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I’m going to make some exterior doors for my house that will have glass panes in them. I’m thinking about using plate glass instead of double-glazed panels. How do they compare for thermal resistance? For instance, a panel with two single-strength panes with a half-inch air space compared to 1/2″ glass.
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Hi Joe,
There's no doubt that thermal panes are much better than single panes.
I doubt that you will be using 1/2" thick glass unless your using it as a backstop for hockey pucks.
The area of glass is important, as well. If you're only going to use a small section say 6" by 16" then the differece will hardly be measureable. If its the entire face of the door, then unless you're going to add a storm door in front, it will have a much greater effect.
If you're located in a moderate climatic zone, again it will have negligeable effect.
Just food for thought.
Gabe
*Don't forget, door glazing has to be safety glass; I don't know if plate glass qualifies.
*There is no comparison for R value between argon filled, low e, double pane glass and single glazed openings. But you need to research the specific manufacturer's specs to get the actual figures (different designs and materials). But, as indicated, the BTU loss for the area of a door or two is pretty small in the overall picture.
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I'm going to make some exterior doors for my house that will have glass panes in them. I'm thinking about using plate glass instead of double-glazed panels. How do they compare for thermal resistance? For instance, a panel with two single-strength panes with a half-inch air space compared to 1/2" glass.