If you’re looking at building a house or perhaps updating your home, you might be wondering what types of windows are best. While a single pane of glass may be a simple and cheaper choice, it’s not the ideal option for a home.
Double-glazed windows are better insulators. They help keep your home comfortable and add value. But why is this and are there any other benefits? In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about double-glazed windows and why they are worth the investment.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Eltham Glass today.
What are Double-Glazed Windows
Double-glazed windows are made by using two panes of glass sealed together. The panes are kept separated by gas or air to act as a barrier between the outdoors and the interior of the home.
With a single pane of glass, heat can quickly escape or enter the home as there is no barrier to stop it. The trapped gas prevents the cold or hot air outside from entering the home while containing the warm or cool air inside.
Inert gasses are the best choices for double-glazing. As they are less reactive to other elements which is very useful for insulation. Argon is then one of the top choices for double-glazing as it is an inert gas and cheaper to use.
Krypton is a denser gas, with similar properties to Argon. Because it is denser it can act as a stronger barrier between the glass panes. Preventing more heat or cold from entering or escaping.
Likewise, Xenon is also a reliable choice. It is even denser than Krypton gases making it an even better insulator. Similarly, it takes a very long time to diffuse. This means it’s less likely to leak and you can enjoy your windows for much longer without having to replace them.
When considering what type of double-glazed glass you prefer, the type of gas used is important. While some may be cheaper to install, others last longer making the cost worth it.
Benefits of Double-Glazed Windows
Double-glazed windows offer more than just better insulation. They can add value to your home in more than one area while ensuring your comfort.
Energy Usage
As great insulators, they increase thermal efficiency, reducing heat loss. This means your heaters have to work less to maintain the temperature of your home. Likewise, they act as a barrier to the outdoors. This makes it easier for your house to stay cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold.
Because of this, they can be used to efficiently and effectively reduce household energy costs. You’ll spend less on heating and cooling systems, resulting in savings across the board.
Noise
Double-glazed windows are also great ways to reduce noise. The barrier between the glass panes also works to insulate against sounds. This can help reduce street noise entering your house so that you can rest in a peaceful environment.
Whether you live in the city or out in the countryside, unwanted noise can start to grate on your home life. Double-glazed windows are an easy way to improve this without resorting to drastic measures like moving.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when moist air comes in contact with cold surfaces. It causes water to build up, causing droplets or fogged windows inside the home. This can cause mould to begin growing around your house, which can quickly become a health hazard.
By insulating against the outdoors, the interior window remains closer to room temperature. Because it has not gotten cold, the interior window is less likely to produce condensation. In this way, double-glazed windows act as a preventative measure in maintaining the integrity of your home.
Security
Double-glazed windows are also a better choice when it comes to the security of your home. It is more difficult to break or damage a window that is reinforced by two panes of glass. While single-pane windows have no such reinforcement.
Double-glazed windows are tougher and thicker. As such they can help protect your home against extreme weather, accidents and break-ins.
Installation
The time it takes to install double-glazed windows depends on a range of factors. How many windows you have, their size and whether or not you need new frames or repairs can all impact how long it takes.
Most windows can be fitted and installed in less than a day. If you have a lot of windows or more specific requirements your window installation may take longer. It is not uncommon for multiple window installations to take a few days or more.
Getting The Windows You Need
Double-glazed windows are a great way to upgrade your home. They do more than just add to your property value. They can make a substantial impact on your home costs, comfort and security.
If you’re looking to upgrade your home with double-glazed windows contact our team today. At Eltham Glass, we have a dedicated team of experts who can help you with all your double-glaze window needs. From estimates to installation, we’re the team for you.
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