Tips for Installing Double-Glazed Windows

If you are planning to install double-glazed windows, you may be unsure what models to choose and where to fit them in your house. To help, here are some tips.

The Gap Between the Windows

Double-glazed windows block heat from entering and exiting a room because of their layered construction. They're made with two glass panes on either side of a pocket of air or gas. Heat can't easily cross over the gap in the middle.

The depth of this void affects how effective the windows are. If the panes are too close, the heat can cross the gap more easily, and the window won't be as effective. To dampen noise, the gap should be wider. However, with a wider gap, the window unit will be less efficient at blocking heat, though it will work to some degree. Ask your window installer for expert advice.

Frame Material

The frame material is also an important part of a double-glazed window. Aluminium doesn't need much maintenance, but it conducts heat. To counteract this, you can choose frames with a thermal break; these have an insulating material in the middle. You can also get frames that are aluminium on the outside and timber inside.

Timber frames are efficient as they don't conduct heat, but the wood will need to be repainted over time. And timber can rot. Another choice is uPVC (unplasticized Polyvinyl chloride) frames. These are efficient and don't require much maintenance.

Whole House or Selected Rooms

You might want double-glazing in all the windows but are considering upgrading them incrementally. Installing double-glazed windows in the entire house will be the most efficient, and you'll save on heating and cooling costs. Over the long term, it will be cheaper to do all the windows at once rather than to do them in stages.

On the other hand, double-glazing a few windows at a time will cause less inconvenience. If some rooms are comfortable but others are too hot or cold, you can target the uncomfortable rooms first.

You can use other reasoning to decide where to start. If you want to block traffic noise, you could upgrade rooms facing the road. Or you could double-glaze the largest windows first if they let the most heat in and out. Alternatively, you could target the rooms that you spend a lot of time in and leave out areas like the bathroom and laundry room.

For more information about double-glazed windows, contact a local company.


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