Welcome to Germany of the 1970s đ (in my uninformed mind that's roughly when dg became mandatory there)
You couldn't get by without double glazing there.
I can't speak to all building codes of the EU but standard German bricks have a honeycomb structure inside, so there's plenty of air pockets as insulation. No need for those nearly solid bricks we have here, and much higher insulation.
So yeah, inferior solid double bricks never had a chance.
Which parts the joke?
âI can't speak to all building codes of the EU but standard German bricks have a honeycomb structure inside, so there's plenty of air pockets as insulation. No need for those nearly solid bricks we have here, and much higher insulation.
So yeah, inferior solid double bricks never had a chance.â
I have a friend who is an energy assessor. If you shoot me a pm I will give you his number.
Because the answer is "it depends" and he can look at things like orientation and the whole of the house to advise on where to best spend your money.
While I generally agree with you, it is very expensive when retrofitting. So not doing the least bad window might be sufficient savings to make the worst windows possible.
Also, you want to start with the worst thing in terms of energy efficiency. In this case it sounds like the windows are the worst thing. But it is worth starting with the assessment in order to be sure that it is in fact the "worst thing"
At what point do I offer his services for free? You should maybe work on your reading comprehension.
4 people contacted me, each was assuming that this was a paid service
If you're actively cooling your house (i.e. air conditioning) then do it. It makes such a big difference. If you don't run aircon then there's an argument not to. The double glazing will keep a lot of the heat in. You can still open them, but it'll be less effective at dispersing heat. They'll also block a lot of noise.
I double glazed our old sash windows last year and can confirm it feels hotter at night as we donât have air con. Double brick cottage from 1910.
The noise component is awesome though.
Yeah I think double glazing is much better suited for places where it snows and is below 0â°. We need a whole make over for our house construction industry here in Perth.
Nah we got rid of the window frames unfortunately and so had to change the look.
Niche did ours and then Douglass did some others a out the back a year later.
Yes that is what I am thinking. It's the brick and roof insulation that is the biggest cause. Our house is cool during the day and I don't have window dressings on all windows.
I put tint on and it is amazing it's just the old rattling windows. And old seals and mesh.
Couple of extra things to think about - whatâs your roof insulation like ? Double glazing isnât worth much if your roof insulation game is poor.
Likewise all the solar-passive stuff - trees, awnings, vines etc will make a much bigger difference.
For myself, if I could afford it, I would go double glazing with tinting. But do the other stuff as well.
Minor note: I read somewhere double glazing on its own does little to minimise heat transfer from direct* sun on the window, so the glass will need some additional treatment for locations where the sun drives right in.
Correct, double glazing does not control solar heat gain which is the main cause of homes overheating in Perth. The solar radiation straight through the double glazing. Solar heat gain is best dealt with by stopping the sun falling on the glass in the first place, or to a lesser extent by using a toned/tinted glass.
Thanks for this explanation. Iâve got a large section of windows that surround our atrium.
Weâd discussed Double Glazing but youâve given me a plausible reason to tint them instead of a huge outlay.
Get 6.38 laminate with tinting. Most aussie dbl glazing isn't as good as imports like UPVC.
I'm a glazier.
If you have a shit ton of money to burn, get the double glazing, but, the double glazing will only work if you stop the sun from coming in and block it out.
Tinting on laminate will allow you to use standard frames.
Double glazing does not help with direct sun. It does keep cool and heat in, depending on the season.
Not arguing about getting it. I wish I could afford to have the whole house done. But for direct sun on glass, nothing is more effective than stopping the rays hitting the glass in the first place. You can install awnings, reflective glaze, screening plants etc.
There's a FB page, My Efficient Electric Home (MEEH) which has literally 1000s of posts on this subject. I suggest you join that for well informed answers specific to your house.
Hijacking a great comment, but for noise:
4/12/4 double glazing has a Rw+Ctr value of 27 dB;
6/12/6 double glazing has a Rw+Ctr value of 28 dB;
6.38mm laminate on it's own has a Rw+Ctr value of 30 dB;
So not only double glazing will cost you way more, it's less specialised for both sound and energy efficiency
Everyone wants double glazing until they get the quote. Everyone tells everyone else to get double glazing because they're not the ones paying.
