The varying temperatures in some Australian regions, particularly Perth – Western Australia, can affect your overall energy costs and even your layouts. If your area experiences a significant increase in summer heat gain, you could need to make some innovations to your property to avoid problems.
Thankfully, one of the best ways to protect your property and increase energy efficiency is by installing aluplast uPVC double-glazed windows and doors. While enhancing your existing windows with double glazing may seem like a considerable investment at first, it can significantly achieve energy efficiency, which will translate into lower energy bills.
Many property owners, however, don’t know if having a double-glazed window or door is compulsory in Australia. Today, we’ll answer that question. Keep reading if you want to know if double glazing is compulsory in this country and how working with our team will ensure you have energy-efficient buildings in the future.
Answering the Main Question: Are Double-Glazed Windows or Doors Compulsory in Australia?
Government agencies like the Building Code of Australia do have some regulations in place to ensure a reasonable level of energy efficiency in most properties and fight heat gain. Moreover, the Building Code focuses more on windows rather than doors. As for the requirements, they relate to the usage and performance of your existing windows, not the design.
What does this mean? It means that your existing windows are required to meet some particular performance levels, although you may achieve them through many methods other than getting double glazing. Some of these methods include:
Changing your window type
Changing your glazing thickness and coatings
Changing your framing materials
Changing your thermal breaks
However, double-glazed windows have proven to be much more useful than single-glazed windows in dealing with heat gain or heat loss, so it’s recommended for those who want to have energy-efficient homes.
In conclusion, double-glazed windows aren’t compulsory in Australia, but you are required to comply with particular performance requirements, according to the Building Code.
Why Is There No Double Glazing in Australia?
Double-glazed windows are certainly a benefit that can deal with heat gain and heat loss in Australia. However, this hasn’t become the norm in the average property yet. Overall, most homes in Australia only have single-glazed windows since they were built with them. On the other hand, newer properties are being built with double-glazed windows.
Many people believe that double glazing is a luxury that not many can afford. While a double-glazed window can involve a significant investment, it can also provide you with several benefits, including saving money. Currently, you can upgrade your single-glazed windows with double glazing with some renovations.
Does Double Glazing Add Value to a House in Australia?
Absolutely! Since double-glazed windows are known for promoting energy efficiency, they can add more value to your current property since they would involve lower energy bills. Moreover, new owners wouldn’t have to worry about replacing their windows or doors since they already have new ones.
The most important reason why double-glazed windows can add more value to your home is because of Australian building regulations. As mentioned before, your windows and doors are required to meet specific performance requirements, and double glazing is one of the best methods to achieve them; this will make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
What Does Double Glazing Involve?
As opposed to single-glazed windows, double-glazed windows involve two panes of glass that are separated by a layer of gas. The gas can be argon. While single-glazed windows with layers are good for promoting better insulation and soundproofing, double glazing promotes temperature control, lower energy bills, and reduced noise.
Overall, you can install double glazing in windows, doors, and skylights. While the “glazing” part is mostly used to refer to the glass, many window manufacturers also use the term to refer to uPVC frames, and furnishings.
The right glazing will help you regulate how light and natural ventilation come into your property. If you want to deal with heat gain and heat loss in the right way, the double glazed unit will certainly help with energy efficiency.
Double glazing must always come from a reputable installer. Generally speaking, double glazing is seen as an important investment that you should consider for your home if you want to deal with radiant heat.
What Is the Window Energy Rating Scheme?
When installing double-glazed windows, you may have come across the term “Window Energy Rating Scheme.” Also known as the “WERS,” the Window Energy Rating Scheme is a rating system that evaluates fenestration products for their energy efficiency performance.
This association is accredited by the Australian Fenestration Rating Council, and it works toward providing accurate ratings for glazed doors and windows. All of the ratings provided by the WERS are certified to the AFRC requirements and compliant with the Building Code.
