Double glazing is fundamentally just a wall!

Author: Martin  |  Leave a Comment >>

Whether you have a single glazed window in a property or a single glazed window with secondary glazing or a modern double glazed window, or even a super duper triple glazed window, they all perform the same function of forming a barrier between the elements and the interior, in effect acting as transparent walls.

A cross section of a wall can either be a thick slab of building material or normally two walls with a cavity in between, as these double walls provide insulated protection between the interior and exterior. The air between the walls allows the outside wall to be cold while the inside surface of the wall can be at room temperature.

For example, when building a conservatory, it is important to remember that the double glazing you choose for the sides should be as energy efficient as possible, as you want it to perform the same task as double brick cavity insulated walls as far as possible. Whilst a conservatory can not be as energy efficient as a brick built extension, you will save on your heating bills by opting for Low E Argon filled sealed units with a thermal break. Yes, these cost a bit more, but you need to remember the double glazed windows and doors are acting double walls, so the higher the specification you go for, the better energy efficiency you will get.

If you need convincing, go into a greenhouse in winter, which you will find not warm, even if heated! Given this, why would you want to put up with single pane windows on your property, especially when you know money and energy is pumping out of them? Nowadays, builders layer walls with brick, plywood, sheetrock and studs etc., then finish the job with a layer of insulation, so why would you want the windows in your home to be any different?

In the past builders made a hole in a wall, filled it with a frame and then put in a layer of glass. Glass is no match for what the elements can throw at you. Nowadays, modern replacement double glazing does the same thing we ask of our double walls. The outer pane is dependent on the weather, whilst the inner pane depends more on what the room temperature is. The only reason the inner pane can keep warmer drier air in, is because the outer pane acts as the first line of defence.

As well as being more aethestically pleasing, and adding value and saleability to your property, today’s energy rated double glazing will also pay for itself over time if you stay in the property long enough. The money and energy saved by installing energy efficient, energy saving windows will help off-set the initial investment outlay. To ensure you get double glazing products that do save you significant money off your heating bills, make sure you install windows that have a British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) rating of “C” or above. The most efficient double glazing in the marketplace as endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust and the BFRC is either “A” rated aluminium windows or “A” rated UPVC windows, whichever you think best suits your property. If you are thinking of investing in double glazed windows, don’t settle for less than “C” rated or above, as in my opinion, BFRC “C” energy rated double glazed windows will deliver you the best possible return on your investment.