Door & Window with Double-Glazed Glass | Pros, Cons & Cost

July 20, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Double-glazed glass doors and windows provide better insulation and save more energy.
They also reduce noise and condensation, while enhancing security.
On the other hand, they are challenging to repair and can bring heating issues during summer.
Although the initial costs can be high, the long-term value of double-glazed glass helps you save more money over time.
At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer custom double-glazed solutions that cater to your specific functional and design needs.

What Is Double-Glazing?

Double-glazing refers to a door or window that consists of two layers of glass with a space between them.

This space traps air, or a special gas like argon, creating a barrier that slows the transfer of heat and cold.

A double-glazed glass door or window unit needs the following components in order to work well:

Two panes of glass: This is the core structure of the unit, typically separated by a gap of 12-16mm.
Spacer: This separates the two panes of glass and is filled with desiccants to absorb moisture within the cavity.
Sealant: This makes the unit airtight, preventing condensation and the entry of moisture.
Frame: This holds the unit in place and can be made of various materials like uPVC, aluminum, or wood.

Double-paned windows are great solutions if you value energy efficiency (image courtesy of The Spruce).

Pros of Doors & Windows with Double-Glazed Glass

Energy Efficiency

Due to its insulation capabilities, double-glazed glass reduces the energy needed to heat or cool your property — lowering your utility bills.

As a matter of fact, you could save up to 30% on your energy expenses.

Noise Reduction

Double-glazed glass is highly effective for sound isolation. The dual layers of glass and the insulating gas in between act as a buffer against outside noise.

This feature is particularly useful for properties located in large cities and other busy, urban areas.

Security

Double-glazed glass doors and windows are tougher to break compared to their single-glazed counterparts. The two layers of glass create an extra barrier that can also be a deterrent for potential intruders.

Many double-glazed glass units come with multi-point locking systems — adding an extra layer of security to your property.

Condensation Control

Condensation can cause mold and mildew — both of which are health hazards!

Double-glazed glass doors and windows help maintain an even temperature on the inside surface of the glass, reducing the chances of condensation forming.

UV Protection

The sun’s UV rays can fade your furniture, flooring, curtains, and carpets. If you fit a UV filter into a double-glazed glass door or window, you can protect your interior from sun damage for many years.

Sunlight on wall and furniture

Caption: If your home gets plenty of direct sunlight, double-glazed glass is a great way to prevent UV damage.

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.

We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 6-10 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.

Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

Cons of Doors & Windows with Double-Glazed Glass

Repair and Replacement Complications

If a double-glazed glass door or window gets damaged or the seal fails, repair can be very expensive.

In many cases, the entire unit will need to be replaced even if only one pane is faulty. Once that seal is compromised, the insulating properties are diminished.

Sealant Failures

The sealant that holds a double-glazed glass unit together can fail over time, causing condensation between the panes and a foggy appearance. When this happens, the insulation provided by your double-glazed glass door or window will be significantly reduced, with the entire unit needing to be replaced.

Thermal Issues In Hot Weather

Although double-glazed glass is excellent for keeping heat in during winter, it can sometimes be challenging to keep heat out during summer. With proper ventilation and the use of reflective coatings or tinted glass, you can mitigate these thermal issues.

Laminated Glass to Enhance Building and Occupant Security

Reflective coatings on double-glazed glass helps with ventilation during summer.

Cost of Doors & Windows with Double-Glazed Glass

Standard double-glazed glass can start from a couple of hundred dollars and go up to a thousand or more per unit, depending on the following factors:

Size and number: Larger glass panes and more units will cost more.
Material of the frame: uPVC frames tend to be cheaper than aluminum or wooden ones.
Type of glass: Standard glass is more affordable, but you can opt for tougher, coated, or tinted glass.
Customization: Custom shapes, colors, or designs add to the cost.
Installation: Professional fitting is highly recommended and will be more expensive.

Double-glazed glass doors and windows have long-term value – over time, they significantly reduce your energy bills while increasing property value.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Custom Solutions

At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer custom double-glazed glass solutions to accommodate your property’s architectural needs. We have a wide variety of options for color, finish, or glass type, and we work with you to create a product that aligns with your vision.

Our style selection is equally diverse, with options ranging from classic French doors to contemporary sliding systems.

The Panda Process

1. Design: We help you select custom doors and windows from over 80 options like double-glazed glass, smart home integration, etc. Tailor every detail to your needs and approve the sales order to confirm all specifications before we create detailed engineering plans.

2. Manufacturing: Our project manager ensures all components are ready, and CNC machines precisely cut and mill extrusions. Extrusions are cleaned and powder-coated for durability.

3. Quality Control: Each product undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to ensure functionality and quality. We provide photos and videos of your completed products before packaging, ensuring they meet all standards.

4. Packaging & Shipping: Products are wrapped in protective materials and placed in custom-built crates for safe transit. We ensure your order arrives intact, whether shipping domestically or internationally.

5. Delivery & Warranty: Inspect your order upon arrival and register the product to activate the limited warranty. Apply a high-quality finish to wood surfaces within 7 days to prevent damage.

6. Care & Maintenance: Follow our care and maintenance guide to keep your Panda products in top condition. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure a lifetime of use and beauty, preserving the efficiency of double-glazed glass and other features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does double-glazing improve home insulation?

Double-glazing works by trapping air or inert gas between two panes of glass — creating an insulating barrier.

This barrier reduces the transfer of heat and cold between the inside and outside of your home, keeping the heat in during winter and the heat out during summer.

Can double-glazed windows be repaired if they get foggy?

If your double-glazed windows become foggy, it’s usually a sign that the seal has failed and moisture has entered the space between the panes.

It’s not always possible to repair the glass — it can often be replaced without the need to change the entire frame. This process, known as reglazing, can restore the window’s insulation properties.

However, if the frame is damaged or you’re looking for an upgrade, replacing the entire window might be the best option.

Are double-glazed windows worth the investment for noise reduction?

Absolutely! The two layers of glass in double-glazed windows, combined with the insulating gas or air, act as a sound barrier. For the best soundproofing results, consider getting thicker glass and widening the gap between the panes of your window.

What is the lifespan of double-glazed doors and windows?

On average, double-glazed glass doors and windows can maintain their insulating properties for about 20 to 25 years.

The lifespan of a particular door or window depends on the quality of the materials, the installation, and how well they are maintained.

Do double-glazed units come with UV protective coatings?

Many double-glazed units allow you to add UV protective coatings. These coatings help to block out harmful UV rays, which can fade and damage furniture, flooring, and other interior elements. These protective coatings can also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the unit by reflecting heat.

At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer UV protective coatings as an add-on for double-glazed glass products.