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Monday 3 February 2014

Windows and energy: secondary glazing with curtains is more efficient than double-glazing

In November's issue of 'Period Living'
Period Living November 2013 | Period Living
a piece looked at the alternatives to replacing wooden windows with uPVC:

Worth saving 
Old single-glazed windows with original plain glass can contribute immeasurably to the special interest of a building. Their retention also saves energy that would otherwise be consumed in the manufacture of new windows; the singleglazing doesn’t rely on seals that can quickly fail, causing misting up; and in many cases older windows are more readily repaired. What’s more, the timber used for old frames is often superior to that available today. The use of uPVC as a substitute material is rarely as low-maintenance as supposed – testified, for instance, by the availability of purpose-made paints for improving its appearance as it deteriorates with age. 

Old windows deserve a reprieve | Period Living

Secondary glazing is cheaper than double-glazing:
The case for secondary double glazing | YouGen Blog | YouGen, Renewable Energy Made Easy
Ecoease Secondary Double Glazing Systems
Double Glazing Vs. Secondary Glazing | TheGreenAge

And much more flexible and versatile:
Secondary glazing | Centre for Sustainable Energy

Double-glazing is not necessarily more efficient:

The research shows that while installing double-glazing reduces heat loss by 55 per cent, other coverings did better. These were: secondary glazing combined with insulated shutters (77 per cent); secondary glazing with curtains (66 per cent); a Victorian blind with shutters (58 per cent); and insulated shutters on their own (60 per cent).

Alternatives to double glazing - Telegraph

And if one of the points of going for double-glazing is that it will reduce our carbon footprint...
Discussions: Homes, double glazing - WWF Footprint Calculator

... the issue of reducing embodied carbon should also be considered:
Double glazing or triple glazing? All pane and no carbon gain -
Embodied C02 in float glass
Choosing low-carbon windows | Magazine Features | Building
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3 comments:

Unknown said...

Windows are very important part of any house or office because it helps to keep home cooling. Windows help in making adjustment according to atmosphere. Glazing played a big role.
Secondary Glazing

Stuart Spindlow said...

Yeah, a window can make your home more beautiful and impressive. Nice information!

Denis Neal said...

Thank you for share such an informative blog post. It is most informative to know about double glaze window.

Cheap Double Glazed UPVC Windows UK