January 18, 2012
Double Glazing – How Does it Work?
Double glazed windows are not only effective against the cold. They also help to reduce noise levels and conserve fuel costs. In fact, homes that need to brave through extremely cold temperatures will find a friend in double glazing.
If you're interested in how does double glazing work, it's simple.
Instead of holding just one glass pane, the frame holds together two. A lot of glass panes are tinted green, bronze, blue or grey to avert solar radiation. The higher-end models may also have in them reflective, anti-glare and heat absorbing technologies. Combined, these features make sure that homes remain comfortable during either hot or cold weather.
Both panes are not positioned next to each other. They are rather set apart by a gap known as the “spacer.” Filled with gas or air, the spacer plays a central role in the heat loss reduction and noise-proofing capabilities of double glazed windows.
Science explains that when two solid objects of dissimilar temperatures are placed next to each other, heat passes from the hotter object to the cooler object. Usually, the closer the particles are, the sooner they can convey heat. It is for this simple explanation that heat transfer is soonest in solids and slowest in gases.
The same principle for delayed heat transfer also applies to noise reduction. Since it takes time for sound to move from indoors to outdoors, homes that use double glazed windows are distinctly quieter than the average home. A few spacers even employ foam padding to further absorb echo and keep the home noise-proof to some degree.
For the best possible performance, the entire set-up is sealed. The final step carries out at least two very important purposes: firstly, it thwarts outside air from displacing the gas inside the spacer, and secondly, it reduces the threat of moisture build-up in the inner glass panes.
If you want to learn more including important information about the different types of frames available such as upvc double glazing why not visit AboutDoubleGlazing.co.uk which offers an un-biased guide to the subject.Mark Richards is a freelance author who writes for many popular home & garden publications.
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