The Pros and Cons of Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing windows are a type of air-tight barrier, which is usually made from a layer of argon or krypton gas filled between two sheets of air-filled plastic called the panes. Insulating glass generally consists of at least two or more thin glass window panes connected by a gap or air-filled cavity to decrease air transfer through a portion of a structure envelope. The term “double-glazed” generally applies to these windows only, and not to the windows themselves. This type of enclosure is sometimes referred to as insulated glass. This article will focus on the importance of double glazing for commercial buildings.
For many buildings, especially those that are new, the cost of the installation of double glazed windows can be prohibitive. In addition, many property owners and managers feel that this type of window is not sufficiently energy efficient. They may also fear that a break in the seal between the panes could allow precipitation or even human error to enter the sealed areas and increase the risk of condensation. Nevertheless, despite the concerns of some commercial property owners and managers, the majority of commercial buildings do use double glazing. Why?
Many buildings, particularly offices, contain large amounts of dust and other material that diminishes the energy efficiency of the glazing. Double glazed windows to work effectively in both situations because they are airtight and provide excellent insulation against heat loss. In addition, airtightness is enhanced by the fact that double glazed windows have larger openings than standard, single pane windows.
With double glazed windows, air flows between two panes of glass, creating an airtight seal. This seal is not only highly effective at insulating against heat loss, but it also provides excellent insulation against cold air entering the room. The larger opening in a double glazed unit allows more air to pass through than a single pane unit. In addition to greater air space, a larger opening allows greater light into the room as well. A larger opening also means there is more natural light available to the inside of a room.
There are many reasons to use double glazed windows. One is improved energy efficiency. When the panes are sealed well, it reduces the amount of radiant heat from entering the home or office. A good thermal performance rating is obtained for a double glazed window, because it shows the amount of radiant heat lost or gained during the day and year-round, as well as the difference in winter from summer.
Improved energy efficiency can be another reason to install double glazed windows. The larger opening in a typical unit allows more air to pass through than a single pane window, thus reducing both heated and cooled air. This results in lower energy bills because a greater portion of the heat loss is replaced by the air being heated or cooled. Many energy conservation programs are based on the idea of reducing energy consumption.
Another advantage to double glazing is that they add safety to a structure. With single glazed windows, panes become accessible to children and other visitors who could easily get hurt by the glass. Windows with double glazing to prevent this type of harm, because the glass is opaque. In addition, windows with double glazing to reduce noise significantly, which can be especially important in high traffic areas where noise is a problem.
If there is another disadvantage to double glazed windows that outweigh their benefits, it would have to be aesthetics. Single pane windows are often more aesthetically pleasing than double glazed windows, even though they have less thermal performance than their double glazed counterparts. The smaller size of single pane windows requires more effort to care for them and keep them in good repair. This can result in a more expensive maintenance program for businesses that use them, since the window’s appearance must be maintained regularly. This is not the case for double glazed windows. They do not require any cleaning, maintenance or repair, so they stay looking new for longer.
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