Double glazing refers to the manufacturing of insulated windows that consist of two or more opaque glass panels attached to the exterior frame of a building, with each pane attached to the other with a small gap. Insulated glass generally consists of two or more transparent glass pane panels connected to the exterior frame of a building by a small gap. The term was first used initially to refer to the addition of an inner layer of gas to the original glass so as to improve the insulating quality of the window. Today double glazing means making the creation of a window with two panes of glass so as to increase the insulation value of that window. Insulated windows provide an increased level of thermal comfort and improved energy efficiency, while also contributing to sound reduction and reducing the build up of airborne pollutants such as noise, dust, spores, and pollen. A window that contains more than one pane that is sealed provides greater sound proofing benefits as well. Firmfix a Double Glazing Gloucester based company can install them.
There are two primary methods for glazing, primary and secondary glazing. In primary glazing, the space between the two panes of glass is left open. The air gap is filled with a gas such as argon, krypton, xenon, or nitrogen and then sealed between the two panes using polyvinyl chlorides (PVC). Secondary glazing involves creating a seal between the outer glass panes using a secondary metal such as aluminum or tin and filling the space with either an insulating gas. The primary and secondary glazing systems may be composed of different materials depending on the particular application.
One important type of double glazing is called spacer bars. Spacer bars are translucent, see through, plastic panes of glass that are placed in between the panes to prevent insulation from entering the space between the two panes of glass. When air enters, it pushes against the insulating gas and forms an insulating layer against heat transfer. These bars are most commonly found in window shades and skylights. Some spacer bars are coated with an anti permanent paint allowing them to remain in place in the event of a fire or other disaster.