Double Glazing

Double glazed windows explained

Double glazing is the term that explains a window system where two panes of glass are contained by the window frame with a gap (that is filled with air or an insulating gas such as argon) or separation between each pane of 6 to 12 mm. While double glazing is not so common in Australasia, in very cold climates triple or double glazing ensures even better thermal insulation. Although the two panes of glass could be glazed into a window frame it is most common to have double glazing where the two panes of glass are joined together by a spacer and this DGU replaces the single piece of glass we are so familiar with in most existing windows and doors. Sometimes the double glazed unit is referred to as a DGU, or an IGU which is an abbreviation of Insulating glass unit.
Double glazed high performance  aluminium windows help ensure the thermal efficiency of your homes “envelope”.

Double glazing has become important in new construction in order to meet building code energy compliance regulations. It has also become increasingly popular as a retrofit option as homeowners appreciate the many benefits double glazing offers in improving the comfort levels in homes.

Constructing a New Home?

New home construction has to meet minimum R value (a term used to measure heat resistance) criteria    When combined with insulation in walls ceilings and floors, double glazed windows and doors help keep inside temperatures stable and reduce heating and cooling costs. As an example a double glazed window of clear glass when thermally broken can halve the loss of heat when compared to an identical single glazed window of the same size, Keep in mind up to 50% of energy loss can be via windows and doors so double glazing is a well worthwhile investment at a number of levels.

Double glazing in association with a warm edge spacer (between the glass panes) also helps to prevent annoying condensation and “weeping windows “ that can result in the formation of unhealthy mould and other health hazards.

The spacer separating the panes is often aluminium, but to ensure the best possible energy efficient windows this spacer should not be aluminum as it is very conductive of heat and cold. Rather the spacer should be a highly engineered specifically designed product such as Technoform’s TGI warm edge spacer. This results in a reduction in the formation of condensation and mould especially around the perimeter of the window and an overall improved window performance.

Double Glazing and Noise Reduction

Noise reduction is a further big advantage enjoyed by owners choosing double glazing and this is particularly true of medium to high frequency sounds which includes voices. However to filter out loud low frequency noise (such as traffic noise) double glazing on its own is insufficient. Using thicker glass or special acoustic laminated glass helps as does increasing the gap between panes but by doing this you trade off heat insulation properties Technoform’s thermal break and spacer product (which separates the panes) also serves to improve the noise dampening properties of double glazing.

Double glazing by having 2 panes of glass can also act as a superior security barrier when compared to a single pane.