By Andrew Brentford
The act of comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows is fairly simple. Sash windows, originally single glazed, are now made in double and even triple glazed models for greater energy efficiency. This extra glazing does not have to compromise the appearance of the window, which may be important to the integrity of an historical restoration or to the design of a modern house.
The sash type of window, with at least one movable panel to allow opening the interior of the building to the outside air, was invented in the middle of the seventeenth century in England. Before then, most windows were of the casement type, with panels that opened outward on side hinges.
The term glazing technically means the glass itself, although some use it to mean the act of putting the glass in the frame; this is really reglazing, or replacing the glass in a window with new putty to hold it in place. Single glazing is using one sheet of glass in a window or a mutton frame (holds individual panes that make up a sash), while double glazing is using two layers of glass with empty space in between. This inner space usually simply contains air, although some manufacturers will fill the space with gas, such as argon.
The act of double glazing increases the insulating effect of the window, blocking more of the heat transfer through the glass and muffling noise as well. Replacing single glazed windows with double ones may qualify the homeowner for tax credits under government energy saving programs. Keeping summer heat and light out and keeping home heat and air conditioning in is much easier with two sheets of glass (or rigid plastic) with an air space in between.
Other ways of insulating windows include draperies, which can cut the amount of heat and light that enter a home, or the heat and air conditioning that escapes, but block the view and the natural daylight as well. Tinting the glass has the same drawback and only works against sunlight; it does not help to keep hot or cold air from escaping from the inside to the outdoors. There are clear, insulating films that may be applied to the glass, but this is a short term fix.
Less expensive models may consist of two sheets of glass per sash, with either no frames or faux frames which are placed over the glass to simulate separate panes. However, windows with many individual panes also can be double glazed, and expert glaziers can even do this in vintage windows.
Comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows will show that the double paned windows are far more energy efficient. The appearance of an older house or building can be preserved if windows are updated. It is a good idea to construct modern homes with double glazed windows to start with.
The sash type of window, with at least one movable panel to allow opening the interior of the building to the outside air, was invented in the middle of the seventeenth century in England. Before then, most windows were of the casement type, with panels that opened outward on side hinges.
The term glazing technically means the glass itself, although some use it to mean the act of putting the glass in the frame; this is really reglazing, or replacing the glass in a window with new putty to hold it in place. Single glazing is using one sheet of glass in a window or a mutton frame (holds individual panes that make up a sash), while double glazing is using two layers of glass with empty space in between. This inner space usually simply contains air, although some manufacturers will fill the space with gas, such as argon.
The act of double glazing increases the insulating effect of the window, blocking more of the heat transfer through the glass and muffling noise as well. Replacing single glazed windows with double ones may qualify the homeowner for tax credits under government energy saving programs. Keeping summer heat and light out and keeping home heat and air conditioning in is much easier with two sheets of glass (or rigid plastic) with an air space in between.
Other ways of insulating windows include draperies, which can cut the amount of heat and light that enter a home, or the heat and air conditioning that escapes, but block the view and the natural daylight as well. Tinting the glass has the same drawback and only works against sunlight; it does not help to keep hot or cold air from escaping from the inside to the outdoors. There are clear, insulating films that may be applied to the glass, but this is a short term fix.
Less expensive models may consist of two sheets of glass per sash, with either no frames or faux frames which are placed over the glass to simulate separate panes. However, windows with many individual panes also can be double glazed, and expert glaziers can even do this in vintage windows.
Comparing double glazed sash windows to single glazed windows will show that the double paned windows are far more energy efficient. The appearance of an older house or building can be preserved if windows are updated. It is a good idea to construct modern homes with double glazed windows to start with.
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The utilization of double glazed sash windows helps to keep energy expenditure at a lower rate than you would obtain with single glazing. Sash windows are historically a great method to promote natural energy efficiency.
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