Your Options for New Windows

If you’re looking for windows that reduce noise and stores heat, double glazed windows are the solution. These windows are quickly becoming a popular choice for many new homes and are often used to replace existing old-school type single pane windows.

There are several types of double glazed windows such as uPVC and thermal plastic sheeting. Though with quite a handful of options, many ask if the installation can be done as a DIY project or should be left up to professional window installers. To answer that, different types of windows call for different installations – some that can be done by yourself and some that should be left to the professionals to install.

About Double Glazing

A double glazed window is a window frame that’s built with two panes of glass that are separated by an air pocket (or sometimes gas) that drastically improves the window’s thermal insulation and offers acoustic insulation as well. Double glazing can be achieved in other ways such by:

• retrofitting uPVC over existing windows
• applying a UV blocking feature and noise dampening plastic sheeting straight on to the windows (technically not double glazing but is the cheapest and easiest DIY method)

Though both methods can be done by yourself, these call for skilled DIY experts only.

Replacing or Retrofitting Double Glazed Windows

These type of windows are considered to be more costly than average type of windows along with its installation either on a new building or to replace an existing window. Some points to consider:

• If your window needs to be replaced due to rotting, moulding or deformity, replacing it with a double glazed window is another option
• If a large window is in good shape but absorbs too much heat or does not cover external noises, rather than replacing it with a new double glazed window, a smarter option would be to retrofit it with a uPVC window

With that in mind, note that it is the space between the window panes that offer the thermal and noise reduction properties of double glazed windows. as a rule of thumb, the wider the space in between window panes, the better the insulation and more so, the acoustic. Know that most double glazed windows have a standard gap of 6mm; while retrofitted uPVC windows have their own discrete frames and removable fastening systems and are set apart at 100mm from an existing window. A lot of people are not aware but this can actually make a noticeable difference especially to your room’s acoustics. Fact is, they can reduce perceived noises to as much as 75 percent, according to studies.

For homes or offices next to busy roads or schools, the only solution is to combine double glazed windows with uPVC retrofit windows. If it’s direct sunlight you’re dealing with, the windows should be tinted or have some kind of UV blocking feature.

If both double glazed and uPVC windows are not installed properly, they tend to fail in serving their thermal and acoustic purposes. In conclusion, the best way to ensure you are getting the best delivery is to let window experts handle your installation rather than DIY.