You CAN actually make your own Double glazed windows you know? Leave the double glazing companies out of the equation – and forget the actual installation. We’ll concentrate on what constitutes a double glazed window. It’s made up from two panes of glass, separated by what’s known in the trade as a “Spacer bar”. This creates a hermetically-sealed environment to prevent condensation and promote insulation. The cavity between the panes is filled with gas or air and constitutes the amount of insulation provided. The recommended cavity width for LowE energy saving double glazed windows is 16 mm – or 14 mm when argon gas is filling the space. So, what’s to stop a keen DIY-er from putting together his (or her) own panes?
At the very least it’s possible to prevent some heat loss in your home, in a temporary way by taping cling film or clear plastic around your window frames. Another tip, tuck your curtains behind the radiators to keep as much heat coming into your room as possible – stopping it leaking out of the cold window frames.
But why not have a bash at constructing your own window frame?! Use pine (framing grade 2”x4”) lumber or white oak which might be nice as well. Measure the perimeter of the windows and add on 10% for all measurements. Double glazing companies construct their windows from pre-fabricated glass panels – a good design which helps keep costs low. Bear in mind though, whether you make a window or you leave it to the double glazing companies, the life expectancy of a window is only around ten years.