Double-glazing

Comments

Now that we have wall insulation double glazing is the next biggie. Thermal curtains do most of it at night but there are lots of long narrow fixed windows above the main windows and curtains - would like to install double glazing there but the worry is as Barry46 mentioned. We think do-it-yourself removable panels might be the answer, would be keen to hear if others have ever done this.

Submitted by armishaw on 16 April 2008 19:11:31

just to let you knew that there is this fantastic product that has all the advantages of double glazing that is a third of the price.its called Magic Seal.com. check it out.we are blown away how simple and easy it is to install and maintain

Submitted by johni rutene on 17 April 2008 21:19:01

Hi all,

The following is some info that I got from BRANZ regarding this issue -

The breaking down of the seals of double glazing was a problem in New Zealand in the 1980’s where if the edge seal was poorly made, or in contact with water for long periods, it could fail, and result in moisture and condensation on the inside panes. The units would still often provide thermal insulation, but the loss of clear viewing was unacceptable for users.

In the early ‘90’s the Insulating Glazing Unit Manufacturers Association (IGUMA) was formed to address this issue, and in 1994 BRANZ introduced the first wave of a robust testing procedure for IGUs.

In March 2008, the IGUMA instituted an even higher level of quality assurance of all double glazing by introducing the ‘Site Manual’, written by BRANZ. All members of the IGUMA are now required to test annually to this standard which includes rigorous climate cycling, and has a robust quality control process for the manufacturing site, and audits from a third party. The Department of Building and Housing are currently considering how the Site manual can be referenced in the building code.

Of course there is still double glazing that is not sourced from the IGUMA (see http://www.wanz.org.nz/manufacturers.htm for a list of current members), and older units which may fail at the end of their life, (now 30 years can be expected) but the significantly improved performance of double glazing has allowed them to become specified in the building code as the default glazing option for all new housing.

For more info on insulation and sustainability visit the level website at http://www.level.org.nz/energy/space-heating-and-cooling/

Submitted by Mason on 18 April 2008 16:10:06

I had double glazed windows for years, and in several different homes, before moving to NZ. The older ones, especially the aluminum ones, eventually fogged. I never had problems with vinyl or vinyl clad wooden frame windows or doors.

The savings in energy is really big. I estimate that my energy bill was cut in half when I replaced my old windows with new, vinyl framed, double glazed windows. Another big improvement was in the sound damping in some of the noisy places I lived. Double glazing really helps cut down on outside noise getting into the home.

Submitted by Nathan on 21 April 2008 21:31:39

hi, has anyone ever looked in to doulbe glazed windows, in zn why they are getting fogged?

Submitted by Debbie on 18 November 2008 11:06:26

I would like to know more about this vinyl clad option. What does it look like? Is it the same as the clingfilm (gladwrap) sheets that are available? Can you provide more information eg wesite?

Submitted by Gretel on 9 December 2008 21:17:39

Hi

Has ayone had any dealings with Homerit in Auckland ? - they are a UPVC double glazing company.  We would like to use them, but I cant find any reviews - I am sure I could visit a site that they have worked on, but just thought I would ask.

Any other recommendations in the Auckland area ?

PS I think the vinyl windows mentioned previously are the same as UPVC - basically a plastic frame.

Thanks

Submitted by Naomi H on 23 November 2009 21:13:07