Why replace your single-glazed windows with double glazing ? For most, precipitating factor for looking into double glazing is a need for new construction (or renovation) to conform to modern energy standards. Others decide to replace their windows as an energy saving measure. The main advantage that double glazing offers over traditional windows is insulation. Because nearly 25% of your heat is lost through your windows, well-made and well-fitted double glazing can reduce your heating costs by as much as half depending on amount of glass in your home.

Some of things to consider when shopping for double glazing for your home are safety, energy conservation, style, type of frame, type of glass, cost and installation. Each of these are important in your choice. Most will affect price that you pay - and all will affect your pleasure and comfort in your home for years to come.

Safety

Single pane windows are most often made of a single sheet of regular glass which shatters into long, sharp shards when hit. When shopping for double glazing, you have a choice of several different kinds of glass, each of which are safer on breaking than traditional window panes. If nothing else, double thickness reduces chances that both panes will be broken. Whether you use security glass, toughened glass or shatterproof glass, double glazing offers some measure of safety over single glazing.

Security

There's no doubt that double glazing makes it more difficult for a thief or intruder to break into your home by simple expedient of breaking a window pane and reaching through hole - but real security has more to do with window frames and locking systems than with glass itself. Be sure to choose windows with frames that can be securely locked from inside.

Energy Conservation

Double glazing can reduce heat lost through windows by as much as 50%, thereby reducing your heating bills, keeping your house warmer and helping you do your bit in conservation of natural resources. Especially in rooms with large windows, difference in temperature in room is easily noticeable. Sitting by a large, double-glazed picture window is far, far more comfortable on a chill winter night.

My Personal Experience

I recently undertook task of remolding my den and living room areas. I knew what I wanted final product to be, however I was extremely hesitant to begin work due to a lack of knowledge, fear of failure, and/or making damaging, irreparable mistakes. You see, in front of a computer I'm extremely proficient, however with tools and manual labor, I do not have much experience, so naturally I was a bit intimidated.

Two things changed my mind about whole scenario. I bumped into a long-time friend who was known for his skill with tools and a knack for wood carving. I informed him of my remolding ideas and underlying fear of whole task. He laughed and said that what I wanted to do it would not take much in terms of "professional skill" and it would save me about $2,000 in labor costs!

Once he put a price tag on amount I would be saving, I was immediately intrigued. For me to save $2,000 of my own money, I'll definitely try my hand at these projects. Wouldn't you?

The second influence that helped me take on this task occurred on my first visit to Home Depot (popular hardware store in southern California). I was lucky enough to run into a wonderful, polite, knowledgeable employee who took his time and explained in's and out's of what I was about to undertake.

One side note, I could not have accomplished what I did without help of Home Depot. I'm sure other hardware stores have pleasant, knowledgeable staff members also, but since I always went to Home Depot and since I was beginning to learn locations of items I needed, I simply stayed with them. Kudos to Home Depot!

Keep in mind that if store employees are NOT assisting you in a pleasant and courteous manner, LEAVE and don't come back! Don't let their rudeness distract you from your overall goal - that's what's most important, not personality of an unfriendly person. Go elsewhere if you do not like how they're treating you. Take it from me, someone who had NO IDEA of what he was doing, there will be some employees who will go out of their way to assist you. Once you find someone like this, keep going back to them. That's what I did. I probably went back to my assistant about fifteen times over three month duration of my project sometimes to buy things, sometimes just to ask a few questions.

Ask For Help When You Need It

There are basically two ways to ask for help - verbally or indirectly. Depending on your personality and how comfortable you are asking "strangers" for help, verbal method may not be for you.

That's ok! Don't feel bad or downhearted. That's just your personality, nothing to be ashamed of, so don't start thinking you can give up just yet! :-)