Generally speaking, any windows, glazed doors, or skylights tested by WERS must have a sticker and certificate that approves the usage of said product. The sticker and certificate will show how the product performs in terms of heating and cooling performance. Overall, both terms are rated on a scale from zero to 10 stars. The more stars the sticker has, the better.
Some of the criteria used by WERS to evaluate energy efficiency include the following:
Glazing Type
Cooling and Heating Stars
% Improvement Figures
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
Visible Transmittance
Air Infiltration
U-value
Moreover, each product in the WERS database will have a Window ID so that people can review the information easily.
Do Double-Glazed Windows and Doors Improve Energy Efficiency?
Considering everything we mentioned up to this point, it’s safe to state that double glazing your home is perfect for promoting energy efficiency. In our case, we use aluplast uPVC frames to reduce heat and noise transmission within your doors and windows.
It’s vital to note that, according to the Australia Glass and Glazing Association, standard glazed windows contribute to approximately 87% of heat gain in summer in the average Australian home. Moreover, the association states that getting uPVC framed double-glazed products could result in at least 40% in heating and cooling bill savings.
Installing a uPVC window frame, alongside a functioning air conditioning system, you will be more likely to manage the heat flow in the typical Australian insulated home. More. Overall, it helps to make your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, ensuring optimal thermal performance.
What Are the Benefits of Installing Double Glazing in Windows and Doors?
All energy-efficient homes should have double glazing to manage heating and cooling. Generally speaking, appropriate glazing will reduce energy consumption and create an air space between the layers that help deal with U-value. However, there are many other benefits you may want to consider besides energy efficiency. You can check all of those benefits below:
Environmentally Friendly: Depending on the materials you use for the double glazing, you can achieve better sustainability aside from better thermal performance. This is because the panes help prevent extra heat from passing through.
Reduced Noise: Generally speaking, if you have a single-glazed window, any pressure wave that hits it will vibrate the panel and then the air on the other side, which will take the sound to your ears. On the other hand, if you have double glazing, the pressure wave will have to go through different areas before it can get to your home and then your ears. All of this ensures that your home is quieter and more relaxing.
Depending on the type of double glazing you use, you can achieve from 19% up to 34% voice noise reduction and up to 57% traffic noise reduction. Keep in mind that, while double glazing can promote noise reduction, it doesn’t make your windows or doors soundproof. Having reduced noise at home will help with the following:
Promoting better sleep
Lowering your stress levels
Promoting healthy hearing
Improving your physical health
Creating a better living environment
UV-Resistance: Many people see uPVC double glazing as sunscreen for doors and windows. Aside from improving thermal performance, double glazing can minimise the amount of light that enters into your room, which can help in blocking the penetration of UV rays. If you want to deflect UV rays with other methods, you can also choose laminated or tinted glass, although double glazing will provide you with several other benefits.
Reduced Interior Damage: Condensation is one of the most common problems when it comes to creating sustainable construction. Generally speaking, condensation can lead to dampness, which can translate into mould. Not only does mould look bad, but it can also damage your frames and cause a wide range of health problems for you and your family.
Thankfully, the uPVC frame and double glazing provide homeowners with two glass panes that help reduce or stop condensation, even in cases with significant solar gain. If your home already has double glazing, and you want to prevent condensation even further, consider having better ventilation in your bathroom or kitchen areas.
Reduced Number of Allergies and Asthma Conditions: Double glazing can help reduce moisture, mould, and the number of allergens that could trigger allergies or asthma. As mentioned before, excessive condensation can lead to mould, which could trigger health problems. On the other hand, the double panes will offer some extra protection between outside pollution and your home, allowing you to breathe fresh air at any moment.
Easy Maintenance: If you go for our uPVC double glazing service, you will be happy to know that these are virtually maintenance-free. All you need to do to keep them in good shape is clean them occasionally with soapy water and a sponge. You would also need to lubricate the locking mechanisms from time to time. Other than that, you don’t have to do anything else.
