Windows can enhance your home, give you a connection to the outside world and let in natural light. But, if they’re old and single glazed, they can also let in the cold in winter and unwanted heat in summer, so double glazed ones will be better.

Changing your windows from single to double glazed is a significant investment that you won’t make unless you’re sure it’s worthwhile. Before you can do that, you’ll need to know what are double glazed windows and be convinced that they’re a worthwhile investment.

How Do Double Glazed Windows Work?

The panels in double glazed windows comprise two panes of glass that are bonded together with a spacer that keeps them 6 mm to 20 mm apart. The gap is filled with argon or a similar inert gas and the assembly is hermetically sealed to prevent leakage.

The gas acts as a barrier that restricts the flow of heat and noise and this gap is crucial to the performance of the windows. The efficiency of the windows can be increased by the use of special glass and it’s also possible to have triple glazed windows so there are three panes of glass and two gaps filled with gas.

The Benefits of Double Glazed Windows

When compared to single-glazed windows, the advantages of double glazed windows are plentiful and definitely justify the additional cost. They include:

• • Increased comfort.
    It’s generally reckoned that up to 90% of heat gain in summer and almost half of heat loss in winter comes through the doors and windows. The gap between the separate panes of glass in double glazed windows acts as a thermal barrier and so restricts the transfer of heat.

    By preventing the cool or warm air from getting through, you can maintain a more consistent temperature in your home and be comfortable all year round. This applies in the colder areas of Australia as well as the known hot spots so double glazing is effective for all conditions.

• • Reduced energy bills.
    An estimated 15% of the power generated in Australia is used for air conditioning systems and more than half of the power used in Australian homes is used for heating and cooling. There are, therefore, big savings to be made if the figures can be reduced.

    Since the thermal barrier provided by double glazing restricts the transfer of heat and cold, temperatures inside can be kept more constant. As a result, there is less need to use heating systems in winter and air conditioning in summer. One estimate puts the potential savings on energy bills at 20% when using double rather than single glazing. So, with energy prices at an extremely high level, there are significant savings to be made.

    

• • Noise reduction.
    If you live near a busy road, airport, train track or any noise source, that noise can be a problem. And it isn’t just a nuisance because prolonged noise exposure can result in sleep loss, stress and a variety of health conditions.

    The two panes of glass and the gas-filled gap between them won’t totally soundproof your windows but they will provide a substantial barrier that can reduce external noise by around 60% compared to single glazed windows. Using acoustic glass in your windows can make them even more effective and give you a much quieter life.

• • Extra security.
    Burglars often gain access to houses through windows but that’s much more difficult with double glazed units. Intruders have to break through two panes of toughened glass, which takes time and causes noise, or they have to get through the multi-point locking systems. Many burglars are opportunists and so often go for the easy option, which means they’ll give your home a miss and look for somewhere that presents fewer problems.

• • Reduced condensation.
    You’ll have condensation in your home when warm air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a single glazed window pane. The resulting water droplets can cause moisture and mould growth, which can be bad for your health as well as unsightly.
    The inside pane of a double glazed window should be about the same temperature as the air in a room so condensation is less likely to form.

• • Less furniture damage.
    The UV rays coming through a window cause furniture, carpets and curtains to fade. Double glazing reduces the extent of UV ray penetration so your furniture will last longer.

• • Added value.
    Many double glazed windows have UPVC frames rather than the wood that was often traditionally used. uPVC double glazed windows are much easier to maintain, generally requiring only an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth to keep it clean. It will, therefore, keep its good looks much longer, adding to the attraction of your home and increasing its value due to the many benefits that double glazing offers. That’s particularly true because double glazed windows have frames in a variety of styles and colours so you can choose ones that perfectly complement your home. Whether in the shape of aluminium or timber look double glazed windows.

Achieving Maximum Benefits

You’ll only get full benefit from your double glazed windows if you buy the right ones and have them installed correctly. Very cheap windows will often have poor quality frames and inferior seals and locks, so they’ll do an inadequate job and won’t last well. All our double glazed windows in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula use the highest quality components and are guaranteed to produce the results you need at an affordable price wether you are looking for double glazed window replacement or double glazed doors in Melbourne and on the Mornington Peninsula. Get in touch and we’ll assess your requirements and ensure you achieve the maximum benefits from double glazing.