ComputerHunter.org

 

Why Double Glazing?


Why replace your single-glazed windows with double glazing ? For most, the precipitating factor for looking into double glazing is a need for new construction (or renovation) to conform to modern energy standards. Others decide to replace their windows as an energy saving measure. The main advantage that double glazing offers over traditional windows is insulation. Because nearly 25% of your heat is lost through your windows, well-made and well-fitted double glazing can reduce your heating costs by as much as half depending on the amount of glass in your home.

Some of the things to consider when shopping for double glazing for your home are safety, energy conservation, style, type of frame, type of glass, cost and installation. Each of these are important in your choice. Most will affect the price that you pay - and all will affect your pleasure and comfort in your home for years to come.

Safety

Single pane windows are most often made of a single sheet of regular glass which shatters into long, sharp shards when hit. When shopping for double glazing, you have a choice of several different kinds of glass, each of which are safer on breaking than traditional window panes. If nothing else, the double thickness reduces the chances that both panes will be broken. Whether you use security glass, toughened glass or shatterproof glass, double glazing offers some measure of safety over single glazing.

Security

There's no doubt that double glazing makes it more difficult for a thief or intruder to break into your home by the simple expedient of breaking a window pane and reaching through the hole - but real security has more to do with the window frames and locking systems than with the glass itself. Be sure to choose windows with frames that can be securely locked from the inside.

Energy Conservation

Double glazing can reduce heat lost through windows by as much as 50%, thereby reducing your heating bills, keeping your house warmer and helping you do your bit in the conservation of natural resources. Especially in rooms with large windows, the difference in temperature in the room is easily noticeable. Sitting by a large, double-glazed picture window is far, far more comfortable on a chill winter night.

Style and Design

Double glazing is available in many different styles and types, and most people attempt to match the style of their old windows with the new if at all possible, especially when doing restoration work. A good, reputable contractor will work with you to find double glazing windows that suit your architecture and enhance your home's beauty.

Frames

The three main frame types are PVCu, aluminum and wood, and each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. In a nutshell - PVCu frames are best at energy conservation, aluminum frames are the sturdiest, and wooden frames are the most attractive - at least in the view of some. For more detailed information about the advantages of each, see the related articles.

Type of Glass

Safety glass, tempered glass, low-e glass, Pilkington K glass - there are many types of glass that are used in double glazing. Glass with energy coatings - the low-e and Pilkington K among them - add further insulating properties to your windows, and can certainly be worth that additional expense.

Installation

Shop for a contractor and supplier as carefully as you do for glass. Shoddily done work can negate all the advantages gained in choosing to replace your current windows with double glazing. Look into the company's history and check for any complaints against them, even ask for references from others for whom they have done work. Installing double glazing throughout your house is an expensive proposition - it only makes sense to know the people who will be doing the work.

Matthew Anthony is a regular contributor to sites such as double glazing and window blinds.







Google News - Top Stories

China Daily

Obama taps Geithner, Summers for top economic jobs
Reuters - 6 hours ago
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary and Lawrence Summers as director of the White House National Economic Council, a transition aide said on Saturday.
Obama economic team starts to take shape CNN
Frenzy over Obama cabinet posts The Sun Daily
CNNMoney.com - The Associated Press - Newsday - Financial Times
all 3,004 news articles


President-elect Barack Obama pumps up his economic stimulus proposal
Los Angeles Times - 1 hour ago
His new, two-year economic package will create 2.5 million jobs by 2011, the president-elect says. By Christi Parsons Reporting from Washington -- President-elect Barack Obama signaled Saturday that he would quickly seek a sweeping economic recovery ...
Video: Obama Outlines Job Creation Plan AssociatedPress
Obama proposes bigger, greener economic stimulus plan San Jose Mercury News
Chicago Tribune - Washington Post - TheNewsTribune.com - Kansas City Star
all 1,447 news articles


New York Daily News

Oklahoma Dominates, Scrambling Title Races
New York Times - 3 hours ago
John A. Bowersmith/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, via AP Oklahoma’s punter, Mike Knall, and fans in the stands celebrate the Sooner’s 65-21 victory over Texas Tech on Saturday.
Sooners' intensity overwhelms Texas Tech FOXSports.com
Top-25 College Football Game Capsules Sports Network
Philadelphia Inquirer - ESPN - Fort Worth Star Telegram - Dallas Morning News
all 1,262 news articles


WELT ONLINE

Obama puts Osama off his game Clarence Page
Chicago Tribune - 1 hour ago
Having a last name that sounds like Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's first name has never been a political plus for Barack Obama.
US Muslim leaders denounce al Qaeda's slur toward Obama CNN International
Zawahiri's desperate diss Boston Globe
Atlanta Journal Constitution - Washington Times - New York Times - Washington Post
all 1,442 news articles


guardian.co.uk

US Kills Al-Qaeda Suspect
Washington Post - 5 hours ago
By Candace Rondeaux KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 22 -- A suspected al-Qaeda operative linked to a 2006 plot to blow up British airliners was killed Saturday in a suspected US missile strike in northwestern Pakistan, according to two Pakistani intelligence ...
Airstrike Kills Qaeda-Linked Militant in Pakistan New York Times
Lawmakers demand clarity over terror suspect death AFP
The Associated Press - The Post - BBC News - guardian.co.uk
all 1,021 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base