Double glazed windows seem to be the most common choice of a window in a lot of newly built houses, but there are some that still haven’t made that transition over. Not all double glazing is just for homes either. Now a lot of companies, like this Essex glazing company, work with larger brands to fit windows and glass on a much larger scale. If you’re thinking about making the change to double glazing, or are just wondering how your windows actually work, keep reading and find out everything you need to know about double glazed windows.
What Is It?
Double glazing is essentially two layers of glass put in the same frame but has a small gap between them to create a vacuum. Sometimes this gap is filled with a certain gas and sometimes it’s left as a layer of air. Single glazed windows didn’t have the second pane, nor this vacuum layer which is why they aren’t as good at keeping the heat in.
What Are The Benefits?
There are many benefits of double glazed windows such as;
- Provide sound insulation. Having two layers of glass creates a thicker barrier to the outside world. This means you can stop sound coming in and heat getting out. They also prevent drafts from getting in too.
- Reduce your energy bills. As double glazing effectively keeps heat in better than single glazing, you can reduce your energy bills in the long run as you’ll need to use less heat to warm your home.
- Protect from potential intruders. Double glazed windows are also a lot stronger and more resilient. This strength will stop intruders from being able to easily break your windows and enter your home illegally.
- Reduce condensation build-up in your windows. Double glazing also helps to keep condensation at bay and reduce the chance of dampness or mould growing.
What Type Of Glass Is Used?
Although a lot of windows look the same, the type of glass used can be vastly different. The most commonly used types of glass are:
- Low Emissivity Glass. This type of glass has a fine layer of metal coating applied to one side of a pane to give stronger insulation. This glass can also help to block UV rays but still allows natural light into your home.
- Laminated Glass. These panes are moulded together to ensure they’re as strong as they can be.
- Toughened Glass. This glass is extra strong and is a popular choice as when broken it doesn’t shatter into sharp shards. Instead, it turns into a crumbled texture which makes it safer if any accidents do happen.
- Low Iron Glass. This is the opposite of Low Emissivity glass as it allows heat into your home in an attempt to keep it warmer for longer.
Are There Any Other Styles?
There are options for different window openings as well. The most common is the casement type as they can be used in older homes as well as new builds. They’re customisable and offer a variety of different colours and finishes too. You can also find other types such as sash and slider, but if you’re thinking of going for something different, be sure to speak to double glazing team and see what will work for your home.
If you’re wanting to keep your home toasty and draft-free, then you should consider double glazing and you’ll soon notice a difference. Double glazed windows can offer lots of other benefits when installed and provide more than just a nice view.