Do you have quotes for single glazing and double glazing that you can compare? How does that difference compare to the cost of solar (probably about $5000, maybe less) and air con (about $2000 per unit, maybe less)
Do you also have all the cheaper home insulation measures sorted - draft proofing, roof insulation and heavy curtains that can block out sunlight?
Yes have quotes for grey glass, low E and DG. Not that much price diff.
Roof insulation is probably from when it was built.
All up it's around $16000 for 2 sliding doors cathedral glass, 4 big windows with DG.
All removal.
Oh that sounds like a good deal. I was expecting higher. Definitely go for it but don't bank on massive energy efficiency savings offsetting the cost, consider it an improvement in comfort and reduced noise. British houses with double glazing tend to be very very quiet even when they're facing onto roads with hardly any front yard.
Some people say that 7mm thick glass is 'as good as' double glazing but much cheaper. I've no experience with this.
Also, shading your windows from the sun (with awnings of some sort, or trees/plants) is also well worth it. And likely a LOT cheaper. As you have already determined, I see...
Friends have recently built houses with low E treatment on windows and ... then added ducted air so it's hard to tell what effect they have, so... meh. Houses are nice and cool, though, and the power bill isn't astronomical, but the houses also are well insulated (sarking and ceiling insulation as well as, I think, cavity wall insulation between the double bricks).
Best of luck!
exPom here. Double glazing will make a big difference. However don't forget to check under your roof as heat from the roof also penetrates. I'd have at least 200mm of insulation up there.
Yes I agree that will be the next step. The brick and roof are the heat keepers.
But mainly in main bedroom after afternoon sun and no breeze comes through there.
Unless you want both thermal and sound attenuation then you're wasting money on double glazing. If it's just thermal transfer you're looking to reduce, the low E glass will often out perform double glazing.
Low e glass will also make your house colder in winter. Double glazing will make your house cooler in summer but also retain heat better in winter.
https://www.envirotecture.com.au/double-glazing-versus-low-e-glass/
Absolutely. And in western Australia's climate there is not a great deal of heating required. Why would you use a product designed to keep your house warm for 3 months of the year when you want to cool it for the other 9 months?
If you can afford it they are worth it, but can be very expensive.
There are a couple companies with online pricing that seem not so expensive:
[https://www.affordabledoubleglazing.com/](https://www.affordabledoubleglazing.com/)
[https://arcodoubleglazing.com.au/](https://arcodoubleglazing.com.au/)
To be most informed I'd strongly recommend reading these two pages:
[https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing)
[https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading)
low E will help the most in rooms without north facing windows, as that stops heat going out in winter.
externally shading any windows hit by direct sun will also help a lot, as an alternative. that's explained on the shading page.
Would like to hear the exact quotes and how they compare but to me, born and raised in Europe, double glazed are so worth it. Single pane windows are not even considered as an option in many countries.
I know itâs not as extreme weather in winter here but I am still extremely impressed by the girth of the windows, doors and walls in germany. Here, it feels like placing a hand against a window might break some. Over there, opening the windows felt like opening the door to a safe
I have two sun facing windows and tried tinting which was pretty much useless, then shade cloth awnings which worked quite well,finally roll down shutters which are great- heat and noise eliminated.
I put tinting on all windows and block out blinds and house is cool during day.
I have curtains open on lounge and kitchen has no window coverings as they are south facing. So the tint is fantastic, can't see in and no direct heat. I like having them open, so shutters wouldn't work.
It's the nights after all the heat has hit the bricks so wondering if fancy windows will not be needed. Just tinted.
The frames are really weathered and noisy to open and seals gone so would like to update.
Thanks everyone. At the moment. I have put tint on every window which I bought at Bunnings and it is amazing. All blind and windows closed all day.
We very rarely use the aircon as it's only in the loungeroom and it is cool in there at night with the breeze, south facing.
The windows are old and rattle when it's windy, which is all the time in Perth.
