Know your double glazing

When it comes to double glazing, the well–known two panes of glass combined together have grown over the years to now be considered industry standard technology that can provide homeowners with a whole host of benefits. 

However, double glazing didn’t really become a “thing” in the UK until the 70s, when unsurprisingly the rise in energy prices forced people to look at how they could make their homes more energy efficient, in a more cost-effective way. 

Today, double glazing is almost seen as part of the norm, and if upgrading your windows or changing your glazing in some shape or form is on your agenda, this post will provide some great insight into double glazing and just what it can offer you. 

What is double glazing? 

In its simplest form, double glazing involves two panes of glass being set within a frame (also known as a unit).  These two panes are separated by a thin layer of air or inert gas (typically argon) placed in between. 

This invisible layer between the panels is what really makes double glazing so great, as ultimately it is this protective layer that helps keep the cold out and the heat in! 

What can double glazing offer you? 

Double glazing provides home-owners with many benefits.  Some of these include: 

• Increasing levels of security.  Ultimately, additional layers mean additional security.  This can be increased further still if toughened glass is also used. 
• Reducing heat loss and stop draughts coming into your home by limiting the amount of heat leaving through your windows, as well as reducing cold air from outside, getting in! 
• Reducing condensation.  One of the biggest problems with windows is condensation.   However, because of the reduction in the volume of heat lost with double glazing the internal pane doesn’t get as cold, hence will stop condensation from building up.  This also helps to reduce moisture inside the property and prevent mould from appearing. 
• Reducing noise pollution.  This is especially true when compared to single glazing, where double glazing dramatically reduces noise volume because of the additional materials used.  Making your home much quieter and all around peaceful. 

Increasing your homes energy efficiency through double glazing 

Most people look to upgrade the glass in their windows and doors because they want to restrict the heat that is lost through them.  This, in turn, should reduce heating bills and lower your energy consumption. 

This is what double glazing can offer, through both conduction and convection properties. 

Conduction is where heat radiates onto glass and through the glass pane, seeping outside (it escapes).  However, with double glazed windows, the heat doesn’t head straight outside.   

Instead, it moves between the panes of glass, and at this point convection comes into play. 

Convection is where the heat that is transferred between the panes, moving through the air or gas.  Because air isn’t a great heat conductor, the vacuum effect within double glazing becomes almost a block which ultimately stops the heat from escaping escape. 

Double Glazing – Types and Styles 

There aren’t hundreds of different types of double glazing to choose from; however, with advances in technology, there are a few! 

Floating glass – this type of glass is used for most modern windows today.  Where uniformed and perfectly flat finishes are achieved. The process to achieve such glass involves layers of molten metal and floating glass being combined together.  

Low emissivity glass – this type of glass involves coating one side of the glass pane with a thin “low e” metal to create an insulating effect.  Restricting heat escaping through the window panes hence supporting greater energy efficiency. 

Toughened glass – glass that has gone through heat tempering processes to give it the additional strength that is required.  If toughened glass does break, it breaks into small pieces instead of shattering into sharp shards. Toughened glass is now standard in car windscreens, the odd telephone box and more. 

Laminated glass – laminated glass increases your levels of window security as the laminated panels are stuck together, resulting in the pane being able to hold itself together if it breaks rather than shattering completely. 

Double glazing isn’t always for everyone 

In some cases, mainly those properties that are considered as “listed buildings,” double glazing will not be suitable, and an alternative needs to be considered. 

For example, it might be a bit strange if a period Georgian house suddenly has very new and very modern windows installed and fitted. 

So, the alternative that is often offered is known as secondary glazing. 

Secondary glazing is where the existing window and pane is added to, rather than replaced.   

In these instances, an extra panel is placed on the inside of the window and attached to the frame.  Excluding any draughts, reducing noise, and helping to keep the heat in – just like the offer of double glazing. 

Secondary glazing can also be easily removed when it’s not needed.  So, for example, in the summer months with south facing windows, you may want to let more light into your property, and in these cases, the additional panels can be easily removed to achieve this. 

Secondary glazing offers you everything that double glazing can provide, without compromising on the look and style of your home. 

Your Choice 

Due to the continuing rise in house prices, most homeowners are now looking to stay put and making home improvements instead.  Making changes that not only upgrade and modernise properties but changes that will help to save money in the long run too. 

Having double glazing installed and fitted can be one of these improvements, with energy efficiencies, noise reduction, and an increase in safety all on offer. 

Double glazing is now the standard offering for glass upgrades in most homes. 

Let the team at Alan Carnall transform your home today. 

Call us on 0113 256 8008 

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