The Benefits of Double Glazing

Copyright (c) 2009 Ianson Internet Marketing

When you look at a cross section of a wall, what do you see? Is it a single, thick slab of building material or do you see a double wall with studs set for support? Double walls provide insulated protection between you and the elements outside. The air between the walls allows the outside wall to be cold while the inside surface of the wall is comfortably at "room temperature".

Have you ever been in a shack or shed with just single, clapboard walls? Even if they are well heated, as soon as the heat source is distinguished, the air starts feeling cold again. The condensation often builds inside, causing discomfort and water damage.

So why did we put up with single pane windows long after we started demanding double layered walls? When it isn't open, isn't a window simply a wall? How did it ever make sense to double the exterior walls of our homes, but expecting the windows to do the same job? We layer walls with siding, brick, plywood, studs, sheetrock; then we finish the job with a healthy layer of insulation.

But what have we traditionally done with those stylish yet functional holes in the walls? We fill them up with some framing... and a thin layer of glass. Glass is great stuff, but let's face it, it's no match for the onslaught of Mother Nature. Yet when we are cold, who do we blame? Windows. When we are hot, do we thrown open a wall? No, we turn to our windows and expect them to restore comfort and a healthy environment to our rooms.

Double glazing does the same thing we ask of our double walls. The outer pane is dependent on the whims of weather. The inner pane spends their days and nights languishing at room temperature. The only reason the inner pane can keep the nice air in, is the outer pane is playing defense, keeping the hot side hot, and the cool side cool.

More than mere comfort, the double pane window also pays for itself over time. The money and energy saved by installing them will make up for the additional cost. As the external pane keeps the elements out, the inner pane keeps your money from leaking out.

Single glazed windows should be left in the dumpster of history with the pet rock, the Edsell, and the 8 track tape player. In fact, the 8 track tape made a lot more sense than single pane windows.