WHAT IS DOUBLE GLAZING?
Summers in Australia are extremely hot, and winters are extremely cold, resulting in higher energy costs.
We constantly get questions from our clients who are considering getting double-paned windows or insulated glass unit (IGU) to keep the heat and cold out while also improving energy efficiency. This is why we’ve written this guide for double glazed windows.
Double glazing consists of two glass window panes separated by an air space, to reduce heat loss. They are often referred to as double-pane windows, although triple-pane windows are also available.
Benefits of Double Glazing
There are many benefits associated with double glazing windows, including:
Keeps Your Home Warmer in Winter
Cooler in Summer
On a hot summer day, double-glazed windows can trap some of the rays coming through the windows, making your room cooler. As a result, less air conditioning is needed.
Lowers Power Bills
When double glazed windows are installed, less energy is used to heat or cool a room, resulting in lower energy bills and money saved. Increasing the number of layers of glazing will improve insulation and save money.
Reduces Condensation
The airtight seal used in an IGU prevents condensation from forming on your window panes, double glazed windows reduce the amount of moisture on your windows. Other windows frequently allow condensation to build up, resulting in mould growth on the window panes.
Reduces Noise
As the number of units increases, the noise level decreases, resulting in a quieter home. Double glazed windows are essential if you live near busy roads or in a generally noisy area.
Disadvantages of Double Glazing
There are a few disadvantages of double glazing to be aware of including:
Difficult to Repair
Condensation can form between the two panes of glass if the seal isn’t airtight. The panes cannot be pulled apart and repaired once they have been sealed – it will be necessary to replace the entire unit.
Traps Heat
While heat trapping is useful in the winter, trapping heat inside during the summer can result in a stuffy and uncomfortable environment.
Many homeowners tint their windows to keep heat out, but this comes at an additional cost.
Doesn't Suit Older Homes
If you are replacing all of the windows in your home with double glazed windows, you may have to replace them all. Because double-glazed windows have a contemporary appearance, they may clash with older style homes.
Cost
Double glazed windows are more expensive than single glazed Low E glass windows and laminated glass windows which can offer many of the same benefits. The increased cost may not be worth it if the home is not in an extremely cold climate.
Can You Just Replace the Glass in Double Glazing?
Yes, you can just replace glass in double glazing. In fact, this is a pretty common repair.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if the seal around the glass is broken, then replacing just the glass isn’t going to fix the problem. The window will still be foggy and have condensation.
In this case, you would need to replace the entire window to fix the issue.
Conclusion
The benefits of having double-pane windows installed on your home can help you save money and energy usage. However, there are disadvantages as well. Make sure to weigh up these factors and compare them with different types of windows before deciding whether or not to invest in double glazing for your home.
Elias Chahine
Elias Chahine is the director of Gusto Emergency Glass Replacement and has many years in the glass repair and construction industry