In double glazing, it's not only the thickness of the panes that matters: the gas filling the intermediate cavity directly affects the final thermal and acoustic insulation of the window.
Air cavity: the standard option
Most double-glazed units are filled with dehydrated air, which on its own greatly improves insulation compared with single glass, by creating a separating layer that reduces heat and cold transmission. It is the cheapest option and enough for most standard housing projects.
Argon cavity: better thermal insulation
Argon is a noble gas with lower thermal conductivity than air, so a double-glazed unit filled with argon offers better thermal insulation for the same cavity width. The extra cost compared with air is relatively moderate and it is especially recommended in cold climates or in projects with demanding energy certification.
When the extra cost is justified
On renovations where the client is already investing in high-end joinery (PVC or thermally broken aluminium), completing it with an argon cavity makes sense, because it maximises the performance of the whole. On tight-budget renovations with standard joinery, the air cavity remains a reasonable option without sacrificing too much performance.
Need to quote glazing with different levels of insulation? Calculate it in PresupuestoYa.
Want to calculate this quote automatically?
PresupuestoYa calculates materials, quantities and total cost in minutes, for this and 19 other trades.
Create a free quote →