Double Glazed Windows Can Improve Home Insulation

All homes need proper insulation. In winter, improper insulation may have very serious consequences. Therefore, it is important to design a good insulation system for a house. A house can be kept warm by the use of a thermostat. However, this method involves significant spending and requires electricity. Therefore, a quasi-natural insulation system is essential.

The best way to thermally insulate a house is to use double-glazed windows. In a double-glazed window, two thin glass plates or lites are placed a few millimeters apart, and the air in between these two plates is effectively trapped. This air gap acts as a greenhouse layer. What follows is a phenomenon that is similar to the greenhouse effect.

When sunlight enters, the portion of the light with a longer wavelength is trapped and is not allowed to escape. This infrared radiation is responsible for the heat developed and the house is kept warm. The different types of glass materials used for a double glazed window are coated glass, tinted glass, low emissivity glass, and other fibre glass materials. Emissivity is the ability of a material surface to emit radiant energy. The glass used should have low emissivity and good reflectivity. Principles of radiation and convection are used.

Double glazed windows are stronger than normal windows. They reduce heat loss by a factor of nearly two. Double glazed windows also reduce noise pollution because they act as good acoustic dampers. They also help in the prevention of draughts.

Double glazed windows need strong frames to support them. Typical window frames are made from aluminium, wood, or un-plasticised Poly Vinyl Chlorides (PVCu). PVCus are generally not ideal for frames. Therefore, additives and stabilisers are added to increase resistance to environmental factors like corrosion and weather. They have high impact strength and long life. They do not rot, are durable, and require little maintenance. Aluminium frames provide sturdiness while wooden frames have good aesthetic value and provide good insulation.

These window frames can be made for any window size. It is important to use strong frames so that security is not compromised. Double glazed windows are known for their longevity. More expensive varieties of double glazed windows have an argon layer instead of an air layer. Krypton is used for high performance insulating layers.

Sometimes, triple glazed units are also used. However, heat loss in these triple glazed units is quite high, and therefore, they are not used commonly.

Double glazed windows provide not only heat during winter, but also keep the house cool in summer, by reflecting the sun's rays. They also facilitate multi point locking systems. Sliding double glazed patio doors are also quite popular.

When a person decides to use these windows in their house, they have to look at various options and prices. Installation costs also constitute an important factor. These days, double glazed windows are sealed with epoxy polysulphide formulations to prevent moisture vapour transmission.
Double Glazed windows are an effective solution to high heat bills. If they are implemented with care, an efficient insulation system will be in place.