Double-Glazed Windows: What You Need to Know

Double glazing is a great sustainable upgrade for many reasons. A comfortable temperature at home translates to a more efficient energy consumption — lowering both your electricity bills and carbon footprint! In this piece, we’ll take you through double-glazing and its benefits so you can decide if it’s the right investment for you.

What are double-glazed windows?

Double-glazed windows are insulated gas units (IGU) made using two panes of glass separated by a spacer filled with an air gap of at least 12mm. An extremely popular investment for building sustainable homes, double glazing saves energy by reducing heat loss or gain in houses.

How do they work?

Double-glazed windows work by trapping the air between the two panes which creates an insulation barrier between the two sides of the window. In cooler seasons, this reduces the amount of heat escaping the house. In warmer seasons, it can minimise the heat entering your home when you couple it with external shading and glazing treatments.

IMAGE: A cross-section of a double-glazed window (source: Professional Glass)

The gap is usually filled with argon - an inert and slow-moving gas with low conductivity. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, double-glazing can minimise the heat transfer between one side of the window to the other. The spacer also contains a desiccant to absorb the moisture trapped inside.

The advantages of double-glazed window

1. Energy-efficient

Energy-efficiency is the top factor that draws homebuyers to invest in double-glazing. By keeping a comfortable temperature inside at all times, it reduces the reliance on air conditioners and heaters. This can lead to long-term energy savings - outweighing the costly electricity bills that could come your way if you were to install single-glazed windows.

2. Improved acoustic insulation and noise reduction

If you live near busy areas such as train tracks or main strips, it can be challenging to find some peace and quiet. Fortunately, double-glazing doubles down on sealing the barrier from the outdoors, drastically improving acoustic performance. Combine with a type of glass designed to reduce noise reduction (such as thick laminate panels), and enjoy relaxing days ahead.

3. Increased security

Double-glazed windows provide an additional layer of protection, so it’s a no-brainer that it’s harder to break than a single-glazed window. If a burglar attempts to break your windows, they’ll have to break the first pane first, make noise, before even making it to the second pane!

4. Protects against condensation

Condensation happens when moist air meets cooler surfaces or objects. For instance, if your window is cooler than the temperature inside the room, water droplets can form on the surface. Moisture, moulds, and mildew may build-up as a result. A properly installed and sealed double-glazed window can lessen condensation, reducing unwanted moisture in your house.

Other things to consider when investing in double-glazed windows

Whilst double glazing can be a little more costly at the outset, if you’re looking at long-term savings, investing in double-glazed windows can greatly reduce your annual bills. It can also decrease the peak heating and cooling load - leading to further savings down the line.

Should you invest in double glazing?

The pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to sustainability and savings. It’s important to exercise your due diligence - get some quotes and understand the installation process. If you’re building a home, speak to your builder about it - they’ll be more than happy to help you build a sustainable home!