During times like the present pandemic situation, looking out of the windows gives us a glimpse of the outside world while keeping our inner world safe and secure. Today, no one can imagine living in a window-less home, considering how restricted our lives have become. You can find a wide variety of options, including the highly demanded aluminium doors and windows.
Windows help us control our energy bills, enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes and keep it safe by keeping thieves away. Also, by keeping away unnecessary noise and pollutants, they allow us to enjoy a good night’s rest when we need it the most. Choosing a new window can be challenging, but this quick guide on double glazed windows will ease it for you.
What Are Double Glazed Windows?
Windows are classified into two broad categories, i.e. single glazed and double glazed, depending on the number of glass panes set in the unit. Homeowners or architects usually opt for double glazed windows because it is substantially beneficial in terms of energy efficiency, temperature maintenance and noise reduction as compared to its single glazed counterpart.
How Do ‘Double Glazed’ Windows Work?
A double-glazed window is an insulated setup comprising of two glass panes bound in a specialized frame with an air cavity in between them. A single glazed window is made up of a similar setup but has one glass pane instead. The air cavity between the glasses in double glazed windows is filled with Argon Gas, which reduces the heat transfer between the inner and the outer side of the window. This keeps the temperature in the room consistent and independent of the weather outside.
How is a ‘Double Glazed’ Window Effective?
A normal sound wave travels at a speed of 700 miles/ hour. When the sound waves hit the panes externally, the panes vibrate, which causes the air inside the room to vibrate. We hear these vibrations in the room, and that is how a single pane window works.
On the other hand, in a double-glazed window, when the sound wave hits the external glass pane and moves towards the room, it is resisted by a cavity filled with Argon Gas and the metal coating. This resistance dampens the wave and completely slows down the sound movement, which lowers or eliminates the vibration in the second glass pane. Thus, there is no sound or comparatively lower sound heard by people inside the room.
Usually, Low-Emissivity (Low-E) windows are used because they are coated with a thin transparent coating of silver or metal oxide. This further reduces the transfer of energy between the two environments.
Also Read: DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOWS:THE IDEAL CHOICE TO TRANSFORM THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME
Points to Remember:
- Specialized frames are either made of uPVC, Wood, or Aluminium. Currently, thermally broken aluminium is preferred over standard aluminium as it a bad conductor of heat and noise.
- Cost of double-glazed panes in India ranges from INR 400 to INR 1000 per square feet depending on the type of window, size, and customization.
- A double-glazed window usually lasts for 10-12 years or even more, if it’s maintained well.
- The absence of Argon gas leads to condensation between the glasses. So, it’s essential.
- Avoid using fake goods, by asking for a certificate from the manufacturer for its quality and a company sticker on the mirror. The mirrors are usually not stamped unless requested, which gives a lot of room for fake supplies in the market.
- Double-glazed windows are not completely soundproof, but they significantly reduce the noise by a whopping 70-80%.
Take all the essential factors into consideration before choosing double-glazed windows and make a well-informed choice of windows that can last long.
Also Read: SINGLE VS. DOUBLE GLAZED ALUMINIUM WINDOWS – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR HOME?