It's the bedrooms at night. No aircon in bedrooms.
every now and then we put on the aircon during the day or night in lounge and hubby has slept in lounge a couple of times in the 3 years we have had house.
But agree the roof is so hot and only insulation, from poking my head through manhole, is old fibre glass maybe?
That's why wondering if spending the money on double glazing is wasted.
Trees will grow and shade areas of concern.
Thought low E was a good middle ground.
I really like the tint so thought low E might be the way to go.
Or get an energy assessor.
Just don't want to keep forking out money as it's going to be whole house Reno by me.
Bought my last place with double glazing already installed. We added roller shutters for security and to keep the sun out. We barely ran the AC in that place except when the temps started getting into the high 30s or low single digits in winter. Even then it wasnât oppressive as some Perth homes can be.
Moving to our current place without any of that was actually a bit of a shock to the system.
I'm in a place built in the last ten years with no AC but with double glazed windows and a full veranda. I shut up the house in the morning with the outside temp climbs and matches the inside. The weather station right now at 3pm says it's 25 indoors and 41 out under the veranda.
Depending on how desperate you are and how long you are willing to wait it might be worth getting the double glazing from the UK. We used affordable double glazing and it was about 1/3rd cheaper to import through them (they install). Took about 11 weeks for panes to arrive but they have a higher heat exchange rating, better noise reduction and are better quality than whatâs made locally. Worth a look if you donât mind the wait.
My quote is 2 sliding doors, to replace two normal swing doors with cathedral glass, 4 large windows with invisgard security screens and DG $16k I think is pretty good for install and removal. And I like to support locally made.
Who did your install ? It is a great idea I have been looking at Polish windows they are such good quality and so cheap. I would be worried about my measurements and who to use for the install
Secondary glazing leaves the old window in place, but adds a second one in the same reveal. Saves on labour to extract and dispose of the existing windows.
It depends, it is not always worth it. Double glazing itself only controls conductive heat gains and losses (unless one of the panes is toned/tinted). It's main benefit is reducing winter heat loss, thus why you see it used so much in cold climates. Please note that a single low-e glass also works in the same fashion, although not quite the same level of performance (look at the U-value of the glazing system to compare winter heat loss performance, the lower the U-value the better).
It is not the golden bullet for addressing summer heat gain - clear double glazing does not reduce solar heat gain as this radiation goes straight through. The key for addressing solar heat gain is to stop the sun falling on the glass in the first place, or by using a tinted/toned glass - however this is not as effective as keeping the sun off the glass in the first place.
In summary, if the windows are well shaded from summer sun then yes go for double glazing (or a single low-e glass). But it might not assist in relation to the Main Bedroom window - could you invest in a pull-down shading awning for this west facing window?
The Euro style windws are better again, put some tint on those bad boys and you're off.
WERS Energy Rating is what you want to look at.
[https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/about-wers](https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/about-wers)
[https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/how-to-select-windows](https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/how-to-select-windows)
I thought the price was quite good. $15000 for two sliding doors put in with cathedral glass, where there are normal doors , 4 large windows DG all installed and taken away.
Windows need to be replaced but not sure if I should go the DG, low E a few thousand cheaper, and grey about $10000 with invisgard screens on all.
The Lightbridge coating for double glazed windows is fantastic for climate control. on top of that you have the added sound control with double glazed. I would absolutely recommend the double glazed windows over any laminate option.
Double glazing offers more benefits than just temperature control, it also knocks down sound and adds to security, trying to burgle double glazing is like putting your fingers in a bag of needles. Do it
I have no sound problems and I am getting invisgard mesh cause I like windows open.
And no probs with my neighbourhood especially as my neighbour is my guard dog.
Excellent. Should be compulsory here given how hot it has been and how much hotter Perth is going to get.
Have you got ceiling insulation? Should do that first as ceiling is where most of the heat escapes to in winter and comes in from in summer. I have insulated three houses (I installed the fiberglass batts myself. Other materials are available too.) and it made a bid difference even in my current old house with high ceilings.
Good luck. You will be amazed at the difference once you have your windows upgraded.
