In this article, we are going to be taking a look at double glazing windows. If you do not yet have any installed in your home then the idea is worth giving some thought to as they do carry benefits, which are backed by science.
Benefits of double glazing windows
How Double Glazing Reduces Cold Air From Entering a Room
Double glazing receives its name from the fact that it has two panes close together. There is a glass pane on the outside, one on the inside and a small space in the centre which is basically an air gap, or you might hear it referred to as an airtight pocket.
The trapped air that finds itself in-between the glass is unable to circulate so, therefore, becomes a poor conductor, resulting in the reduction in the rate of heat loss from inside the house. You see, when heat energy is transferred from hot spaces to cold spaces it is known as convection, however, it requires a good conductor for this step to take place. If there is less heat able to leave the room through the window pane the room will stay warmer for longer.
To help improve the process even further and increase the efficiency of the windows to the next level you will find that many double glazed windows are manufactured with PVCu or aluminium frames which are durable and efficient materials. It is important that there are no small gaps around the window frames that would still allow cold air to enter the house.
How Double Glazing Reduces Noise Entering a Room
But it is not just the temperature that double glazing helps to reduce, it also reduces the noise that enters a room.
Sound is a form of energy that moves in waves, this is achieved by vibrating the molecules of air and any objects it comes in contact with. So in the context of double glazing, think about how when sound waves hit the glass, the glass vibrates at the sound wave frequency and then transmits vibration to the air molecules on the other side of the glass.
Whilst the sound waves travel, any dense objects within the pathway absorb the energy which reduces the frequency of the wave as it passes through, and this is why if you put your ear to a wall you can hear people talking on the other side, but if you took some steps back you would not be able to do so!
Issues with noise can definitely be lessened with the installation of double glazing. It reduces noise by absorbing some of the energy, slowing down the vibration frequency as it transfers through the glass and the layer of gas we mentioned earlier. The sound wave will pass through the other side of the window but it would be slightly diminished therefore making the noise a little quieter to those in the room where the window is installed.
Hopefully by understanding a little more of the science behind how double glazing works you can appreciate the benefits and perhaps it will end up being the next home improvement you take on! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01908 785366 or alternatively head over to our contact page to fill in the online enquiry form.
