Windows and doors are more than just functional elements of a home or building; they can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and ambience of a space. By letting in natural light and providing a clear view of the outdoors, well-chosen windows and doors can make a space feel more inviting, airy, and full of life.
Double glazing helps to preserve these aesthetic benefits while also having a variety of functional benefits to improve living. Let's explore the advantages and why you should consider double glazing windows and doors in your next home or building project.
What is double glazing?
Double glazing refers to the amount of glass panels in a single window or door. Double glazing includes an internal and external glass panel, separated by a 14mm gap that is filled with air, or in high-performance double glazing, an inert gas such as argon or krypton. This gap acts as thermal insulation, preventing heat from entering your home during summer and escaping during winter—making double glazing an excellent choice for Australian homes.
Double Glazing can be referred to as DGU (double glazed unit) or IGU (Insulated Glass Unit). It is also very important to pair your double glazing with a non-conductive frame material, such as AliClad Frames. Compared to a single pane of glass, double glazing is more energy-efficient, adding insulation that reduces noise and regulates the temperature of air transfer between the interior and exterior of a home.
How are double glazed windows and doors made?
When a window or door consists of high-performance double glazing and frame material that does not conduct heat, cold or noise, you can change the characteristics of your home entirely.
Considering glass is very conductive, single glazing can quickly transfer external heat and cold into your home, counteracting your heating and cooling and increasing energy bills in return. Double glazing works, as the very conductive glass is separated from each other. Inert gas such as argon or krypton between the glass, works in the same way as insulating your home's walls.
The argon or krypton insulates between the internal and external temperature, so there is very little energy loss. At Miglas, our double glazed windows use a timber frame with an aluminium coating to make an even more durable and efficient solution.
5 benefits of double glazing
There are a variety of advantages of double glazed windows and doors in your home, including both practical benefits and overall enhancements to property value. These are the most important double glazing benefits to know.
Top choice for all climates and temperatures
The thinness of single-pane windows and doors allows heat and cold to transfer more easily between indoor and outdoor environments. This means that, on hot days, your home can quickly become uncomfortably warm, and on cold days, it can feel draughty.
On the other hand, double glazing offers significantly higher insulation levels. This helps to reduce heat transfer by up to 50%, preventing direct contact between indoor and outdoor air. As a result, your home's temperature remains more stable, minimising the impact of external weather conditions.
Up to 87% of a home’s heat is gained through its windows, and up to 40% of its heating energy lost the same way. Doors and windows with double glazing help to prevent unnecessary levels of heat transfer, making it a valuable investment for homeowners seeking improved comfort.
Less money spent on electricity
Given that 65% of people are concerned about the high running costs of their air conditioners and heater, double glazed windows and doors offer a valuable alternative. By reducing the need for excessive cooling, double glazing keeps the air temperature you prefer in and the heat or chill out. These glass panes have double the benefits: they save you money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Since they also prevent direct contact with outdoor air, double glazed windows and doors help keep interior temperatures at a more stable level throughout the year. This lets home and property owners reduce their energy bills compared to those without double glazing. This not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Quieter living and better sleeping opportunities
Living on a busy road, near an airport, or around construction? The insulation of double glazed windows and doors blocks out excess noises more than their single-pane counterparts. This is because the air gap between the panes acts as a barrier and blocks out external sounds. These windows and doors can make a huge difference in your quality of life if you’re constantly struggling to sleep or relax due to excess noise.
While the exact amount of double glazing noise reduction can vary depending on factors like the type of glass, the thickness of the panes, and the air gap between them, double glazed windows and doors can typically reduce noise levels by up to 30-40 decibels. This can make a dramatic difference in your home's sound environment, especially if you live near a busy road or noisy neighbourhood.
No more condensation in the mornings
Condensation occurs when the warm, humid air inside your home meets the cooler surface of the window, causing moisture to appear. As this condensation drips down, it can create puddles of water or even mould, which can pose serious health risks. With double glazed windows and doors, the inner pane stays at approximately room temperature, which helps to prevent condensation from forming, keeping your windows dry and mould-free.
Higher security and increased property value
With two panes of glass, double glazed windows and doors are significantly more difficult to break than single-pane windows. Laminated glass can be added for even greater protection, making it harder for intruders to force entry.
Beyond security, double glazed windows and doors can also increase your property's value. By reducing noise pollution and protecting your home's interior from sun damage, double glazing can create a more comfortable and desirable living space. The UV rays from the sun have a harder time penetrating the glass, preventing fading and damage to furniture, carpets, and artwork.
Disadvantages of double glazed windows and doors
While double glazed products offer numerous benefits, it's important to be aware of a few potential drawbacks.
Airtight seal: You may have the best double glazing on earth, but without an air tight seal, it is rendered useless and condensation will form. Airtight seal should be considered when installing the frame, sealing this to the home's structure, with an airtight seal for all opening windows and doors.
Heat trapping: During extremely hot summers, double glazed windows and doors can potentially trap heat because of how thermally efficient they are. Thankfully, this can be mitigated by having a professional specify the correct glazing type. In this instance, you would be looking for a "Low Solar Heat Gain" glass type.
Cost: Double glazed products are generally more expensive than single-pane products. However, the long-term benefits, such as energy savings and increased comfort, often outweigh the cost of double glazing and make it a worthwhile investment.
Is double glazing worth it?
Double glazed windows and doors are not only energy-efficient and secure but also easy for anyone to maintain. They help regulate humidity, prevent dust and allergens from entering your home, and have durable frames that resist corrosion and require minimal repainting.
As leading double glazing manufacturers, we offer a wide range of options to suit various styles, homes, and occasions. Whether you're looking to improve your home or property's comfort, energy efficiency, or aesthetics, our aluminium and timber double glazed windows and doors are a valuable investment.
If you’d like to discuss options or learn more about what we offer, connect with us today.
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