A Brief History of Glazing

The Merriam-Webster definition of glazing is, “The action, process, or trade of fitting windows with glass.”

The use of glazing in residential homes dates back to ancient civilizations, where windows were made of materials such as animal hide, oiled paper, and thin sheets of marble or alabaster. These early windows were primarily used for ventilation and to let in light, but they offered little insulation against the elements.

In the 16th century, the use of glass for windows began to spread throughout Europe. At first, glass was expensive and difficult to produce, so windows were small and scarce. However, as glass production became more efficient, the use of windows in residential homes increased.

In the 19th century, the development of insulated glass units (IGUs) revolutionized the way windows were used in residential homes. IGUs consist of two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer, which is filled with a gas to provide insulation. IGUs not only allowed more light into homes, but they also improved energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and heat gain.

Today, glazing is an integral part of residential homes, and there are many different types and styles of windows available to suit different needs and preferences.