Double Glazing

Early glazing panels allowed the infusion of natural light into the home while holding mother nature at bay, and were a distinct improvement on earlier unprotected openings (holes!) that allowed the infusion of light and fresh air as well as less desirable elements of the environment: rain, snow, flora and fauna. Leather and wood shutters afforded the challenged homemaker some modicum of control over the elements, but did little to keep out the cold and plunged the interior spaces into darkness.
The earliest glazings were thick and riddled with flaws that would be unacceptable in today’s world: bubbles, ripples, pits and cloudiness. As glassmaking improved, so did the quality of glazing available for the rapidly growing number of industrial buildings, hospitals and upscale homes.
In contrast to the rustic nature of early glazing panels of the 17th Century, glass manufacturers in the 19th and 20th Century strove to make panes as thin as possible while retaining structural integrity sturdy enough for daily use. As society blossomed so did its glazing needs.

1. Manufacturers began experimenting with safety glass that rivalled the early rustic panes in thickness, but which would shatter on impact into shards that eliminated the possibility of serious lacerations.

1. UV protection reduced the infiltration of heat and sunlight, extending the life of furnishings and reducing the demand for interior cooling.

1. Tinting allowed the home or business owner to control the quality of light coming into the space.

1. Mirroring afforded additional privacy and security for buildings situated in busy city settings.

The energy pinch and heightened environmental consciousness that blossomed in the 1970’s was the catalyst for major changes in the glazing industry in the early 1980s. PVC-U windows were introduced to rival the traditional aluminium and timber-frame styles of the times. As the 80’s wore on, self-adhesive films were introduced to allow the DIY homeowner to improve the energy efficiency of their windows without the expense of upgrading to double-glazing, which was still beyond the reach of the average household.
Changes in building regulations eventually led to the requirement for double-glazing in new construction and remodeling projects. This breathed life into a struggling glazing industry, and the introduction of robots into the manufacturing process in the early 1990s helped to cut costs and boost profits.
Affordable double-glazing options in historically correct styles and the promise of reduced heating costs spurred enthusiasm among homeowners to upgrade from single-paned standards to double-glazed replacement windows. Innovative manufacturers and installers combined their efforts to design styles suitable to every era and application: fixed, casement, sliding sash, sliding and French doors, and conservatories. Installation can easily and affordably augment an existing single-paned panel without removing the existing window or altering the windowframe. Replacement options include internal or external mounting systems (depending on the particulars of the structural framing) and may include additional trimming to increase the security of the installation.
Some of the most recent glazing innovations include self-cleaning double-glazing products that can transform even historic reproductions into care-free window dressing.
Knowledgeable and reputable glazing dealers and installers may be found in virtually every city and town in the UK. With their help and guidance even the most frugal homeowner can enjoy the benefits the modern double-glazing industry has to offer.