Obscure glass has long appealed to homeowners for its ability to offer the level of privacy required. But did you know that obscure glass also has noise-reducing properties, is energy-efficient, and can transform a room with natural light transmission?
We take a look at how installing obscure glass can enhance your home.
Energy-Efficient Obscure Windows
Windows are one of the four main areas where heat is lost in the home, and installing energy-efficient windows can cut your heating bills significantly. You could be losing around 18% of your home’s total heat through your windows.
Not only does this make your house cold, uninviting and expensive to heat but it’s detrimental to the environment.
Our Pilkington glass obscure windows have air-tight seals and gaps filled with Argon gas to block cold air and stop warm air from escaping.
Not only can they be ordered in double or triple glazing, but they are also available with low-E Planitherm coating for maximum insulation.
Installing energy-efficient obscure windows in your home can help you to lower your carbon footprint by keeping out draughts and offering better temperature control.
Because they are durable and long-lasting, eco-conscious customers also have the peace of mind of knowing that fewer windows will need manufacturing.
Privacy Glass Windows and Types of Obscure Glass
Privacy is important in both residential and commercial settings. That is arguably even more true when your office is in your home.
Obscure glass can be used in a variety of ways to create privacy and offer extra security.
There are many applications for obscure glass in the bathroom, including windows, doors and shower screens.
Many homeowners also prefer privacy glass windows in their front or rear entrance doors.
Similarly, obscure glass can be added to a standard door or as a screen to divide rooms and offer privacy for meeting rooms and working environments.
Publications such as archdaily.com often showcase stylish and clever interiors. You can pick up ideas for your home or office and adapt them to fit your lifestyle.
Glass Walls
Walls of glass bricks, either clear or obscure, have grown in popularity, with solid walls and moveable partitions offering homeowners and businesses a chic way to dive a space and create a sense of privacy.
Glass Staircases
Glass staircases, complete with glass side partitions are another innovative way to open a space through the use of glass. Often smokey or coloured, these staircases look fantastic in office buildings and multi-storey apartments. They can also bring a modern update to a traditional house.
Obscure glass is also being used externally such as this Sky Villa by MM ++ architects, in Vietnam, featured in archdaily.com. Here the vivid blue glass gives the owner privacy in residential quarters while reflecting the incredible mountain views.
Types of obscure glass
There are several types of obscure glass, including:
- Satin – finished with a ‘satin’ misty look on one side (usually internal)
- Frosted – glass that has been acid-etched or sandblasted to become slightly opaque
- Patterned/textured – uses a pattern impressed into the glass to obscure sight and add decoration
- Switchable – innovative glass that can be obscure or transparent depending on your mood
- Traditional-leaded stained glass, often in patterns with dividing bars in lead or iron piping
We have many patterns of Pilkington Texture glass available, from subtle Stippolyte, Pelerine, and Cotswold to bolder choices, including Autumn, Taffeta, Everglade, and Mayflower.
While obscure glass does ‘obscure’ your view, it does not diminish or distort light transmission.
Natural light will still flow freely through the glass, helping you to create bright and airy spaces, even in a small area.
What is the most popular obscure glass?
What is level 3 obscure glass?
Why choose Manchester Window Factory for obscure glazing windows?
We’re glad you asked. We pride ourselves on delivering not just the highest quality products, but also the service to match. Our Pilikington obscure glass is a market-leading product. When installed correctly by one of our in-house fitters, it can provide you with all the benefits mentioned above for many years. All our windows and doors come with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee, and we expect them to last significantly longer.
Obscure glass windows could offer you privacy, help you save money on your heating bills, and even help to reduce ambient noise pollution.
To learn more, email us at [email protected] or call t 0161 976 4739. You can also fill in our online quotation form for a free no-obligation quote.
Last but not least, locals can pop into our Altrincham showroom. The latest opening times are on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you.
