Double glazing of windows can be done either at the time of manufacture or by retro-fitting to almost all window types. As the name suggests, the separation of two panes of glass is used to create a noise or heat loss barrier – often both, depending on how the separation has been achieved.

Ways to Double Glaze

The different ways of achieving double glazing:

• Natural air cavity: This is where the glass is separated simply mounting them at an optimised distance. This acts as a barrier to the loss of heating from inside and the penetration of heat from outside. Depending on the choice of frame, it is also an effective noise barrier.
• Sealed single gas cavity: This is where the two panes of glass are separated by a particular gas e.g. nitrogen. Proponents of this method claim that it has greater insulating properties than the natural air type
• Vacuum cavity: This is where all the air has been eliminated from the space between the panes. This is a very costly option and is usually only used for specialised applications, but it is the ultimate in sound proofing and heat exchange efficiency.
• Laminated glass windows: Mostly used in commercial buildings, it is also available for domestic use. The biggest plus of this option is that it adds an element of safety to your windows because the laminate between the glass layers is virtually shatter-proof. It also functions as efficiently as the natural air cavity system. Laminated glass windows can be almost any thickness and configuration.
• Thermal glass: Glass with a plastic filament inserted in the manufacturing phase are often used as skylights and said to cut over 95% of ultraviolet radiation as well as being an effective sound barrier.
• Temporary double glazing: This is a ‘quick fix’ solution in the form of a clingwrap type film  applied to the frame of a non-opening window and then heated with a hair dryer or heat gun to pull it tight. It can be removed at the end of the severe weather and returned to a normal window again.

Double Glazing for Noise Reduction

 Our world is getting noisier and double glazing could also help your home become quieter. Double glazing creates an extra layer of glass which helps to buffer external sounds. This could be vehicle traffic, noisy neighbours or the sound of aircraft from a nearby airport. Some sources report that the amount of sound entering your home can be reduced by as much as 75 percent. The effectiveness of the noise reduction capability is generally achieved by the diameter of the air gap and thickness of the glazing.

More Double Glazing Window Options

Simply using thicker glass can create an effective barrier to noise and heat exchange, and this can be a good alternative to full double glazing. Another option is to have metallic or reflective special plastic film applied to windows to reduce noise, decrease heat exchange and increase security by making the glass shatter resistant.

There are many places where double glazing and double glazing alternatives can be sourced. The first stop after you have decided your budget and other considerations, is to either have a consultant from the various manufacturers visit you to measure up and advise, or visit a window specialist. Either way you will find all the help you need including getting access to the specialist installers you will need whatever option you choose.

As the world becomes noisier, and with all the discussion about our individual carbon footprint, there comes a time when people who are concerned about these issues look around the house and decide that something they can do to make a positive effect on their living environment is to minimise heat and cooling loss by installing double glazing on their windows.