When did Double Glazed windows first appear?
Double glazed windows have been around for a while now, most windows are now Double or even Triple glazed in the majority of housing. This is because of how efficient they are at keeping the heat in and noise out. It is believed that modern day double glazing as we know it was invented in America by C.D Haven in the 1930’s, although the Romans invented a similar idea of heat retention over 2000 years ago!
Double glazing became common in the UK during the 1980’s after it’s popularisation in the USA where is has been in use (although not commonly) since the 1940’s.
Why use Double Glazed Windows?
Double Glazed Windows are popular for a reason, they hold the heat in your house and reduce incoming noise by up to 31 decibels! Along with your heating and noise reduction, double glazed windows can also help with:
• Heating
• Insulation
• Noise Reduction
• Security
• Energy Efficiency
• Cost saving
These days it is uncommon to to find a house with only single glazed windows installed unless it is kept Single Glazed for aethsetic reasons. With the efficiency and cost effective nature of double glazed windows it’s easy to see why, there are even Government initiatives to help you with the financial aspect of changing from single to double glazed.
Are Double Glazed Windows Mandatory
In short yes, double glazed windows are mandatory in any new building project in the EU, US & UK. This is due to the efficiency that double glazed windows offer, they keep in heat and reduce drafts making your bills cheaper. It also helps reduce the carbon emissions per house hold, helping the country reach it’s carbon targets.
Between October 2007 and September 2008 the energy effiencey requirements for Windows changed for new build properties. Any new housing from these dates must be built with Double Glazed Windows to meet the current requirements in building regulations.
Building Regulatory information –
https://www.pilkington.com/~/media/Pilkington/Site%20Content/UK/Reference/BRImpactSafetyPDF.ashx
Is Double Glazing a legal requirement in the UK?
Whilst it’s not entirely illegal to have single glazed windows in your property or business, it is a legal requirement to make sure you replace them with more energy efficient windows when the time comes to change them. This is to adhere to the regulations set out in the Minimum Energy Standards (MEES) from the UK Government.