Double glazing is the term used for using two panes of window glass instead of one. Single glazed windows waste a lot of energy. The most common complaint of single pane windows is the drafts that can be felt. Uncomfortable drafts are caused when air next to a window cools and descends to the floor.
The movement pattern increases heat loss and feels drafty. Comfort is affected by the glass temperature. Double glazing makes the transfer of unwanted outside temperature through the window more difficult. The inside pane remains close to the temperature of the room.
Double Glazing Is Energy Efficient
Double glazing creates almost twice the insulation provided by single glazed units. Thermal insulation reduces the flow of outgoing and ingoing heat. The ability to retain heat makes double glazing much more energy efficient than single pane windows.
Less energy is used to cool down or heat up the space. An estimated 50 percent decrease in the amount of heat that escapes a home through windows has been the determined statistic. Energy efficient windows keep warm air in and cold air out.
Two panes of glass, filled with gas and sealants are watertight. Often, Krypton, Xenon, or Argon is sandwiched between the panes. Inert gas, having low conductivity, inserted between panes increases performance. Once the windows are sealed, they become airtight.
Double Glazing Reduces Condensation
Water molecule levels in the air cause condensation. When warm inside air meets cold outside air condensation forms. Condensation appears on cold surfaces. Moisture on a surface that is warm forms water droplets that freeze in cold weather.
The frost makes a room feel colder. People on the inside are forced to make heat adjustments. The need to overcompensate for air entry and leakage during both the winter and summer months is eliminated. A reduction in condensation also reduces unhealthy mold formation.
Double Glazed Window Construction
Different glass types are used to provide desired results. Double glazed windows may have a low-E coating. Low-E glass reduces the amount of heat that escapes. Double glazed windows do not have to be tinted. Tinting reduces visible light and obstructs views. Double glazed windows reduce ultraviolet rays by as much as 75 percent. Harmful rays can fade wood, carpet, fabric, paper, and artwork.
Warm space bars at the edge that contain very little metal account for water molecules being less shocked as they hit the warmer glazing inner panel. The spacer is a polymer or metal strip separating the two glass panes. Typically, it contains a drying agent to remove trapped moisture from the space.
The type of spacer used and how well the is sealed are important factors. A double glazed unit, not properly sealed, or a spacer with an inadequate drying agent can reduce performance. High-quality frames and edge spacers are common energy efficient window enhancements. The most popular option is a frame made of quality UPVC. Security and compression shoot bolt locks are the most common locking mechanism. There is an array of others available.
Double Glazing Reduces Heating Bills
The biggest reason homeowners choose to replace old windows is reducing heating bills by improving energy efficiency. The same reasons that make double glazing energy efficient also mean a reduction in heat bills. When less heat is lost through windows, less heat is required to heat a home for a longer duration.
The protection against condensation, drafts, and leaks reduces peak cooling and heating loads. Homeowners can install smaller cooling and heating systems, which is a money saving aspect. Double glazed windows put a dent in energy bills and are a significant factor to potential home-buyers when selling a property.
Double Glazing Adds Home Security
The complex locking system reinforces internal beading and hinges, which prevents a frame from being jimmied form the exterior. It contributes to the home’s safety. When it comes to home security, window security ranks high on the list of priorities.
Security is also increased because double glazed windows are harder to break than windows with single panes. The tight seal makes them more difficult to force open from the outside. For even greater security, specify laminated or toughened glass.
Double Glazing is Eco-Friendly
Double glazing reduces the carbon footprint of the home. When less heat is required, less fuel is burnt. It does not matter whether the heat source is an open fire, electricity, or gas. Ultimately, CO₂ is reduced which is a good thing in environmental terms. People who purchase double glazed windows are doing their part of protecting the environment. Greenhouse gases that contribute to change in the climate are reduced.
Double Glazing Reduces Noise
An added benefit of modern double glazing units is a reduction in noise. Double glazed windows create a barrier between the outside environment and the home which improves sound insulation. The careful construction eliminates drafts and considerably reduces noise pollution. Medium to high-frequency noise like the human voice is reduced.
A difference in the thickness of the glass between the outer and inner panes improves sound reduction even more. Modern double glazing typically has a 16 mm gap between the two panes. The space between panes ranges from six to 20 mm. A minimum of 12 mm is recommended for optimal thermal performance.
Lower frequency noise reduction, such as that caused by aircraft and traffic, or good acoustic control is obtained by a gap of at least 150 mm. However, a gap of this size allows convection between the panes to occur. Insulation performance is reduced. The space between panes that provides better energy efficient performance is recommended to be from ten to 20 mm.
In review, the benefits of double glazing include:
- Reducing heating bills
- Improving energy efficiency
- Reducing a home’s carbon footprint
- Reduction in furnishing damages
- Condensation prevention
- Reduction in mold formation
- Home security
- Noise reduction
The benefits of double glazing are significant. Most people associate double glazing with keeping warm. Modern double glazing also helps keep a home cool in the summer. The reduction in noise and harmful ultraviolet rays are bonuses.