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Installing Double Glazed Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages

By
Education & Training with Property Investment Wise

In the past few years, double glazing has become a common sight on many homes across the globe. Double glazed doors and windows contain a cover of inert gas sandwiched between two sheets of glass. This implies that they have almost double filling when compared to their single glazed counterparts.

 

 

By and large, double glazing is associated with a plethora of benefits. However, like any other item, they have certain downsides that every homeowner should be aware of. Without much ado, therefore, here are some of the pros and cons of installing double glazed windows and doors.

Double Glazing Pros

 

 

More Comfortable Home:

Double glazed windows and doors help keep out the summer heat, and trap the needed warmth during winter. This means that your home’s temperatures are kept stable, saving you from the hustle that comes with the switching your air conditioner on and off.

Noise Insulation:

Noise from barking dogs, noisy neighbours, nearby traffic, loud air conditioners, and nearby pubs among others can seriously interfere with your peace of mind. UPVC Double glazing can reduce noise pollution that may be detracting you from enjoying the quietness of your home.

 

 

Increased Security:

Most home burglars gain entry via doors and windows. Standard single glazed windows and doors offer very minimal protection from these burglars. Double glazed windows and doors use multi-point locking technology as well as security-enhancing uPVC framing that greatly improve your security and deter would-be intruders.

Lowered Energy Bills:

Rising energy bills is a common problem to many homeowners. What many people don’t understand is the fact that doors and windows have a significant impact on your building’s the heating and cooling loads. In fact, up to 40 percent of your home’s heating energy can be lost and over 80 percent gained through your doors and windows. Double glazing improves your windows and doors’ thermal performance, reducing your energy costs.

 

 

Prevent Condensation:

There are lots of problems that can result from condensation on your doors and windows. To begin with, moisture can trickle down and cause damages to your frame, especially if it is wooden. Bad condensation can also damage your walls, your floor, carpet, or architrave. High condensation levels can also encourage the growth of moulds. Double glazing eliminates these condensation issues. The inert gas between the two panes of glass in double glazed doors and windows ensure that the glasses are kept at room temperature. Condensation on double glazed windows is, therefore, very rare--if non-existent.

It Lowers Your Carbon Footprint:

Climate change is a reality that we have to live with. It affects our safety, our insurance rates, and our children’s future. Double glazing is known to lower greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling activities in your home, and goes a long way to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Double Glazing Cons

Price:

Compared to conventional windows, double glazed window installation require a considerable investment. The amount you pay can really shoot if you choose high end glass and frame.

Not Easy to Repair:

In case your double glazed windows and doors are damaged, you will need to invest further. Condensation between double glazing can also occur when your windows and doors are not airtight. Because if their nature, if your double glazed windows and doors experience such problems, you may be forced to replace them entirely.

But there is no need to worry. You have a choice to replace your broken windows yourself. Check out this DIY double glazing window replacement.

 

 

Trap Heat:

Double glazed windows trap heat, which is an advantage during winter months. However, during summer, trapped heat may make your home stuffy and uncomfortable. Well, you may tint the windows and doors, but it will cost extra money.

Looks Awkward with Older Home:

Most double glazed windows and doors are designed with a modern feel, and can easily clash with older home styles. If you decide to replace all your windows and doors with double glazing, your home may appear mismatched.

 

Bottom Line

It is clear that the benefits of double glazed windows outweigh the downsides. However, before you opt for double glazed window installation, it is always recommended to carry a meticulous research. Consider the financial implications of installing double glazed doors and windows and whether your savings will justify the initial investment.

Posted by

Joe McCord works at REAA.

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great info!  I am sure you will get a bunch of clicks on this post for sure!

Aug 09, 2016 10:39 PM
Susan Cooper
Design - Adams, WI
NIce ideas

Superb post!!! Video and pictures are very useful. Thank you for sharing such useful ideas. Well home windows and doors are very much useful for our house. To come up with new ideas double glazed windows can definitely help us. Recently my uncle had renovated their home with new impact windows which were really amazing. I personally did not try it, but saw a splendid work done at their home. To know more ideas visit this page which can give better ideas to change the look of our home.

Sep 14, 2016 03:00 PM