Although double glazing has been around since the Victorian times, it was only in the 1970s that it really took off. Advances in manufacturing and technology suddenly made double glazing more affordable, and soon homeowners everywhere were installing these new, energy efficient windowpanes in their properties.
Since then, double glazing has come even further. Today, modern glazing units are incredibly efficient and versatile, giving homeowners a wide choice of high quality products to choose from. To give you an idea of just how far double glazing has come, we’re taking a closer look at the origins and evolution of this revolutionary technology.
Origins
It’s believed that double glazing was first invented in Scotland in the 19th century. In this cold corner of the UK, homeowners would often struggle to stay warm in the winter months, with large properties particularly hard to heat in cold weather. Although the first double glazing panels were fairly rudimentary, they had a big impact on heat retention and so were adopted by a number of wealthy homeowners in the area.
1930s
In the 1930s, the concept of double glazing made its way across the pond, and soon double glazed units were being fitted to properties across the US. One of the most popular brands was Thermopane which was used extensively in America in the 1950s.
1970s
In the UK, double glazing didn’t really take off until the 1970s. Once the technology became cheaper and more efficient, double glazing skyrocketed in popularity and soon, most new homes were fitted with the energy efficient windows. As well as increased availability and improved affordability, double glazing became more popular in the 70s because of the decade’s energy crisis. This made heating a lot more expensive and gave property owners an incentive to make their homes more energy efficient.
Modern double glazing
Since the 1970s, a number of rules and regulations have been introduced to raise the standard of double glazing and further improve its energy efficiency. As @property24 says, in most modern double glazing units ‘the two panes of glass form a layer of insulation and are separated with an aluminium spacer, encapsulated in a primary silicone coating.’ This makes windows efficient and resilient and ensures they provide your home with a high level of insulation.
Aesthetics
As well as becoming more efficient and more durable, modern double glazing has also become more attractive. Units are now available in a wide variety of styles, with pieces available to suit both modern and period properties. This makes it easier than ever to find a double glazing unit that will suit your home perfectly.
If you want to improve the efficiency and appearance of your property, installing new double glazing units could be the perfect solution. If you want to find out more and get a quote, get in touch with a member of our team today.