Choosing the wrong glass means the balcony is a waste of money?

Dear friends, when it comes to enclosing your balcony, the choice of glass is of utmost importance. Choosing the right one can make your doors and windows both practical and aesthetically pleasing, instantly elevating the overall look of your home. On the contrary, choosing the wrong one can turn all your efforts into a waste and leave you with a bunch of headaches.

Is your home near roads/railways/airports?

Do you feel drafts near windows in winter?

Does your balcony turn into a sauna in summer?

If you answered “yes” to ≥2 questions, this guide is for you!

📋 2025 Balcony Glass Core Parameter Comparison (Must-See for Custom Windows)

Glass Type	2025 Key Performance (Latest Data)	Suitable Users/Scenarios	Pitfall Warning
Standard Clear Glass	Light transmittance 83%-85%, sound insulation <20dB	Rental apartments, temporary homes	Forbidden in high floors (easy to break)
Ultra-Clear Glass	Light transmittance 92%+, self-reveal rate <0.05%	Luxury homes, families who love clear views	Must match tempered process
LOW-E Glass	Heat insulation +45%, energy saving 30%/year	South-facing balconies, high floors (strong UV)	Choose “double-silver LOW-E” for durability
Laminated Glass	Sound insulation 35dB+, UV block 99%	Homes near roads, families with elders/kids	Choose PVB interlayer (anti-aging)
Double Glazing	U-value 2.7 W/(㎡·K), energy saving 25%	Mid-floor homes, medium-budget families	Check if filled with argon (anti-fog)
Triple Glazing	U-value 1.1 W/(㎡·K), sound insulation 40dB	High floors near roads, cold northern areas	Test wall load first (≥220kg/㎡)

❓ 3 Common Questions from Homeowners (Answered by Customization Experts)

Q1: I live on the 15th floor—what’s the first thing to check for glass?

A: Safety certifications! 2025 new regulations require high-rise glass to have “3C + tempered marks” (laser engraving on glass corners). We recommend 5mm+ tempered laminated glass—last year, we installed it for a community. A homeowner’s glass was hit by a falling branch, but the shards didn’t fall, only a small mark was left.

Q2: Limited budget, want both sound insulation and heat preservation—any affordable alternatives?

A: Try “double glazing + LOW-E coating”! It’s 35% cheaper than triple glazing, but blocks 60% of heat loss in winter. For road-side homes, the sound insulation is enough (our test showed it reduces road noise from 65dB to below 40dB)—perfect for first-time buyers.

Q3: When enclosing a balcony, which is more important: glass or frame?

A: They go hand in hand! A good glass with thin aluminum frames (<1.4mm) will deform and leak air in summer. After choosing the right glass, match it with broken-bridge aluminum frames (≥1.6mm) and EPDM gaskets (anti-aging, lasts over 10 years).

✅ Practical Anti-Pit Checklist (Save This!)

1. Check Certifications: Ask for the glass’s “tempering test report” and “energy certification”—reject if not provided;
2. Test Sound Insulation: Use a phone decibel meter to test samples (normal conversation is ~50dB, good glass reduces to below 35dB);
3. Calculate Load-Bearing: For triple glazing, let the contractor test wall load—add reinforcements if insufficient;
4. Ask After-Sales: Reputable brands offer 5-year glass warranty (covering fogging and self-explosion)—verbal promises don’t count.

🌰 3 Scenario-Based Recommendations

• Small rental apartment for new graduates: Standard clear glass + basic aluminum frames, budget under $15/㎡—enough for temporary use;
• Family of 3 in mid-floor near road: Laminated + double glazing combo—good sound insulation, protects kids from UV;
• Northern penthouse with south balcony: Triple glazing + double-silver LOW-E—saves heating costs in winter, no need for thick curtains in summer.