Why Thin Double Glass in Georgia Is the Wrong Choice for Historic or Modern Buildings
As more Georgian architects and property owners look to improve energy efficiency in historic buildings, one solution often comes up: thin double glass, or more specifically, low-thickness double-glazed units compatible with traditional window frames.
At first glance, this sounds like the perfect solution — an energy efficient glass that can fit into existing sash or timber windows. But the reality is far from perfect.
Let’s explore why these slim units are not suitable for historic or even modern buildings and why advanced vacuum glazing like LandVac is the smarter choice.
1. Energy Efficiency That Falls Short
The main goal of installing new glazing is better energy performance. But thin double glass does not perform as expected.
Even when marketed as energy efficient glass, most slim double-glazed units only achieve U-values between 1.9–2.1 W/m²K. That’s far below modern standards — and a major drop in efficiency compared to LandVac vacuum glazing, which delivers a U-value as low as 0.4 W/m²K.
Simply put, a low-thickness double-glazed unit compatible with traditional window frames doesn’t mean it’s energy-efficient in practice.
2. Short Lifespan and High Failure Rate
Slim double glazing uses a narrow air or gas cavity between the panes — often just 4mm — to reduce the unit thickness. While this allows it to fit into traditional window frames, it also means:
Higher condensation risk
Seal failure in as little as 5–10 years
Difficult and costly replacement
In contrast, LandVac vacuum glass is not only thinner (as little as 6.3mm) but also lasts decades with no internal fogging or moisture buildup — making it a true long-term investment.
3. Aesthetic and Optical Drawbacks
Many property owners are disappointed to find that thin double glass often features visible edge seals, thick perimeter spacers, or slight optical distortion due to the proximity of the panes.
These details, though small, can ruin the historic authenticity of windows in a listed or protected building — a major concern when trying to maintain architectural heritage.
LandVac solves this with a clean, almost invisible vacuum layer and no unsightly edge seals.
4. Not Truly Compatible with Historic Frames
The claim that slim double glazing is a low-thickness double-glazed unit compatible with traditional window frames is misleading.
In most cases:
Timber frames must be deepened or modified
Glazing bars must be reinforced
The added weight stresses old joinery
By contrast, LandVac vacuum glazing fits directly into original wooden sashes without altering the frame, thanks to its ultra-slim profile and light weight.
5. Poor Return on Investment
When you calculate long-term performance, thermal efficiency, and maintenance costs, thin double glass simply doesn’t deliver. You end up paying more for less.
With LandVac, you get:
Industry-leading insulation
15–25 year durability
Aesthetics that respect heritage requirements
It’s a solution that meets both modern efficiency standards and historic conservation guidelines — the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Don’t compromise with thin double glass just because it fits into existing frames. Instead, invest in a glazing solution that’s energy efficient, elegant, and engineered for the long term.
Choose LandVac vacuum glazing — the future of heritage window upgrades.
Learn more about LandVac for heritage and modern buildings in Georgia:
https://vacuumglazingeu.com/Georgia