Double Glazed Windows and Doors to save energy

Many homeowners are aware that if their property has older timber-framed windows, they could be losing around 20% of their home’s heat. With fuel costs rising these days, it’s clear that every homeowner in this situation should be exploring options for improving energy efficiency, and installing double (or triple) glazed uPVC window and door units is one way to achieve significant improvements.

The first and foremost advantage of installing uPVC double glazing is that it will result in an immediate reduction in the heat that is lost from the property. Segundo, there will be a reduction in the drafts that enter the house. These two factors combine to bring about a dramatic decrease in the household energy bills.

How Does uPVC Double Glazing Work?
The manner in which energy savings are made is by virtue of the double glazing units having two separate panes of glass, rather than the single pane that is present in a traditional, older window. The two panes are spaced a few millimetres apart from one another. Either a vacuum or a gas, such as argon, occupies the space between the panes, enhancing their insulating efficiency. As we have already mentioned, this type of sealed unit also protects against noise. The insulating and noise reducing effects can be further enhanced by employing triple glazing or by increasing the amount of space between the panes.

How are uPVC Double Glazing Units Made?
Double glazed uPVC windows and doors are basically constructed by the addition of an uPVC (unplasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride) cover to a rigid frame, which is frequently made from steel. The uPVC coating is carefully fitted and sealed around the window and door frame to ensure that it is waterproof, whilst the rigid frame ensures that the units are secure. The uPVC coating is frequently white in colour although it is also possible to find windows and doors that come in alternative colours or in a grain effect. One of the major benefits associated with uPVC is that it does not require painting and, therefore, it is relatively easy to maintain.