Eco-Friendly Trends in Double Glazing for UK Homes

Warm Edge Spacers

A spacer holds the two pieces of glass in a double glazed window that is typically made of metal. These metal spacers create an area where heat can escape faster, known as a cold bridge. It’s for this reason that the coldest part of a standard double glazed window is around its edges. 

These cold bridges lead to:

• Increased likelihood of condensation.
• Higher rate of heat loss.

How Edge Spacers Work

Warm edge spacers are made of high-performance plastic that contains desiccants. The plastic slows down the rate of heat loss, effectively eliminating cold bridges. Meanwhile, the desiccants absorb moisture to prevent the buildup of condensation.

Why Edge Spacers are Eco-Friendly

Edge spacers can improve a window’s U-value, its ability to keep heat in, by 0.06 to 0.4 W/m²K. This energy saving directly translates into a reduced carbon footprint. 

Acoustic Glazing

According to the NHS, more than 4 out of 10 Brits experience sleep problems. The Sleep Foundation notes that noise is a huge factor in poor sleep quality. Even noise that does not wake you up can affect you subconsciously. 

Reducing noise levels can immensely improve sleep quality. This led to the trend of installing acoustic double glazed windows, especially in homes along busy streets.

How Acoustic Glazing Works

Acoustic glazing reflects noise back to its source and absorbs the noise that manages to go through the first layer of glass. 

The vibration of glass transmits noise into your home. Standard double glazed windows reduce noise by diffusing sound. Because there is a gap between the two glass panes, each glass acts as an individual barrier that diffuses sound vibration.

Glass installers improve the acoustic performance of double glazed windows by:

• Increasing the thickness of the glass.

• Using inert gasses that are better at dampening sound.

• Adjusting for the optimal spacing of the glass panes.

• Adding a sheet of polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB) or other acoustic resins.

Why Sound Reduction is Also Eco-Friendly

Acoustic windows are eco-friendly for two reasons:

Higher durability. Acoustic double glazed windows are more robust and have a longer lifespan.

Better energy performance. Because they are thickened to reduce noise, acoustic windows also retain heat better. 

Smart Glass

Smart glass is a type of glass that can turn from clear to frosted when powered on. It also goes by other names: privacy glass, light control glass, and switchable glass. Smart glass uses around five watts per 10 square feet.  For context, LED light bulbs that produce 410 lumens use nine watts.

Some smart glasses can be connected to a smartphone or home assistants like Alexa.

How a Smart Glass Works

Smart glass contains tiny crystals that are suspended within a liquid. By default, these crystals align randomly which prevents light from passing through, which in turn makes the glass opaque like frosted glass.

When switched on, the electricity makes the crystal align perfectly. This allows light to pass through unobstructed, turning the glass transparent.

Why Smart Glass is Eco-Friendly

In sunny weather, smart glass reduces the need for air conditioning by blocking heat while keeping a space well-lit. 

It also allows homeowners to let light in as needed, reducing the need for indoor artificial lighting. 

Inert Gas Fillings

Standard double glazed windows are typically filled with dehydrated air. To achieve a higher level of energy efficiency, double glazing companies may use inert gasses like xenon, argon, and krypton.

The trend towards higher performance windows is fueled in part by the UK’s goal to be net neutral by 2050. Windows, being the biggest heat loss area in a home, are an important part of the net neutral strategy.

How Inert Gas Fillings Work

Inert gas fillings like Argon are denser than air and provide better insulation against cold weather. As a result, inert gasses do a better job of keeping your homes warm.

Why Inert Gas Fillings are Eco-Friendly

The science of double glazed windows has brought us to new levels of eco-friendliness. Inert gasses are more energy efficient and help in lowering your home’s carbon footprint.

Additionally, being inert means that gasses like Argon and Xenon do not cause corrosion or degradation to other window components. Consequently, inert gasses help in prolonging the lifespan of your windows.

Conclusion

Please note that following home improvement trends come with added costs. Getting online quotes will give you a better picture of what those figures look like. This is where we can help. We have a price comparison tool that lets you find the best prices for double glazed windows wherever you are in the UK.

We can also contact manufacturers on your behalf for quotes on double glazed windows– at absolutely no cost or obligation.