Article: Double Glazing... Is It Worth It?

When we were planning our list of upgrades for our house a colleague at work suggested that we double glaze our windows and doors. Although very expensive, the following research will help you to understand why we are glad that we did choose to upgrade.

Double glazed windows are an ideal energy efficient choice with the added benefit of minimising noise. The sealed air gap between the two panes acts as an added layer of insulation. This added thermal resistance reduces the amount of heat escaping in winter and keeps your home at a more comfortable temperature. Double glazing has the reverse effect in summer, preventing unwanted heat from coming into the home. This extra insulation lessens your reliance on artificial heaters and air conditioners and can ultimately reduce your energy costs.

When you are close to a window, your comfort is also affected by the temperature of the glass. With double glazing it’s harder for the unwanted outside temperature to transfer through, leaving the inside pane close to room temperature. Double glazing also reduces condensation which can result in the unhealthy formation of mould.

Sealed double glazing is effective at reducing medium to high frequency noise such as the human voice. A difference in glass thickness between the inner and outer panes will improve sound reduction even further.

Double glazed windows are considered a safer option when compared to standard single pane windows. Two sheets of glass are a lot harder to break than one and for even greater security you can specify toughened or laminated glass.

Because the space between the panes in double glazed windows is fully sealed, it acts as an insulator, limiting the transfer of cold air coming into your home. Thermal and acoustic performance can also be increased when gas fills this space. The most popular gas used is argon which has low conductivity properties to improve insulation.

[BUILD, (2014). What are double glazed windows?. [online] Available at: http://www.build.com.au/what-are-double-glazed-windows [Accessed 11 Aug. 2014].]