Double-glazed windows are sought after by homeowners everywhere, from new builds to centuries-old housing. So, what is it about double glazing that makes it such a necessity? In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 advantages of double-glazed windows and why having them in your home can only benefit you.
First, let’s go over the basics of double-glazing.
What is double glazing and how does it work?
Double glazing is a window made up of two panes of glass. These panes don’t touch – they are separated by air and kept apart by a spacer bar filled with desiccant, a hygroscopic material used to keep things dry. The air between the glass is typically an inert gas that doesn’t conduct heat, such as argon or krypton.
Double-glazed windows are designed to insulate your home and reduce condensation and noise. This results in better energy efficiency and a much nicer energy bill. So, how do double-glazed windows work? The answer is in the gas.
The gas between the window panes slows down the heat transfer between the two temperature zones on either side of the window. The cold air from outside is ‘trapped’ in the gas, warming up by the time it reaches the inner pane. The hot air from inside also gets ‘trapped’, cooling down by the time it reaches the outer pane. This means no hot air escapes the room, and no cold air gets in, insulating your home well against the outside chill.
This insulation provides a whole host of benefits.
Benefit 1. Increased thermal insulation
The most common benefit of double glazing is the insulation. As we explained earlier in the post, double-glazed windows are designed to keep the heat in and the cold out. This is because of the gas pocket between its two panes of glass. Double-glazed windows means a warmer, more comfortable home.
Benefit 2 Reduced energy bills
By slowing the escape of hot air to a halt, those with double-glazed windows will find themselves turning the heating on less or even lowering the temperature. This results in reduced energy bills, saving you a pretty penny.
Benefit 3. Reduced noise
For those living in busy neighbourhoods, on main roads, or under a flight path, double-glazing can save your sanity. Due to the two panes of glass and gas pocket, noise has further to travel through than single-glazed windows. By the time it’s travelled through double glazing, noise pollution is reduced, and your home stays peaceful.
Benefit 4. No more condensation
Double glazing means no more wet windows on the inside of your home. The gas pocket between the panes acts as a thermal buffer, and with the transfer of heat slowed down, the chance of condensation is reduced to almost zero. The sealant used on double-glazed windows stops any moisture from getting into the gas pocket, too.
To learn more about condensation, read our helpful guide to stopping condensation.
Benefit 5. Reduced light damage
Anyone who has left items near a single-glazed window for too long will no the frustrations of sun bleaching. With double glazing, you won’t have to worry about faded furniture and floors. Due to the UV coating on double-glazed windows like ours, the ultraviolet rays from the sun are deflected, resulting in far less sun damage to your possessions.
Benefit 6. Aesthetically pleasing
Double-glazed windows look better than their single-glazed counterparts. Available in many different shapes, sizes, and materials, you can choose windows to suit your home’s decor.
Benefit 7. Stronger security
Double-glazed units heighten the security of your home. Their composition and materials make them incredibly difficult to pry open from the outside, and the glass itself is tougher to break through. For an even further level of security, opt for laminated or toughened glass in your double-glazed windows.
Benefit 8. Increases property value
It’s no surprise that strong, insulating, aesthetically pleasing double-glazed windows increase your property’s value. Double glazing is considered a home improvement, so you can expect your home to go on the market for more with double-glazed windows installed.
Benefit 9. Easy maintenance
Because of the reduced chance of condensation, double-glazed windows are easier to take care of. Constant condensation traps dust and grime and creates water stains. As double-glazed windows rarely suffer from condensation, you’ll find yourself cleaning them far less often than single-glazed windows.
Benefit 10. An eco-friendly choice
Heating your home less often or at lower temperatures reduces the amount of energy needed. If your energy comes from fossil fuel combustion, this reduced usage means less fuel burned, which helps the environment. Opting for double-glazed windows is a conscious choice, helping mitigate climate change one window at a time.
Double glazing at Norwich Glass Company
Our experienced team of Norwich glaziers are specialists in double-glazing units. We can upgrade your single-glazed windows, repair the sealant on your current double-glazed windows, and replace the glass panels if you spot moisture.
With all of these double-glazing services under our belts, we’re confident that we’ve got your window needs covered. To talk about a window upgrade or repair, give us a call on 01603 431409 and speak to one of our expert team. If it’s an emergency, use the same number and tell us the problem, and we’ll aim to get our emergency glaziers to your location as soon as possible.