Benefits of double glazing
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Safety
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Security
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Energy conservation
Whatever your particular reason for wanting to install
double glazing you will enjoy the following benefits:
Safety
Traditional single pane windows are made from a single
sheet of regular glass. When this is hit it is likely
to shatter into long, sharp, dangerous shards. Double
glazing, on the other hand, offers a greater degree of
safety on breaking – a fact that is especially
important for families with young children.
It is possible to further improve the safety of the double
glazing by using security glass, toughened glass or shatterproof
glass. Indeed, UK law on low-level glazing applications
in so-called ‘critical locations’ stipulates
this. The legal requirements (BS 6206) apply to all domestic
glazing installations whether new build, replacement or
refurbishment. Such critical locations include:
- Doors – any glazing or part of glazing in a
door, which is between the finished floor level and
a height
of 1500mm above the floor level
-
Side panels to doors – and glazing or part
of glazing, which is within 300mm of either side
of a door edge and
which is between the finished floor level and a height
of 1500mm above the floor level
-
Windows, partitions and walls – any glazing
or part of glazing, which is between the finished
floor
level and a height of 800mm above the floor level
In the above Diagram only glazing units Nos. 1, 4 and
8 fall wholly outside the 'critical location' and need
not comply with BS 6206.
Energy conservation – modern homes can lose as much
as 25% of their heat through the windows. The installation
of low-emissivity glass (Low-E) allows the sun's heat and
light to pass through the glass into the building, but
blocks heat from leaving the room, thereby considerably
reducing heat loss. This not only leads to savings on energy
bills but also to maintaining a higher temperature within
the home. Sitting by a large, double-glazed picture window
is a great deal more comfortable on a cold winter night.
Double glazing can drastically change the appearance of
the home but it doesn’t have to spoil it. If you
are involved in a restoration, a good, reputable contractor
will work with you to find a product that will complement
and enhance the architecture of the property.
Security – the window frames and locking systems
on double-glazed windows make it a great deal harder for
intruders to gain entry to your home – an important
consideration in these days of increased crime rates.
Secondary glazing
 Internal secondary double glazing can be a cost-effective
solution if the main window is essentially sound and
in good condition but there is a requirement to improve
thermal
and/or noise insulation. Secondary glazing is manufactured from slim, unobtrusive
white enamelled aluminium profiles, usually with single
glazing. Double glazing is also available for specialist
applications. These units replicate the design of, and
are installed inside the main, or primary, window.
The product range includes:
- Vertical sliders for sash windows, with a tilting
and removable sash facility for ease of cleaning
- Horizontal sliders with removable sashes for 'picture'
type casement windows
- Hinged units for narrow casements, doors and French doors
or windows. Sashes can be lifted off
- Lift-out units for use when only occasional access is required
to the main window
- Fixed units, usually only used to insulate glass panels
within doors
Secondary double glazing is suitable for all conservation
areas and, subject to listing detail, listed buildings.
Please see: www.windowstoday.co.uk/secondary_glazing.htm
Triple glazing
Triple glazing introduces an additional pane of glass
into the unit. This gives even greater sound insulation
so
is extremely practical for those who live in a built-up
area, near a busy road or close to anything that causes
significant sound pollution.
There will also be greater energy savings from triple
glazing although the cost is typically 20 – 40% more than
double glazing.
Generally speaking
there are not many suppliers of Triple Glazing in the
UK
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