Understanding double glazing options

Double glazing is literally defined as two panes of glass. The glass panes are separated and sealed by a spacer bar which is effective at keeping the inner pane comparatively warmer to the outer pane.   

Whist this is technically correct, there are significant implications associated with the window frame any double glazing is set into and how the window system functions as a whole. For homeowners looking to double glaze their existing home, there are three options that are commonly referred to including:

1. Retro-fitting – where the windows remain intact, yet the single glass is replaced with a double glazed unit and set within the existing window. New beads are established in aluminium joinery to allow for the extra width glazing chamber, and timber windows are routered out to support the wider gap needed
2. Insert windows – where the ‘non-performing’ parts of the window is replaced as a whole unit that can be successfully installed in the existing framework
3. Replacement windows - where the entire window unit requires replacing