Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Trying To Best Find The Environmental Benefits Of Secondary Glazing

By Roger McNiel


The likelihood is that if you have single glazed windows in your home, you will benefit from looking at the environmental benefits of secondary glazing.

It is useful to understand precisely what this is first before looking at advantages and disadvantages because it often gets mixed up with the more commonly found double glazing. This is actually a cheaper alternative to double glazing which can be particularly useful when planning restrictions prevent double glazing from being fitted.

Secondary glazed windows can be achieved either by adding an additional pane of glass to an existing window, or by fixing a plastic sheet to the existing window. It is best to have an expert install any additional panes to get the most out of the improvements, but the plastic sheeting can easily be installed by any amateur DIY enthusiast.

Greater thermal performance is generally considered to be the main advantage of these windows as an increase in efficiency of up to 60% is obtainable and troublesome draughts can quickly be remedied. As most energy conscious environmentalists know, the majority of heat lost in the home is through the windows, and carbon emissions can be significantly reduced by fitting a secondary window.

The impact of noise pollution on health is often ignored, but the stress caused by this can in fact have a severe negative impact. Whether it is noise from cars on the road, the stereo system of the neighbors or just the general loudness of society, these disturbances can be minimized by a new window as improved acoustic insulation is another key benefit.

Security is obviously important to everybody, and the increased protection afforded by just one extra window layer is surprising. A secondary layer can make forced entry from burglars much more difficult, and can also protect against bomb blasts, fire, or gunshots.

While the environmental advantages are important, it is perhaps the financial benefits that encourage most people to commit to upgrading their windows. As much as one third can be saved on the average heating bill, which very quickly adds up to cover the initial outlay of fitting the window. Given the current economic climate, such savings are difficult to dismiss.

It should also be recognized that there is one potential disadvantage to these windows that can be extremely dangerous if not corrected immediately. A lack of ventilation caused by a poorly fitted window can result in a build up of condensation, which in turn can cause the windows to decay internally. Although this can be fairly common, it is also easily prevented if due care is taken.

Now the environmental benefits of secondary glazing should appear more obvious, and are hopefully a useful guide in helping decide how best to insulate your home or office.




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