WHY DOUBLE GLAZED FRAMES?

In order to understand this area, the section has been broken down into a sequence of subtopics. Each and every of these have been aimed at explaining what double glazing actually is and what are the considerations when you may want to invest in double glazing.  Architects and other construction professionals are now more than ever before.

WHAT IS DOUBLE GLAZING?

With time, you will notice that all properties tend to loose heat via their windows – be it the library, home or even commercial buildings. As such, the use of double glazing is but a way of making sure that you are able to reduce or cut down on your overall heat costs. This way, you will be able to avert some additional costs such as having to install a new heating appliance for your home should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you are frequently loosing heat from within your abode.

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?

From the term double glazing, you clearly envision some sort of an overlay between two sheets of glass so as to be able to achieve the double glazing property. It is this property which in effect generates the insulating property. Many a times you may also encounter the likes of triple – glazed windows which are way more efficient than the double glazed windows – though both of these deliver almost the same kind of energy efficiency on the long haul.

WHAT IS IN BETWEEN THE GLASS PLANES?

Usually, in between the double glazed material, you will realize that this space may be filled with some inert gas or a vacuum. So, which is which and which one should you prefer more to the other?

• VACUUM
  Though they were once the best option, these have deprecated with time owing to the fact that with the vacuum seals, the vacuum may diminish with time and so does the efficiency, since there may be no efficient sealing.
• INERT GAS.
  This is the other and most reliable method since the inert gases are but a docile and unresponsive to adverse heat conditions. This way, they don’t suffer from the “unsealing” effect of the vacuum seen above.

Either way, both of these methods have proven important as they both try to add onto the overall scientific R-value which is simply a measure of the internal thermal resistance.

WHAT FRAME MATERIALS ALLOW FOR DOUBLE GLASS?

Usually, these are available in a variety of frame materials, ranging from the traditional wood frames to the more decent frames such as the uPVC styles. Usually, these windows do vary in their energy efficiency based on how well they actually stop heat from passing out from the room. Moreover, the specific type of frame material is what will determine the amount of sunlight which actually passes through the glass and how little air can leak in or out around the window.

HOW CAN ONE MEASURE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOWS?

Usually, some window manufacturers and door makers use the window rating energy efficiency rating scheme to depict the efficiency of their windows. If this is not clear, you may relate this to the energy efficiency which you see on your refrigerators as well as the washing machines. Usually, A-rated windows are considered most efficient, with all the captivating qualities – which you may simply find on the energy label before you actually buy the window.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT DOUBLE GLASS?

So, following the brief introduction about double glazing, you have to consider a number of factors before you actually decide to settle with double glazing.

HOW ENERGY EFFICIENT ARE THE WINDOWS?

This is usually very easy as all you need to do is simply look on the windows energy saving efficiency.  Usually, the Energy Saving Trust is known to endorse any window which has been rated B or above. Usually, the energy efficiency is directly proportional to the efficiency – the higher the energy efficiency rating, then the better the window will be. Irrespective of the fact that there are no current mandatory regulations for a window to have some quality branding, it is best to go for windows which have a quality branding.

HOW MANY LAYERS OF GLASS DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED?

Usually, double glazing is but two layers of glass which are separated with a gap of around 16mm. at times, you may decide to go with three layers of glass as per your budget. Nevertheless, these usually deliver one and the same energy efficiency, but the triple glazed option is much better than the double glazed variation.

WHICH GLASS IS THE BEST FOR THIS PURPOSE?

Usually, when it comes to energy efficiency, the most preferred option is the Low-E glass. This simply means a low emission glass. What does this glass have that makes it way better at energy efficiency? Well, this glass has an unnoticeable layer of metal oxide on its surface, usually on one of the internal surfaces – commonly next to the gap. What this does is that it lets in sunlight but actually cuts the amount of heat which can get out once it enters.

WHAT IS ACTUALLY BETWEEN THE PANES?

Usually, two types of materials may be used for this purpose: a vacuum or inert gasses. However, for utmost efficiency, then the best option to go with is the use of inert gasses. The gasses to be used here include argon, xenon and mostly krypton.

WHAT KEEPS PANES APART?

Usually, most of the double-glazed windows have what are referred to as the pane spacers which simply are located inside the glass to keep the two glasses apart from one another. Usually, it is best to opt for the warm edge types of pace spacers. What these are is simply little or no metal spacers at all.

WHICH FRAME SUITS YOUR HOME BEST?

Since for all the window frames out there, you will find that each is tailored to enhance energy efficiency in one way or another, the actual or final option will dwell on your taste or preference. For that matter, take this as an example:

• uPVC
  These are some of the most common types of frames and they are long lasting as well as easy to recycle.
• Wooden frames.
  These can to some extent have a lower environmental impact, though they actually require a lot of maintenance. Usually, these are used in conservation areas where the initial or original windows were timber frames.
• Composite frames.
  You may envision these as clad frames as well, since they simply contain an alloy of aluminum and timber. Aluminum is used to cover timber which is on the inside in the final product. Usually, this does reduce the need for maintenance and keep the overall material waterproof.
• Steel or aluminum frames.
  These are way slimmer and perchance long lasting than the other types of frames.

DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED ANY VENTILATION?

Since the replacement or initial installation of double glazed windows tends to be more airtight than single glazed frames, condensation can actually build up in your house due to the reduced ventilation. If there is no enough level of background ventilation, then some of the replacement windows will actually have a trickle effect on the vents incorporated into the frame which lets in a small amount of controlled ventilation. Usually, at times, condensation can actually occur on the outside of lower E glazing windows. This is the case since low-e glass actually reflects heat back into the home, and hence the outside pane remains cool, making the condensation to build up on the long run.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOUBLE GLAZING?

• SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS.

  When you decide to use the energy efficient double glazing materials, you will realize that you will be able to save on the overall bill you would encounter on your internal room heating by about R3000.00.

• SMALLER CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION.

  By adopting the use of energy efficient double glazing mechanisms, you will be able to be a part of environment friendliness, by lowering the amount of carbon level on the environment and hence lower global warming.

• TEND TO BE MORE COMFORTABLE.

  Usually, energy efficient glazing does reduce heat loss through windows and results to fewer draughts or cold spots in your home.

• NOISE INSULATION.

  Usually, energy conservative windows and window frames play a part in acting as noise insulators. As such, you will be able to have a peaceful and serene internal environment.

• CURB CONDENSATION EFFECT.

Usually, energy efficient glazing tends to reduce the overall condensation build-up on the inside of the windows.