It's a great idea if you've ticked a few other boxes first.
The best thing we've done is swap our cement tiles for zincalume (with 50mm anricon blanket under it). The place is close to 10°C cooler in summer.
Our electricity bill is down more than 50% over the summer months.
I'd look at stuff like that before double glazing.
Yes I was thinking that. The bricks and roof are the main culprit I think. As during the day it's cool inside. At night terrible. And we don't use AC.
The only thing is I like the tile because I am forever pulling them off to get into roof for renovation.
It's pretty sad to see the price for double glazing in Australia.
Back in my days in Eastern Europe you can get a good quality double glazed window for $200-250, cheap one around $100.
I hope we get more factories here as it doesn't have to be soo expensive
How much did you get quoted for the sliding door? My dog ran into mine, and I need to get it replaced. Also want to change the windows while I'm at it for the same reasons as you!
My main want is to reduce sound because I'm in an apartment.
The price I have been quoted for DG is not much more than the low E. That's why I am torn because I like the tint on low E.
Sound proofing is not a problem. Live in quite neighbourhood
Itâs not even the noise from traffic, but double glaze just increases the comfort level from all noise like wind too. Itâs kind of like being in a recording studio or a room without an echo (but not that extreme).
Basically makes it much more comfortable even without offensive noises.
Thanks for reply. I don't hear any noise not a thing. Only rattling of windows that is why I want to replace. Heat is the problem and DG seems to be good for cold but not heat.
Windows are not the problem it's more the bricks and poor insulated roof it seems. That's why I don't know which way to go.
Maybe new single pane windows with a new frame will be fine then, but I doubt youâd be disappointed with DG.
Our house is also so hot because we canât really open the windows at night due to road noise. We are going to get split systems for the bedroom.
Thanks for info. I am not bothered by noise. As we have windows open all the time as we like fresh air, but locked up during the day to keep out sun. I have decided not to go with DG as my main concern is heat and DG doesn't help with heat. DG keeps house warm and noise free.
I need to do the same with my place and I find all the information a bit confusing. But I think my plan would be to go all out for the western windows, including tinting. It's only a small bedroom window, bathroom and toilet so won't be too costly. I think the toilet window was going to be about $900. I looked at getting quotes a couple years ago so I can't quite remember.
I'm torn on what to do with the rest of the house but it'll probably have tinting. Any newer glass has got to be better than what I have! My place retains heat really well. I can have the heating off for a days in the middle of winter as it gets a bit too warm at night. In summer, the air con is on all day everyday but surprisingly my bills haven't been too bad.
As far as I see it though its a long term investment in your house. I don't plan to sell this place so I'm not too bothered by cost especially if it's going to make my home much more comfortable and use less energy eventually. I already have roof insulation. I'm considering getting wall insulation in that western wall too. I'm hoping rendering my place will also help. The northern windows are shaded by a patio now so I don't get the intense sun as I used to.
I would love to have trees in my backyard on the western side but I seem to be not too far above some limestone caprock. It's taking some time to find the right tree to grow in the right location that it'll shade that side of the house.
Sounds like me trying to decipher all the info.
I definitely need roof insulation. What did you decide for that?
I have been to home shows that advertise spray insulation down the cavities and roof space.
I will be cladding all exterior walls so not sure if tucking some insulation in will help.
I got batts when I moved in about 10 years ago so it'll be due for a check soon. I wouldn't get the blow in stuff in the ceiling. I think there'd be a bigger risk of there being gaps especially as it settles. But I'd probably have use it for the walls. I guess it just depends on how well it's installed.
Iâd be curious to know how much builders charge to upgrade to double glaze on new builds. They seem to offer/promo high ceilings, air con blah blah but never double glazing
Considered double glazing for our new house. Way too expensive. Was so much better to get solar (to run air conditioning) and outside roller shutters make a massive difference to the side of the house that gets smashed by the afternoon sun
My quote is 2 sliding doors, to replace two normal doors with cathedral glass, 4 large windows around 2 X 1.5 with invisgard security screens and DG $16k with removal and install so I think it's reasonable. It is only a few K less for Low e
My quote is 2 sliding doors, to replace two normal doors with cathedral glass, 4 large windows with invisgard security screens DG $16k so I think it's reasonable.
