Double Glazing Information

Double glazing keeps heat in and noise out.

Double glazing is designed to keep heat in and noise out. Double glazing uses two layers of glass to trap air between them; the trapped air and the extra glass pane increase insulation. Double glazing is commonly fitted as part of a uPVC window frame because uPVC is durable against the elements and pliable to work with.

Benefits of Double Glazing

One of the best ways to cut the cost of your heating bills and make your home energy efficient is insulation, and one of the best forms of home insulation is double glazing. It reduces the amount of heat that is lost through the windows; single-glazed windows lose about 20 percent to 25 percent of your home's heat.

Double-glazed windows also reduce noise, can save 680 kg of carbon dioxide a year per household and can cut condensation on the windows. Double glazing also adds value to your property.

Use

Double-glazed windows are the norm in homes in the United States. All new properties in America are fitted with double glazing throughout. Double glazing can be used on all types of windows and on interior and exterior doors.

It can be expensive if your older property has to be upgraded to double glazing. Older properties often have irregular sized windows, but replacement double-glazed windows can be made to measure.

Triple Glazing

A triple-glazed window has three panes of glass. Triple-glazed windows have two insulating chambers of air between the three glass panes; this provides even greater energy savings and sound insulation.

Triple glazing is usually used only under flight paths or other noisy locations. Triple-glazed windows weigh more and take up more space than double glazing and cost 20 percent to 40 percent more.

Types of Glass

There are two types of glass generally used in double glazing: toughened or tempered glass and float glass. Tempered glass is used in areas where there is a chance the glass will be broken. It is safety glass, shattering into smaller, rounded fragments when broken. Tempered glass is usually used in large double-glazed units, such as patio doors.

Float glass is used in double glazing that is unlikely to be smashed, such as high windows.

Cost

Double glazing is expensive to purchase and install. The cost depends on the size of the property and the number of windows to be installed, but you should be prepared to spend several thousand dollars on a professionally installed project. The double-glazing market is competitive, so you should shop around and get several quotes for the project.

If your budget is tight, you could install double glazing only in the rooms you use the most. In some areas, there are grants available for double glazing to encourage the reduction of carbon emissions.

References

• Secondary Glazing: Double Glazing
• Glaziers Register: About Double Glazing