Buying double glazed windows for your home or office is a big decision. This comprehensive guide covers all the key details you need – from understanding how they work to finding the right company to install them. Read on for expert advice that will help you make the best choice.

What are Double Glazed Windows?

Double glazed windows have two panes of glass in each frame, with a gap between them. This air gap acts as insulation, helping reduce outside noise entering the home and preventing heat loss. The two pieces of glass are sealed in an airtight way within the frame.

How Do Double Glazed Windows Work?

The air cavity between the two panes of glass provides exceptional insulating properties. It acts as a buffer zone, keeping outside temperatures from easily transferring through to the interior glass pane. This helps moderate indoor temperatures, reducing energy costs for heating and cooling.

Any moisture that enters the air gap often dries without leaving condensation on the interior glass. This prevents water damage, mould growth and associated health issues. Furthermore, less external noise penetrates through to the home, making rooms considerably quieter.

Benefits of Double Glazed Windows

Energy Efficiency

With two layers of glass instead of one, double glazed windows insulate much better. This can cut energy costs by preventing heat loss in winter and reducing solar heat gain in summer. Expert installers will fill the gap between panes with argon gas, providing even more efficiency.

Noise Reduction

The dual glass layers and gas-filled cavity absorb noise extremely well. This significantly reduces the transmission of external sounds like traffic or noisy neighbours. Rooms with double glazed windows can be over 50% quieter.

Prevent Condensation

Warm air holds more moisture. So when it hits a cold single pane of glass, condensation forms. But double glazing keeps that inner pane warmer, stopping water from developing. Subsequently, it inhibits mould growth and potential respiratory issues.

Things to Consider When Buying Double Glazed Windows

There are a few aspects to factor into your decision when purchasing double glazed windows:

Climate – The efficiency gains are most worthwhile in extreme weather. So they make the most economic sense in hot or cold areas.
Noise – Acoustic glazing will provide the maximum soundproofing if external noise is an issue.
Size – Larger double glazed glass panels may need reinforcement to handle heavy winds or impact. Discuss this with potential suppliers.
Pair with Other Improvements – Maximise energy savings by combining new windows with extra insulation, weather sealing, solar panels or geothermal heating.

Types of Double Glazed Glass

There are a few specialty types of double glazed glass to suit specific needs:

Low-E Glass

This uses a virtually invisible metal coating to further reduce radiant heat transfer through the glazing. Therefore, it maximises insulation, comfort and energy savings.

Self-Cleaning Glass

By utilising both a coated outer glass pane and photocatalytic inner pane, this specialised glazing breaks down organic dirt in sunlight. This means the windows clean themselves through natural UV rays.

Acoustic Glass

With thicker glass panes plus enhanced laminates and resins, acoustic double glazing dampens noise pollution exceptionally well. This provides noticeably quieter interiors.

Frame Materials for Double Glazed Windows

There are four common options when choosing double glazed window frames:

UPVC

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride frames are low maintenance, durable and insulating. Resistant to scratching, warping and humidity, UPVC is the most affordable frame choice.

Related: Best uPVC Window Cost 2024

Aluminium

Sleek, durable, strong and recyclable, aluminium frames require minimal upkeep. Slender profiles allow more glass and less frame. But aluminium conducts heat more readily unless thermally broken.

Wood

Sustainably sourced timber frames suit many home aesthetics with their natural beauty. Yet they do require regular maintenance like staining or painting to protect the wood. They also offer less insolation than other frames.

Composite Materials

Blending components like PVC, wood fibre, recycled vinyl and aluminium provides durable, low upkeep composite frames. They better resist swelling, rotting, cracking and conductive heat loss.

Cost of Double Glazed Windows

The price depends on the frame material, glazing type, complexity of installation and supplier margins. Indicative costs are:

Basic Double Glazed UPVC or Composite Windows – $350+ per mÂ2
Double Glazed Aluminum Windows – $450+ per mÂ2
Double Glazed Wooden Windows – $550+ per mÂ2
Specialty Acoustic or Self-Cleaning Glass – $100+ extra per mÂ2

Get multiple quotes to find the best deal. And look into potential rebates, incentives and tax deductions to help offset costs.

How to Choose the Right Company

With this major purchase, it pays to find an established, reputable installer with extensive expertise. Key traits to look for include:

Long track record of outstanding service
Specialise exclusively in double glazed window installation
Fully trained and certified technicians
Handle entire process from initial quote to final cleanup

Research potential firms, check reviews and ask for recent client references to confirm quality. Avoid unexpectedly cheap deals that seem too good to be true.

Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes

To determine the optimal double glazing solution for your property, inquire about these aspects when meeting potential installers:

Glazing and frame types available
Noise reduction performance
Warranty periods for the frames, seals and installation
Estimated timeline from deposit to completion
Credentials like licences, insurance and industry affiliations

Compare quotes in detail – the cheapest option may cut concerning corners.

Checking Certifications and Warranties

Reputable manufacturers and installers will adhere to important certifications and offer strong double glazed window warranties including:

AS1288 – Australian safety standards for glass use
WERs – Certified Window Energy Rating Scheme scores
10-20 year warranties covering window seals, fogging, framework and installation faults

Don’t risk substandard products or workmanship – always confirm certificates and guarantees in writing first.

Getting a Building Permit

Whether double glazed window permits are needed depends on where you live and the scope of work. Many minor retrofits don’t require approval. But always check with your state authority to avoid unapproved work fines.

Caring for Your New Double Glazed Windows

Follow this advice to keep your new double glazed windows looking pristine for decades:

Clean window glass every few months using soft cloths, mild soap and water. Never use abrasive pads or chemicals.
Vacuum dust from window frames regularly to limit dirt buildup.
Keep weather sealing around frames in good condition to retain airtight insulation.
Don’t bump, scrape or slam glass panes too forcefully, as this risks damaging the vacuum seals.

With some simple care, quality double glazing will boost your home’s comfort for the long run.

FAQs

Do new windows pay for themselves in energy savings?

Yes, upgraded double glazing cuts energy costs enough to offset their price over 5-15 years typically. Actual payback periods depend on window quality, energy rates and climate conditions.

Should I get double glazing on all windows?

Focus first on the poor performing windows catching the most weather extremes. Double glaze at least west/east facing windows and those in living zones. Do northern windows if very cold winter winds are an issue.

What are some low budget alternatives?

DIY secondary glazing systems, window films and weatherproof sealing provide partial upgrades under $100 per window typically. But the insulation and noise reduction gains are much less than proper double glazing.

Do new windows increase my home’s value?

Quality double glazed windows that boost comfort and cut power bills also make properties more attractive to buyers. They can improve resale value by over 5 times the project cost.

Why are quotes so varied between companies?

Brand reputation, product ranges, staff overheads and sales margins create wide price differences between firms. Get at least 3-4 detailed quotes for accurate comparisons. Avoid unrealistically cheap options using inferior materials that won’t last.

Conclusion

Upgrading to double glazed windows is a home improvement that pays dividends daily through superior comfort and lower energy expenses. Hopefully this guide has provided all the details needed to decide if it’s the right choice for you and your family’s needs. Do plenty of research to find an installer with specialist expertise in high quality double glazing products. This will maximise long-term satisfaction with windows that insulate, save money and stand the test of time.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Double Glazed Windows: Everything You Need to Know

What are Double Glazed Windows?

How Do Double Glazed Windows Work?