Both double glazing and secondary glazing are common ways for homeowners to improve the efficiency of their living spaces. Both work well to not only save energy but also reduce carbon emissions coming from a house. These two methods, however, are by no means equal in efficiency. One of the most notable differences is with secondary glazing and condensation.
Those opting for double-glazed window installation should see their home's energy consumption cut in half in most cases. A good set of double-paned windows is an extremely efficient way of making an energy miser of your home. They will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They will also insulate your living space from noise and dust, making it both quieter and cleaner.
What makes double-glazing work so well is the sealed space left between the two panes of glass. This void, which may either contain a vacuum or be filled with air or another gas (usually argon), makes for a very good insulation barrier between you and the outside world. This insulating space must be completely sealed (air-tight) in order to function properly.
Some glass used in double-glazing is termed 'Low-E', which stands for low emissivity. This is a fairly new technological advancement and is extremely effective. Low-E glass has a microscopic coating on one side which is able to keep heat in your house in winter yet repel heat rays trying to enter during the hotter months of the year. This is very 'smart' glass and knows just when to keep your space warmer or cooler.
Because proper double-glazing will employ an air-tight seal, chances of condensation appearing are minimal. The same cannot be said about secondary glazing, which is one of its shortcomings. Because secondary windows are placed on the inside of existing single-paned windows they just don't work as well as when the primary window is replaced with a double-glazed unit. Unfortunately, adding double-paned models isn't always possible.
Prior planning consent is not required in order to install secondary windows. For homes that are listed (or in Conservation areas) this may be the best option. It may, in fact, be your ONLY option.
Besides the problems associated with secondary glazing and condensation there is also the inconvenience of this type of arrangement to be taken into account. You may want to remove these secondary windows during the summer months, which means finding a storage area for them. Also be aware that these types of windows will normally make escape from the house in an emergency more difficult.
Those opting for double-glazed window installation should see their home's energy consumption cut in half in most cases. A good set of double-paned windows is an extremely efficient way of making an energy miser of your home. They will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They will also insulate your living space from noise and dust, making it both quieter and cleaner.
What makes double-glazing work so well is the sealed space left between the two panes of glass. This void, which may either contain a vacuum or be filled with air or another gas (usually argon), makes for a very good insulation barrier between you and the outside world. This insulating space must be completely sealed (air-tight) in order to function properly.
Some glass used in double-glazing is termed 'Low-E', which stands for low emissivity. This is a fairly new technological advancement and is extremely effective. Low-E glass has a microscopic coating on one side which is able to keep heat in your house in winter yet repel heat rays trying to enter during the hotter months of the year. This is very 'smart' glass and knows just when to keep your space warmer or cooler.
Because proper double-glazing will employ an air-tight seal, chances of condensation appearing are minimal. The same cannot be said about secondary glazing, which is one of its shortcomings. Because secondary windows are placed on the inside of existing single-paned windows they just don't work as well as when the primary window is replaced with a double-glazed unit. Unfortunately, adding double-paned models isn't always possible.
Prior planning consent is not required in order to install secondary windows. For homes that are listed (or in Conservation areas) this may be the best option. It may, in fact, be your ONLY option.
Besides the problems associated with secondary glazing and condensation there is also the inconvenience of this type of arrangement to be taken into account. You may want to remove these secondary windows during the summer months, which means finding a storage area for them. Also be aware that these types of windows will normally make escape from the house in an emergency more difficult.
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