Glazing is the glass in a window and the way it is fixed into the frame. In an aluminium window, the glazing decides most of how the window performs: how much noise it keeps out, how much heat comes through, how safe it is if it breaks, and whether it leaks in the monsoon. This post explains aluminium window glazing in plain terms so you can choose the right option for each room.
What Glazing Means
The word covers two things: the glass itself (single, toughened, laminated, double) and the method used to hold it (gaskets, beading and sealant). Two windows with the same glass can perform very differently if one is glazed carefully and the other is not.
How Glass Is Fixed in an Aluminium Frame
Dry glazing. The glass sits between EPDM rubber gaskets and is held in place by a snap-in aluminium bead. It is neat and quick, and the glass can be replaced easily. Most modern aluminium windows use this method.
Wet glazing. Silicone sealant is run between the glass and the frame. It gives a strong weather seal and is often combined with gaskets on exposed walls.
Structural glazing. The glass is bonded to the frame with structural silicone, so little or no frame shows from outside. It is used on building facades; our post on curtain wall vs structural glazing explains how it differs.
Types of Glazing
Single glazing. One sheet of glass, commonly 5 mm or 6 mm thick in homes. It is light and suits many bedrooms and kitchens in moderate climates, but it does little for noise or heat.
Toughened glass. Heat-treated to be several times stronger than ordinary glass. If it does break, it shatters into small blunt pieces. It should be used for large panes, doors and glass that comes near the floor.
Laminated glass. Two sheets bonded with a plastic interlayer. If it cracks, the pieces stay stuck to the layer, so the opening stays closed. It also cuts noise better than single glass of the same thickness.
Double glazing. Two panes separated by a sealed air or gas gap, often built as 5 mm glass, a 12 mm gap and another 5 mm pane. The gap slows down heat and sound. Corinzo’s aluminium double glazed windows use this kind of build.
Reflective and low-E glass. Coated glass that reflects part of the sun’s heat. It can be used on its own or as one pane in a double-glazed unit.
Glazing Options Compared
| Glazing | Noise | Heat | Safety | Weight |
| Single float | Low | Low | Basic | Light |
| Toughened | Low | Low | High | Light |
| Laminated | Medium | Low | High, stays in place | Medium |
| Double glazed | High | High | Depends on panes used | Heavy |
| Reflective or low-E | Low to medium | Medium to high | Depends on base glass | Light to medium |
These ratings are relative. Real results depend on glass thickness, frame quality and how well the window is installed.
Which Glazing for Which Room
- Bedrooms facing a road: laminated or double glazing for a quieter night.
- West-facing living rooms: reflective or double glazing to cut afternoon heat.
- Doors and floor-level glass: toughened or laminated, always.
- Bathrooms: frosted single glass is usually enough. See our bathroom window with exhaust fan guide.
- High-rise flats: laminated glass for safety and wind; double glazing if noise is a problem.
The Frame Has to Match the Glass
Thicker glazing needs a section with a deeper glass pocket. A basic sliding section may only accept single glass up to a certain thickness, while double glazing needs a system designed for it. Check this before you decide on the glass. Our posts on aluminium window sections and domal sections explain the differences. For better heat control, pair the glazing with a thermal break frame, since a plain aluminium frame can still conduct heat around good glass.
Signs of Glazing Problems
- Glass rattles when the window closes: the gaskets have shrunk or a bead has come loose.
- Water seeps in at the bottom corners: the sealant has failed or the drainage holes are blocked.
- Fog or moisture between the two panes of a double-glazed unit: the edge seal has failed and the unit needs replacing.
- Dust gets in around the glass edge: the gaskets need replacing.
Most of these can be fixed by replacing gaskets or beads without changing the whole window. For problems with rollers and tracks, see our sliding window repair guide.
Not sure which glazing suits your project? Talk to the Corinzo team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is glazing in aluminium windows?
It is the glass in the window and the method used to fix and seal it into the aluminium frame.
2. Is double glazing worth it in India?
It helps most in noisy areas, air-conditioned rooms and walls that get strong sun. For a quiet, naturally ventilated room, single glazing is often enough.
3. What thickness of glass is used in aluminium windows?
Homes commonly use 5 mm or 6 mm glass for single glazing. Larger panes, doors and high floors need thicker toughened or laminated glass.
4. What is the difference between toughened and laminated glass?
Toughened glass breaks into small blunt pieces. Laminated glass cracks but stays held together by its interlayer.
5. What is dry glazing?
A method where the glass is held between rubber gaskets and a snap-in bead, without wet sealant.
6. Why is there fog between my double-glazed panes?
The edge seal of the unit has failed and moisture has got in. The glass unit needs to be replaced.