Double-glazed windows provide the home with a number of benefits, including a rise in value, improved insulation, and noise reduction. Double glazing has been a normal practice for almost all UK and European homes for the last 50 years or more due to government regulations mandating all homes to be of a particular energy efficiency, which the property may achieve thanks to double glazing. Despite the fact that double glazing has long been acclaimed for its ability to block heat, how does this affect the security of the home as a whole? Is the improvement worthwhile only for this region?
The Main Benefits
Let's start by reviewing the main benefits of double glazing. Here are some of them:
- Better protection from the cold insulation. the main benefit of double glazing, which has been the main driver of conversion over the last 50 years.
- A further reduction in noise. When installed properly, double glazing has the capacity to reduce outside noise pollution by 90% compared to single glazing.
- Increasing the value of the house. Modern double glazing often increases a property's value by 10% or more. The market value of a house is increased with new double glazing, albeit the exact rise depends on the property and its location.
The two glass panes and the thermally insulating gas between them are responsible for the first two benefits of double glazing installation. The transfer of heat energy between the two panes of glass is stopped by a layer of thick inert gas, often argon. Additionally, the insulation successfully reduces the air vibrations that noise produces. Sound loses energy when it passes through dense objects. As the vibrations pass through the installation, which is made up of two panes of glass and a thick inert gas, they typically grow less severe.
Does it also apply to incoming intruders? When attempting to get through the glass, do they encounter the same barriers that heat and acoustic energy do? Yes is the prompt reply.
The security of double glazing
Double glazing was initially more secure than single glazing since it was more difficult to break through (from the 1970s to the 1990s). Beading was added all the way around the exterior of the double-glazed window, making it extremely easy for a potential burglar to bring a tool to pry it open and ultimately weaken the integrity of the double-structural glass. It may take some time since it's not an easy process. Even though it takes longer, this approach isn't significantly more effective than just smashing through a single glass pane.
It's a benefit that this architectural problem has been solved by modern double glazing from the 2000s. Since the beading of the window is now within the frame, it is difficult to enter quickly and unobserved. Double glazing has experienced several technical developments, including improved beading, in addition to being very durable. Today, most can take a lot of punishment before really breaking through. In order to successfully break in, the burglar would have to make a lot of noise, which would definitely attract attention and force them to escape or be caught. You may check out your window to see whether the beading is inside or outside. The strip of aluminium you could see inside is the beading.
How can I be sure my double glazing is secure?
Fortunately, there are currently a number of accreditations that can be obtained by companies to show that their double-glazed windows go above and beyond the tight security standards. For instance, the vast majority of trustworthy installers would have made sure they met the "Secured by Design" requirement set by the police in order to remain competitive in the market. All double glazing installers who have had this done will take care to note that it has been done on their websites. There are a number of other security accreditations available, so keep a watch on the websites of various installations.
The security potential of your double-glazed window is further increased by preserving the integrity of your locks and hardware. If these components degrade in any way, they can generate flaws that potential invaders might exploit. Simply check to see whether all of your windows seem secure, and if in doubt, give them a firm but gentle push from the inside to see if they move at all. If they do move the window a little, there is obviously a vulnerability someplace else as well. For the same reason, make sure the handle locks tightly and doesn't feel at all slack. Normally, it is possible to repair or replace these window parts without having to replace the whole system.
The same meticulousness is needed to clean your window frame as it is to clean your locks and glass. It carries the risk of damaging the apertures and exposing framing issues if the frame has a buildup of mould. They are easy to manage. You can keep the window frames in great condition and stop worrying about any damage there by giving them a simple wipe-down on a regular basis with a wet cloth.
Double Glazing from Ecovue
The modern innovation of double glazing will soon become the norm in all Australian homes. The double-glazed panels and the air pocket they create between one another shield the building from heat seepage. Together, the sound barrier and insulation of the system preserve privacy by keeping outside noise out and internal noise in.
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