May 22, 2018
Double or even
triple glazing on doors and windows is fast becoming a trend due to obvious
benefits. Simple double glazing involves the use of two glass panels with an
air gap in between. These glass panes are enclosed in aluminum or uPVC channels
that are then fitted inside frames made of aluminum or uPVC or timber. More
sophisticated manufacturers offer bespoke double glazing that uses hardened or
tempered low iron glass with or without coatings encased in air tight channels
that are then filled with inert gas. These panels may even incorporate blinds
within the two glass panes. Even the simplest double glazed door confers quite
a few benefits.
Energy
efficiency
Energy
efficiency is obviously at the top of the list. If you live in areas that can
become quite cold in winter then double or triple glazing on doors is necessary
from energy conservation perspective. Double glazing serves as an insulator.
Warm air inside the house remains inside and cold air remains outside in
winter. In summer the reverse is true. If you choose double glazed doors by Prime Windows that incorporate inert gas filling and total
sealing, energy efficiency increases even more.
Acoustic barrier
If you live in
areas where noise is high then you need double glazed doors. Gas filled or
normal air filled double glazing serves as an acoustic barrier and will give
you plenty of peace and quiet. The right laminated double glazing can reduce
sound levels by as much as 35 decibels. How much the sound is reduced depends
on thickness of the glass and the cavity between the glass. Vacuum of course
gives the highest sound insulation figures but it may not be practical so opt
for inert gas filled double glass glazing for doors with the right seals between
the frames and glazing.
Reduced
condensation
When there is
high humidity in the air you will notice condensation on single panes of glass
which is due to temperature differences. Use double glass glazing and the
problem does not arise as the inner warm pane is insulated from the outer cold
pane of glass. Misting may occur between the two panes but if inert gas filled
glazing is used, this problem does not arise.
If you have
large door openings then using single pane glass would mean use of thicker glass
to confer structural strength which means use of thicker frames and the whole
assembly becomes unwieldy. If you use double glazed doors then thinner glass
may be used and at the same time, the door achieves solid looks and improved
aesthetics as well as ease of use.
These are the
obvious advantages of double glazed doors. Existing doors with single glazing
can easily be converted to double glazed doors by Prime Windows who specialize
in retrofits. The single glazing is removed and a made-to-measure double
glazing with a frame is installed in place leading to a dramatic improvement in
aesthetics and performance. Savings in energy costs will help recoup the
investment over time.
