If you are constructing a new home or carrying out extensive renovations to your current one, chances are you will have to contemplate new windows. Some homeowners may have heard about double glazed windows, but do you know why they are becoming a popular option in construction? The main reason for their popularity is that these windows offer enhanced insulation for your residence. Which ultimately will reduce your monthly energy bills. Here are some of the things that you should know about double glazed windows.

What makes double glazed windows so special?

Double glazed windows are composed of two panels of glass with some space between the two. This design of the windows functions for several things:

• The inner layer provides insulation between the outdoors and the interior of the home by reducing the amount of heat or cold that penetrates the windows.
• The double glazed panels reduce the amount of condensation that forms on the windows when the temperatures indoors are higher than those outside
• The inner layer provides sound insulation, thereby reducing the amount of ambient noise that makes its way into the home, as well as the amount of noise that leaves the residence.

It should be noted though that although double glazed windows provide a degree of insulation from the temperatures outdoors, it is not totally effective with radiant heat. This means if the sun is directly striking the windowpanes, then heat transfer will occur. If you would like to stop this from happening, then you would be best advised to opt for window tinting for your double glazed windows. This will ensure that the UV rays do not penetrate the panes, as these are what end up increasing the temperatures indoors.

Are all double glazed windows the same?

A common misconception that people have is that as long as the windows have double glazing, then they are all function the same. The truth of the matter though is that the inner layer between the glazed windows is what will dictate the primary functionality of the windows.

For instance, gas filled double glazed windows will contain either nitrogen or argon in the inner layer. These gases are what make the windows provide insulation for the property.

Laminated double glazed windows on the other hand will have a plastic membrane as their inner layer. This not only enhances the insulation of the windows, but also makes the glass panes shatter proof.

Lastly, thermal double glazed windows have a UV resistant membrane that prevents the penetration of UV rays. This membrane blocks out radiant heat, thus, these double glazed windows will not require tinting.