If you’re new to double glazing, don’t be concerned, you’re not the only one. While double glazing gained popularity in the US and Europe several decades ago but it’s yet to be a thing of place within Australia (although we frequently wonder what the reason is!). Double Glazed Doors are definitely the future in this contemporary world, which is constantly seeking out energy-saving solutions, but how do they get there? We will now explain the distinction between the different kinds of glazing on the market and show you the results of what we mean.
Single Glazing
Single-glazed windows. In Sydney, they are everywhere, not only in older buildings but in the modern buildings seen in commercial and residential areas. The clue lies in the title – single glazing. It is a type of window that is made with a single piece of glass. This means that the only thing between your house from the rest of the world is just a piece of glass.
A typical glass that is used to make windows can be 3 mm to 10mm thick. Why is this a problem?
- Insufficient insulation – A single-glazed window is 20 more efficient than a wall that is insulated in terms of energy storage or loss. That means cold outside air can easily transfer to your home and vice versa.
- Due to poor insulation (and consequently low energy efficiency) One-panes of glass are often found to permit energy leakage in different ways, for example, drafts through weak seals or cracks.
- Not the most secure, put simply it is possible to break a single piece of glass is not difficult and doesn’t improve the overall security level of any residence.
Single glazing definitely was a necessity at the time and there were no alternatives. However, in a society that is aware of the need to save energy and reduce carbon footprints or the electric bill single glazing isn’t enough anymore.
Double Glazing
The key to this is the title: double glazing. Double glazing is the use of 2 panes of glass in contrast to a single pane of glass. Between the two panes of glass is a vacuumed space (filled with the dense gas known as Argon gas, even though it is not visible) that creates an insulated wall between the inside and the external world. The sun’s light, heat, and sound are all able to pass through the gas, however, this space reduces the amount of energy available. Double-glazed windows manufactured by factories have been found to be as much as 100 per cent more efficient in energy use than single-glazed windows.
What Are The Advantages Of Double Glazing In Comparison To Single Glazing?
Efficiency in energy – not just double glazing “doubles up on the glass, which, in turn, helps improve efficiency however, the space between two glass panes provides additional insulation. This blocks the transfer of cold and hot energy, resulting in the most efficient thermal insulation for your home.
Soundproofing – A single piece of glass transmits sound very easily, particularly because the seals used for one pane generally not being as efficient as seals for double glazing. Double-glazed windows incorporate an innovative soundproofing system that has not been seen (or technically seen) previously, because of the gas-filled area between the panes which is an inefficient conductor of not just heat, as well as sound. This is a fantastic option for homes of all kinds particularly one located that is located in a city with a lot of noise like Sydney.
Security – as we said previously, a single pane of glass is much more difficult to break and get around. Double-glazing is a safer and more secure choice for your home.
What Exactly Is Thermally Broken Double Glazing?
The thermal breaks in an aluminium double-glazed window frame are an excellent option to boost energy efficiency by controlling the types that transfer heat. A thermal break is an unmetallic resin or a plastic material that is installed inside the window frame made of metal that physically divides the interior portion of the frame from its outside part.
Thermal heat energy or heat can be transferred from a substance using three methods:
- Conduction is the process in which heat is transferred to materials that come into contact with one another.
- Convection, where liquids or gases circulate to transfer energy.
- Radiation transmits heat energy across a distance using high-frequency waves like visible light and ultraviolet light, or microwaves.
Window frames that are thermally damaged are shielded from cold and heat conduction. This is done by segregating the metal exterior from the interior using an insulation material that decreases the amount of cold or heat transferred through frames, decreasing the amount of energy used for cooling and heating all through the entire year. Next Generation glass offers a vast selection of thermally broken doors and windows through our partner SAPA to meet the requirements of every residential or commercial need.
The Bottom Line
Although the initial cost of Double Glazed Doors or thermally broken double-glazed windows is more expensive than single-glazed windows they’ll be able to pay for themselves through lower energy consumption over time. They are the ideal option for homes that are new or renovated.
