Double Glazing Advice

danm

Guys,

I know there are some knowledgeable window people here sowanted to get some advice on potential upgrades.

The existing windows are aluminium frame double glazed sashsliders. They are from 1990 when the buildings were redeveloped.

My question is whether given the advances in technologybetween 1990 and today, if I were to replace the sealed units only (keeping theexisting frames) would I get a noticeable improvement in

- Heating efficiency (comfort as necessarily opposedto savings on bill. Less draughts etc)

- Noise reduction…..

In relation to the latter, in our old home we had ‘standard’UPVC double glazing which was a great noise insulator. In these windows, thisseems much reduced so want to explore options.

Any advice greatly received as I have trawled variouswebsites and while there is lots of information around the pros/cons of singlevs double, I can find less information regarding upgrading of existing double,or the relative benefits.

Thanks in advance.

Furts

I suggest that the first question you ask is are the windows internally beaded? Older pvc windows were not. If so, you have the cost of access to consider. This ought to be scaffolding - alternatives are available if the fitters have them. You may say work off ladders - but it is your conscience and ethics regarding safety.

Then the next question is the replacement units will have to fit your windows and beads. Hence they cannot be any thicker. Consequently there will not be a huge alteration in performance.

What happens if your windows get damaged if all the sealed units were replaced? Some damage is inevitable even if it is the finish when removing the beads.

Were I in your position I would ensure that my windows were properly, and meticulously, sealed inside and out. I would have lined curtains not obstructing any radiators. Then, provided no units were misted up/breaking down, I would ignore the windows.

danm

Thanks Furts.

In terms of efficiency i understand that the performance does not increase exponentially with increased air gaps; however also believe that different width glass in the unit, thermal spacer, inert gas .....plus the fact that the units can installed with new gaskets etc could make a difference.

cost of access and making good etc would be secondary consideration at the moment.

Furts

You need to measure the thickness, or depth, of your units. I did have timber windows and these rebates had 3-6-3 units fitted. (That is 12mm deep). There was nothing worthwhile that I could do to upgrade these. Other homes of the same era, 1988, had 4-6-4 units. Sometime in the 1990s there were 4-12-4 units. My current ones are 4-20-4. The triple glazing I have seen is bigger again.

I suspect your proposition is not realistic on energy saving and cost grounds. But over to you - I am always willing to learn.

danm

Thanks again.
Just to be clear. Energy saving and costs are secondary to reduction in noise and general comfort...i.e less draughts.

Furts

I apologise if I am overlooking the obvious, but there will not be drafts with the units - they are glass.

If you are saying the seals have deteriorated then a cheap solution to prevent drafts and noise would be to silicone the gaps - done carefully with black silicone, to look neat.

If noise is an issue and the replacement sealed units are the same depth then there is little you can achieve here. You could have laminated glass, which is thicker, but the gap would decrease in order to fit your existing rebates and beads. Hence possibly worse energy efficiency.