True Divided Lights Versus Simulated Divided Lights: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose for Your Steel Project?
True Divided Lights Versus Simulated Divided Lights: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose for Your Steel Project?
Steel windows and doors are absolutely beautiful ways to add additional flair and modern design to your home or commercial space.
When shopping for steel windows and doors, two common terms you may come across are simulated divided lights (SDL) and true divided lights (TDL). What do these terms mean? And what’s the difference between true divided lights and simulated divided lights? Which should you choose for your project?
Read on to learn about the difference between true divided light and simulated divided light steel windows and doors.
What is a light?
First, to understand the distinction between true and simulated divided lights, you should understand what a light is. A light (also spelled “lite”) is each piece of glass that is encased in a steel frame.
What is the difference between TDL and SDL?
TDL
A true divided light (TDL) window has bars which physically divide the glass into separate panes. For example, if a TDL window has four lights, there are four separate panes of glass separated by steel bars.
Every pane of glass has separate glazing beads around it in a true divided light steel window or door.
SDL
In contrast, a simulated divided lite (SDL) window is made up of a single pane of glass with bars attached to the surface of the glass. This gives the illusion the single pane of glass is made up of separate lights.
Bars are attached to the surface of the glass in a simulated divided light steel window or door.
Why Choose TDL or SDL?
Why Choose TDL
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
A TDL window or door can be easier to maintain and repair. If something ever happens to the glass of one of the lights, it can be repaired without impacting the rest of the lights.
STRUCTURAL STRENGTH
TDL windows and doors are structurally stronger because they are created with bars that hold the glass panes in place. This is one reason TDL may be suggested over SDL for windows and doors that have to span large openings.
Why Choose SDL
LOWER COST
The one pane of glass used for a SDL window or door is often less expensive than the multiple panes of glass required for a TDL window. Simulated divided light windows do not require the installation of a structural frame of steel bars to create the lights, which also cuts down on cost.
NARROWER SIGHTLINES
Because bars are placed onto the surface of the glass to create the lights and do not provide structural support, these bars can be made thinner to provide the look of narrower sightlines than TDL windows and doors.
Which Should I Choose?
Choosing TDL or SDL steel windows and doors often depends on the requirements of your individual project. Talk to your architect, builder, or us, All the Details, for advice on the best option for you based on your project and budget.
Experts in Steel Windows and Doors
All the Details specializes in steel windows and doors for residential and commercial projects. With over 30 years of experience, we help you throughout the entire process from consult, to design, to installation. Check out our website to see our previous projects.