Add On Double Glazing Vs Double Glazing

When you are looking for a way to soundproof and insulate your windows, you are faced with two great options. One is add-on double glazing, also referred to as secondary glazing, and the other is double glazing.

Both of these window treatments do very similar tasks and both are highly efficient. Despite these similar functions they are very very different. 

In this guide, we are going to explore the main differences between these two soundproofing solutions so you can decide on the right one for your windows.

What Is Double Glazing?

When you get double glazing installed, the old window frame is removed and a frame that can handle two sheets of glass with a gap in the center is installed in its place. The gap is usually filled with heavy inert ga like Arrgon or it is designed with a vacuum. These gasses or the vacuum slow down the movement of heat and sound waves when they pass through the window. This insulates and enhances the acoustic performance of the windows.

What Is Add-On Double Glazing?

Secondary glazing is a much simpler and more affordable process because your windows don’t have to be removed. Instead of removing the window pane, an extra window pane is installed in addition to the original one. Add-on double glazing can be a permanent or temporary solution and it is much more affordable than double glazing.

The Window Solution That Ranges Supreme?

Both of these window solutions are highly efficient and offer a great many benefits. Since there can only be one winner, we have to narrow these two down based on performance and functionality. 

The Best Insulation Qualities

Both of these window panes have great insulating benefits. Double glazing can however offer greater resistance to temperature loss or gain and is the window pane that is going to offer the best insulative performance. With that said, the difference in your electric bill might not be significant enough to make up for the extensive installation cost of these types of windows. 

The Best Soundproofing Qualities

Both of these window treatments can also be great for soundproofing your home. In this department, add-on-double glazing does however take the lead. This is because the two glass panes act as independent barriers through which soundwaves need to travel. This is more effective for bending and distorting sound waves and as such has greater acoustic performance. The larger the gap between window panes, the better the acoustic performance of the windows becomes. 

The Most Affordable

Add-on double glazing is far more affordable than double glazing. This is because it involves a lot less manual labour and fewer structural modifications to the building. This form of soundproofing is also more affordable because Argon gas or the process of creating a void in double glazing can be very expensive. 

The Quickest To Install

It is much quicker to install an additional layer of window panes to an existing one than it is to carve out the old window to get a new window frame positioned in its place. Add-on double glazing can be installed within hours while double glazing might take several days to install. 

The Best In Terms Of Functionality

Both of these can be very functional and can be installed in any type of building. Add-on double glazing is however a bit more flexible. These window panes can be installed permanently or temporarily and they can be fixed to your current doors and windows so you won’t have to get anything custom re-made. 

On the other hand, double glazing tends to be easier to clean. This is because you need to clean all panes on all sides when you wash secondary-glazed windows. The panes of double-glazed windows are sealed shut and will stay clean so you only have to wash the exterior panes. 

From all of these comparisons, it becomes quite clear that add-on double glazing is probably the better option. If you decided to add on double glazing then it is time to reach out and give Stop Noise a call so they can get your home converted. With their help, your home, office, or building will be a lot calmer and quieter and your windows will still look fantastic.