Double glazing is now so widespread that it has become the norm for new houses and refurbishments because of the definite advantages it provides in terms of warmth and energy conservation. We explore the origins
Double glazing is now so widespread that it has become the norm for new houses and refurbishments because of the definite advantages it provides in terms of warmth and energy conservation. We explore the origins of double glazing and how it has evolved to the standard it has reached today.
What is double glazing?
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass that have been set in a frame together. There is a gap between the panes that is filled with air or inert gas, which is what allows the window to keep cold air out and warm air inside. When we talk about double glazing we are usually referring to windows, but doors can also be double glazed.
The history of double glazing
There is some uncertainty about the origins of double glazing but it is thought that glass window panes were doubled up as early as 1870 in parts of Scotland, Switzerland and Germany, using putty to fix the second pane. This was similar to the secondary glazing that was introduced later with the extra layer of glass helping to keep out the cold.
Double glazing as we understand it was invented in the USA in 1930 by C D Haven who bonded two identical panes of glass into a frame. By 1941, he made a deal to have the windows produced commercially, but it was not until after the Second World War, in 1952 that commercial production of his Thermopane windows made double glazing a popular luxury product in the USA.
According to Quora, double glazing only began to become popular in the UK in the 1970s. This was mainly due to high energy costs that prompted homeowners to try to make their homes more energy efficient.
Double glazing today
Wherever you live in the UK, double glazing in Cheltenham or other areas is regarded as necessary for both comfort in the home and for reducing environmental damage by conserving energy.
There are other benefits associated with double glazing in Cheltenham too. New windows can increase security as intruders are less likely to attempt to break through two layers of glass, whereas it is comparatively easy to smash a single glazed window.
In busy areas, double glazing offers much better acoustic insulation because of the two layers of glass with a vacuum between them.