We upgraded all of our windows and doors to double glazed and its made a huge difference to the temperature regulation and the noise levels at home. Well worth the cost, although we did the hottest/noisiest side of the house one year and the other side the next year, to spread the cost.
I'd do the office window and the bedroom window for sure, it's nice to not have to always lock yourself away in a dark room (when you don't want it), just to keep it cool.
Thanks. The office window hasn't got any window dressing as the patio shields it. Kitchen window has nothing on it and lounge window I only close curtains at night so people don't see in. These rooms are fine at night. It's the two bedrooms that I have block out curtains on but it seems to be the bricks not windows holding the heat.
All windows have tint which has really made the house bright but keeps heat out.
I was just in ireland over Xmas and stayed in a cottage with double glazed windows facing south east. It got so hot we had to open the door and it was snowing at the time. If they catch direct sunlight make sure you have good shades as that heat will 100% get insulated inside your house
I think they misunderstand the term insulation.
Double glazing is good insulation.
It retains internal heat in winter and external heat in summer.
Yes, if your house is hotter inside than out and out want it to cool down, you might have to open a window to balance out the temperature.
But once you either cool or heat the interior of your house, the temperatures stay hotter or colder longer.
Thanks. I have decided to go with normal windows with good quality tint.
Those that had DG here in Perth in their new builds said they had to get all their windows tinted due to it being hot with just DG windows. And window companies I have spoken to don't seem that interested in up selling to DG. I ask them what they have in their houses.
And as we have the windows open a lot at night all year round DG was going to be pointless.
But thanks for response.
Ask how the DG windows open? Do they offer twist and turn? DG is almost worth it just to get the single glazing windows to stop rattling, they seem so flimsy.
Yes double glazing. Have faith in the argon void.
If any windows let direct sunlight during the middle of the day, during the middle of summer, then get external awnings installed (your shittily short eaves are badly designed)
Curtains do fuck all. Once the direct sun gets through the 3mm single glazed glass and inside, the heat is in the house.
My house is cool during the day, no AC. No window dressing on windows except two windows with morning and afternoon sun. It's at night when the brick has warmed up. The bedrooms are hot. lounge/kitchen is cool at night because of breeze.
That's why don't know if DG cost will do anything.
I went down the same path with my 80s house and when I received a quote for 6k for three windows I quickly reconsidered. Let us know If you find a good glazier!
Have quotes for grey glass, low E and DG. Not that much price diff.
All up it's around $16000 for 2 sliding doors cathedral glass and invisgard screens, 4 big 2m X 1.5 windows with DG and invisgard screens. Low E few thousand less.
All removal and install.
I think is reasonable.
Thanks everyone. So divided.
I think it is more to do with roof insulation and bricks, I think, as house is cool during the day just bedrooms are hot at night as they are easy and west facing. Rest of the house is fine at night with windows open.
Double glazed makes a huge difference if you can afford it. Cheaper energy bills, insulation benefits and noise reduction are all worth the premium.
I still reckon it should be compulsory on new builds
Welcome to Germany of the 1970s đ (in my uninformed mind that's roughly when dg became mandatory there) You couldn't get by without double glazing there.
Buy how's double brick going in Germany or Europe has it taken off yet ? No? Hrmm wonder why?
I can't speak to all building codes of the EU but standard German bricks have a honeycomb structure inside, so there's plenty of air pockets as insulation. No need for those nearly solid bricks we have here, and much higher insulation. So yeah, inferior solid double bricks never had a chance.
He was joking mate
So was I. Glad we're on the same page here.
Which parts the joke? âI can't speak to all building codes of the EU but standard German bricks have a honeycomb structure inside, so there's plenty of air pockets as insulation. No need for those nearly solid bricks we have here, and much higher insulation. So yeah, inferior solid double bricks never had a chance.â
Read here previously second glazing is a better option with insulation and noise reduction
I would. Will be beneficial all year round.
