An average house loses roughly 10% of heat through doors and windows. Installing energy efficient glazing goes miles to reduce this heat loss. It not only reduces your heating bills but also mitigates the heat loss. Finally, yet importantly, it makes your home quieter.
Double-glazed windows feature two glass sheets with a gap in between them. The gap, that is normally 16mm, creates an insulating barrier to reduce the rate at which heat disappears from your home. Today, triple-glazed windows are available. They feature three sheets of glass meaning they have two insulating gaps to offer even better insulation.
What is the Lifespan of Double Glazing?
Typically, the lifespan of double-glazing is approximately 20 years. Nevertheless, this can vary from roughly 10 – 35 years. It all depends on factors such as:
- Location of your windows
- Workmanship of installation
- Quality of materials
- Temperature differences
Do All Double-Glazed Windows Last The Same?
No. Not all units last the same. This is even if they are all from a similar double glazing company. Based on the aforementioned factors, some units may last for as little as ten years while others can remain intact for far longer than the usual 20 years. The high-quality ones can you as much as thirty-five years of service before they come obsolete.
Consequently, depending on the manufacturer, companies will normally issue a warranty of 10 – 20 years.
DGU’s longevity can also be affected by its location within your home. For instance, if the windows face towards the equator, often, it can last no more than 12 years.
How Wear and Tear Affects Double Glazing Units
With time, double glazed windows might suffer from some wear and tear as well as all kinds of minor damages such as the insulated glazing unit starting to leak gradually. According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, when roughly 25% of all the gas has evaporated, the window’s thermal performance is reduced. At this point, it is necessary to consider replacing the windows entirely. Alternatively, you can install secondary glazing.
Another issue that you might have to grapple with is condensation. This is especially true when it collects between glass layers when there’s a failure on the part of the perimeter seal. Condensation can also take place when the desiccant becomes saturated. Generally, the only way to eliminate all that is through IGU.
If you want to learn more about double glazing condensation, check out this article.
Most definitely, the ravages of time can take a toll on double glazed windows too. A common way that this happens is when huge temperature differences between the inside and outside surfaces of the DGU stresses the spacer adhesives, which can cause it to fail. When the gap between glass panes within a DGU is smaller, the more susceptible it is to this type of issue.
When such a thing happens, you need to consider having your unit serviced. If the case is more severe, it might be necessary to replace the unit completely.
How to Choose the Best Double-Glazed Windows
Undeniably, choosing replacement windows for your property can turn out to be a challenging process. You need to consider a huge array of factors. Some of them include:
- Type of glass
- Style of property
- The window frame material
When in the market for replacement windows, here are some tips to follow:
Consider Low-E (low emissivity) Glass
Often, this kind of glass features an invisible metal oxide coating on one of the glass’ internal panes that’s next to the gap. The major advantage of this kind of glass is its capability to allow light in but reduce heat loss. On top of that, the gap between the two glass panes in every double-glazing is normally filled with a non-toxic and inert gas. Of great importance to note is that this gas tends to have a greater density than air. Therefore, it is able to effectively reduce heat loss from your property.
The most commonly used gas is argon. The gas is not only colourless, but is also extremely cost-effective. Additionally, it doesn’t react to other gases and is non-flammable.
Consider Energy Efficiency Rating
To help property owners make the best decision when it comes to choosing the best windows, the BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) developed a rating scheme utilizing a scale A+ to G. It is similar to those utilized for washing machines and fridges. When coming up with the energy rating, you have to take into account the entire window, that is, both glass and frame.
The BSI and Certass provide other rating systems for windows.
Efficient windows might also feature the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo.
What You Should Do After Replacing Your Windows
After replacing your windows, you must ensure that your property is well ventilated. This is because the replacement windows tend to be more airtight compared to the originals. So what makes ventilation necessary? It is important since it allows moisture to escape and fresh air to get inside the house.
In case your property doesn’t have natural or passive ventilation, you should search for replacement windows that have trickle vents because they allow tiny amounts of controlled ventilation.
Final Words
To sum it up, top-notch quality double glazing units that have been installed properly and given appropriate maintenance should last two decades if not more. A trustworthy company with excellent service ought to give you the utmost peace of mind with a warranty that covers your entire investment for a major part of its estimated lifespan. Once it is past that, you have a variety of options for handling any issues, which might crop up.
Finding a reputable double glazing installer is possible via any of the following two organizations:
- DGCOS (The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme) – This one provides free services when it comes to investigating complaints about any work handled by its members. The service includes a compensation fund, arbitration and free independent inspections. All installers accredited under the organization must provide a comprehensive guarantee to clients and deposit protection.
- FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) – FENSA is basically a competent person scheme formed by GCF (Glass and Glazing Federation) and other bodies in the industry. The organization enables companies to install replacement doors and windows to self-certify compliance based on Building Regulations without an assessment from Building Control.
Contact us today for double glazing Liverpool services.
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