Some of the benefits of our Thermaglaze products also involve the following:
From 12.5 to 40 BAL Ratings
Improved performance to deal with solar gain
Approximate U-value of 1.9
Approximate SHGC value of 0.36
Reduced emissions of C02
Standard usage of Low-E glass with Argon gas
As you can see, if you want to have energy-efficient homes and significant savings, double glazing may be the answer you may be looking for.
Is uPVC Double Glazing Always Better Than Single Glazing?
While double-glazed windows are energy-efficient, they are made up of more parts than aliminium windows. First, keep in mind that double-glazed items involve more usage of raw materials since you will be using two panes of glass. Moreover, double-glazed items are considerably heavier than single-glazed ones.
On the other hand, getting double-glazed items will automatically make your home more energy-efficient. You must also factor other insulating properties with in the areas of your home the roof and walls.
However, double-glazed items will certainly be an upgrade from single-glazed ones. In some cases, a single pane of glass will lose up to 10 times more heat than an insulated wall, which is worrying. If you check all of the boxes for achieving thermal efficiency, getting double-glazed products can be the final thing you need to fight hot or cold climates in your Australian homes.
Why Should You Go for uPVC Window Frames Instead of Aluminium Frames?
Most Australian homes go for aluminium frames, which makes many people think that this option is the best one to consider. Although this is a common product to choose from, it may not be as good as uPVC window frames.
First, keep in mind that aluminium is a metal, which means that it can collect heat and then radiate it back into your home. Moreover, considering aluminium’s properties, it may allow cool air from your home to escape outside.
In some properties, aluminium can corrode easily, which can cause some problems with your doors and windows. Finally, aluminium frames tend to be less cost-effective and harder to maintain.
On the other hand, uPVC is a rigid and durable plastic type that ensures your home is more energy-efficient. Overall, one of the best things about uPVC is that it offers a wide range of configurations, including casement and awning windows, sliding windows, bi-fold windows, and more. These allow you to keep cold air in warmer seasons and colder air when you need it.
Aside from being energy-efficient, uPVC tends to be much more cost-effective than aluminium, it won’t rust, and it’s easy to maintain. If you take care of it, it could last up to 25 years.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Double Glazing?
As you can see, there are many advantages to double glazed windows instead of the standard single-glazing process. However, there are some disadvantages that people should keep in mind before getting this glass type installed:
They Can Trap Heat: While this feature is excellent news during winter, it may not be as good during the summer. Thankfully, we will make sure to reduce heat loss and gain as much as possible.
You Can’t Repair Them: Poor installations can lead to your panes getting condensation between them. Overall, you can’t pull the panes apart, so you would have to replace the glass entirely.
They Aren’t Cost-Effective (At First): As mentioned before, double-glazed products will be an expensive investment. However, if you consider all of the energy savings you will receive in the future, this isn’t exactly a disadvantage.
Bottom Line | Install Double Glazing Films with Our Reputable Team!
Now that you know everything about this window design, are you ready to significantly reduce energy consumption during cold or hot climates? Our team at Thermaglaze Double Glazing involves manufacturers and suppliers of aluplast uPVC double-glazed doors and windows.
We work with any of the following:
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uPVC Awning Windows
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uPVC Tilt and Turn Windows and Doors
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uPVC Sliding and Stacker Windows
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Entrance and Hinged Doors
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Sliding and Stacking Doors
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Lift and Slide Doors
If you want to learn more about our family-owned-and-operated business in Perth – Western Australia, don’t hesitate to book a free measure by calling us on 1300 022 867 or by filling out our contact form.
You may also visit one of our Thermaglaze showrooms on 1/22 Dillington Pass, Landsdale, WA, 6065 or 55 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, WA, 6008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We can measure our doors/windows so that they fit into your existing openings.
The cost of our uPVC doors or windows will vary depending on the size, style, and colour.
We have a wide range of colours you can choose from, including:
White
Cream
Golden Oak
Matt Black
Matt Black on White
Anthracite
Anthracite on White
Turner Malt Oak
Sheffield Oak Concrete
Sheffield Oak Alpine
Turner Toffee Oak
Additional Special Order aludec Colours Available
