generally keep brochures in order to show customers the range of designs they offer.
• Patterned or textured glass – It is possible to use patterned or textured glass on external windows. However, this glass is more commonly used for panes of glass in doors and windows inside the house. It is perfect for bathroom doors with glass panels and for bathroom windows, as the texture can make the window more opaque. Textured glass can also be used to reduce the amount of sunlight which comes into a room. A variety of styles and designs are available, so you can choose something that complements the style and décor of your home.
• Georgian Designs – Window companies can also install a number of small or rectangular panes of glass in a grilled pattern.

My window is damaged beyond repair and I have decided to employ a window repair company to replace it. I have heard that a particular type of glass could reduce my heating bills. Is this true?

Yes. Double glazing can reduce your heating bills as it ensures that less heat is lost to the atmosphere. If low emissivity (commonly called 'Low E') or 'Pilkington K' glass is used, heating bills can be reduced even further. Pilkington K glass has a special coating which works by reflecting heat in the air gap between the two sheets of glass of a double glazed window back into the room rather than allowing it to escape into the atmosphere. If you look closely, it is usually possible to see a thin transparent coating on Pilkington K glass. Therefore, if you decide to pay extra for Pilkington K glass when replacing a window, it is worth checking that a company is installing the correct type of glass. Whilst you may be tempted to go for the cheaper alternative and use ordinary glass, it is advisable to consider investing in low emissivity or Pilkington K glass, as you will save money in the long term by conserving energy.