What is Double Glazing?

[Melba Douglas]

Double glazing is the name which is given to the modern glazing
system, where a window is formed by two panes of glass spaced
millimeters apart. When sealed, this arrangement traps air in between
the panes thereby forming an insulating layer. Before they are sealed,
some of the air is drawn out from between the panes. This is done
because otherwise the trapped air will expand with the heat and the
window will burst.
In some cases inert gases like Argon or Krypton is filled in the gap
between the panes. Krypton is comparatively expensive and is used only
when the glass panes are very thin. The distance between the panes is
calculated using a formula and the thickness of the panes. If the
system has to be effective, then the gap should be of optimum size. If
the panes are too close or too distant it adversely affects the
functioning of the system.
A double glazed window can stop heat transfer. Heat transfer by
convection and conduction is stopped because of the partial vacuum
between the panes. Hence the windows will keep the heat out and the
house cool, without spoiling the view or requiring the curtains to be
drawn.
They will reduce your heating costs by trapping the heat inside the
house. During summers they keep the house well lit, but keep the heat
out. If your home is situated in a location, where noise pollution is
greater, they greatly reduce noise outside.
Double glazed windows are very common these days as people are
becoming more and more energy conscious. Also they are a one-time
investment. The installation costs are not very high making them
within the reach of common man. There are various materials and styles
available with the popular companies that you can rest assured you
will find a style to suit your property. UPVC frames are the most
popular ones these days.
Though aluminum frames are very strong, thereby capable of giving
extra security to the house and are not susceptible to warping or
twisting, they have poor insulation performance when compared to UPVC.
Another fact which goes in favor of UPVC frames is they are cost
effective. Their price is less when compared to aluminum frames. Also
they are available in different colors and require very little
maintenance.
Timber frames though aesthetically pleasing are the most expensive
choice. But they are the only choice for replacement windows or doors
if your home is a listed building. A wide variety of hard woods are
available for frames though these are no as durable as UPVC or
aluminum. You must also consider the thickness of the frame as this
will affect the strength of the structure. A soft wood frame will have
shorter life span and could be prone to warping. It should also be
remembered that a timber frame needs to be maintained once in five
years.
In case you have essentially sound windows and you wish to improve
thermal or noise insulation, you can go for secondary double glazing.
It refers to an extra glazed window being fitted internally against
the main window. If the property is listed in a conservation area,
this is highly beneficial and it is a cheaper option than an entirely
new double glazed window.

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