Living in Australia it can sometimes be a *struggle* getting through those long hot summers, but thankfully when it comes to windows for your home, double glazing is available. It is an insulated glazing where two panels of glass are used to reduce noise and heat in both windows and doors.

In a standard single glazed window noise and heat are easily transferred, and in summer – single-glazed windows *allow* the sunlight in – which heats up your home. In winter, all that nice warmth escapes to the outside which means you are paying more to keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter.

By using double glazed windows the two panes of glass and the gap between them dramatically reduces heat loss in winter and air-conditioned air in summer. You will also find your house is a lot quieter all year round!

Why use double-glazed windows?

• You will enjoy a much cooler home. Double glazed windows and doors will have your family feeling more comfortable – they keep the hot air out in summer and the warm air in during winter. Some people don’t like using air conditioners or heaters so double glazed windows will keep your home at a more stable temperature so you’ll use your air conditioner or heater a lot less.
• Your home will be a lot quieter. Outside noise can be very distracting so double glazed windows can help keep the noise from outside from coming in – which is perfect if you live in a busy/high traffic area. Think how much nicer being at home will be when you can block out the sounds of barking dogs, noisy neighbours, loud air conditioners, traffic noises and so much more.
• Lower energy bills – energy bills keep rising and this has become a major headache for people everywhere, it’s often the deciding factor when it comes to using heating and cooling systems. Windows can impact on the costs of heating and cooling throughout the year with up to 40% of a home’s heating energy lost each year and up to 87% of its heat build-up gained through single glass windows. Using double glazed windows improves your window’s thermal performance and reduces both greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
• Your house will feel more secure – Most burglars gain entry to a home through the windows and doors, your standard single-glazed windows and doors offer little or no protection from those wanting to gain entry to your home. Thankfully today the modern double-glazed windows and doors available include security enhanced PVC framing and multi-point locking technology that can help improve your window security that should deter any would-be burglars.
• Reduce condensation – condensation occurs when moist air and a cold surface meet – you’ll see this happening when your bathroom mirror fogs up during a shower or when a drinking glass drips condensation onto your table. Unfortunately, today in many homes condensation on doors and windows is a problem. We have these thin panes of glass that become a cold surface in winter and when the warm, moist air inside a home meets that cold pane of glass it can cause condensation. Condensation on windows and doors can cause problems, moisture can trickle down and damage your window frame – especially if it’s wood, and occasionally very bad condensation can damage your walls, carpet, floor or architraves and high moisture levels are breeding grounds for mould. Double glazing can virtually eliminate this problem. The gas between the two panes of glass ensures that the inside glass is kept at room temperature – this means condensation issues will become a thing of the past!

Whether you are building new, renovating or just upgrading windows and doors in your home, double glazed is the best choice you can make. The good news is – there isn’t a home out there that can’t be fitted with double glazed windows and doors, and with so many options available getting the right doors and windows for your home isn’t a problem.

When it comes to window frames for your double-glazed windows – there are 3 main styles, each with their own pros-and-cons.

Aluminium –  This is the cheapest option, it’s durable, light and strong and comes in a range of colours, however aluminium is a good conductor of heat and cold. This means it will absorb the heat outside and bring it inside your home which will decrease the energy values of your windows.

Timber – It is great for natural insulation and it doesn’t conduct heat and cold like aluminium frames do, however timber frames are generally larger and this can result in gaps between the openings leading to draughts which can become a big issue in your home. Timber can also decay.

uPVC – Has great thermal and sound insulating properties, it seals well and doesn’t conduct hot and cold like aluminium does, and it won’t fade, rot or warp like timber frames do. It’s the best performing and lowest maintenance frame there is.