Bonded glass windows vs Plastic double glazing (1 Viewer)

[Stewen]

Hi all

Thanks for the fridge info in response to my other post in this section - much appreciated.

Next on my list & another beginners' dilemma I am facing myself with in my quest to find the best spec and look for my first PVC ... Windows .

I really do like the look of the tinted bonded window treatment of the AutoSleeper PVC range. I appreciate that these are single glazed and only have 1 or 2 that open ( & no fly screens but I believe they can be added with blinds also afterwards) but if the AS sales blurb is to be believed they claim these windows still allow the van to achieve grade 3 insulation status because they are "athermic" . Actually, from what I read on the AS forum they are not ( athermic glass is only used for car windscreens) but have they claim, "athermic properties" due to what it seems is a layer of tinted laminate applied at the AS Factory to standard clear Peugeot window van side windows. Most other manufacturers and PVC specialist converters seem to go for the plastic double glazed units with combined blinds and flyscreens on the inside and which more often that not also open. These to me look a bit old fashioned, a bit bulky & some i tried had quite flimsy plastic catches to open them, although I have seen some lower profile tinted units that are better looking on some newer models.

pros & cons anyone?

Any thoughts help advice as always gratefully received .

thanks

Steve

 

[jonandshell]

Anything will pass a 'Grade 3' test with a big enough heater.
What the test doesnt include is a test for condensation.
I wouldn't entertain all that single paned glass for anything other than summer use, others will have different opinions no doubt.

 

[DBK]

Our old fashioned windows can all be opened and fly screens slide down to keep the flying critters out. This helps keep things cool in very hot weather. When we park up say to go shopping in a supermarket we slide up the silver blinds and this then keeps the closed van cool.

My suspicion is most PVCs are fitted with these type of windows because they are the most versatile. However, I agree they are not very secure but we have an alarm fitted with a PIR and window switches to cover that.

And appearance if of course all in the eye of the beholder. I think the AS vans look like minibuses.

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[Stewen]

I quite like the minibus look ... very incognito ... takes all sorts I guess ..... taxi anyone ?