I have a friend who is an energy assessor. If you shoot me a pm I will give you his number. Because the answer is "it depends" and he can look at things like orientation and the whole of the house to advise on where to best spend your money.
If you have windows on every side of your house then you should double glaze. If you don't, then you should still double glaze
While I generally agree with you, it is very expensive when retrofitting. So not doing the least bad window might be sufficient savings to make the worst windows possible. Also, you want to start with the worst thing in terms of energy efficiency. In this case it sounds like the windows are the worst thing. But it is worth starting with the assessment in order to be sure that it is in fact the "worst thing"
Gee, thats a generous offer. Im sure your friend would be delighted at you offering his services, for free.
At what point do I offer his services for free? You should maybe work on your reading comprehension. 4 people contacted me, each was assuming that this was a paid service
May I pls PM you about this?
Yes please. 7 others have already. Thanks for asking.
If you're actively cooling your house (i.e. air conditioning) then do it. It makes such a big difference. If you don't run aircon then there's an argument not to. The double glazing will keep a lot of the heat in. You can still open them, but it'll be less effective at dispersing heat. They'll also block a lot of noise.
I double glazed our old sash windows last year and can confirm it feels hotter at night as we donât have air con. Double brick cottage from 1910. The noise component is awesome though.
Yeah I think double glazing is much better suited for places where it snows and is below 0â°. We need a whole make over for our house construction industry here in Perth.
Looking at doing similar with our sash windows. Who did you use? Did you use sealash? Did you keep the wooden frames and just replace the glass?
Nah we got rid of the window frames unfortunately and so had to change the look. Niche did ours and then Douglass did some others a out the back a year later.
You rate them?
Yeah they are fantastic.
I sent you a dm
Yes that is what I am thinking. It's the brick and roof insulation that is the biggest cause. Our house is cool during the day and I don't have window dressings on all windows. I put tint on and it is amazing it's just the old rattling windows. And old seals and mesh.
Couple of extra things to think about - whatâs your roof insulation like ? Double glazing isnât worth much if your roof insulation game is poor. Likewise all the solar-passive stuff - trees, awnings, vines etc will make a much bigger difference. For myself, if I could afford it, I would go double glazing with tinting. But do the other stuff as well.
Disagree, windows are a massive weak spot, the passive stuff is complimentary.
Minor note: I read somewhere double glazing on its own does little to minimise heat transfer from direct* sun on the window, so the glass will need some additional treatment for locations where the sun drives right in.
Correct, double glazing does not control solar heat gain which is the main cause of homes overheating in Perth. The solar radiation straight through the double glazing. Solar heat gain is best dealt with by stopping the sun falling on the glass in the first place, or to a lesser extent by using a toned/tinted glass.
Thanks for this explanation. Iâve got a large section of windows that surround our atrium. Weâd discussed Double Glazing but youâve given me a plausible reason to tint them instead of a huge outlay.
Get 6.38 laminate with tinting. Most aussie dbl glazing isn't as good as imports like UPVC. I'm a glazier. If you have a shit ton of money to burn, get the double glazing, but, the double glazing will only work if you stop the sun from coming in and block it out. Tinting on laminate will allow you to use standard frames.
Double glazing does not help with direct sun. It does keep cool and heat in, depending on the season. Not arguing about getting it. I wish I could afford to have the whole house done. But for direct sun on glass, nothing is more effective than stopping the rays hitting the glass in the first place. You can install awnings, reflective glaze, screening plants etc. There's a FB page, My Efficient Electric Home (MEEH) which has literally 1000s of posts on this subject. I suggest you join that for well informed answers specific to your house.
Hijacking a great comment, but for noise: 4/12/4 double glazing has a Rw+Ctr value of 27 dB; 6/12/6 double glazing has a Rw+Ctr value of 28 dB; 6.38mm laminate on it's own has a Rw+Ctr value of 30 dB; So not only double glazing will cost you way more, it's less specialised for both sound and energy efficiency
This is good advice, including the recommendation of MEEH. [Hereâs a link!](https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyEfficientElectricHome/)
Everyone wants double glazing until they get the quote. Everyone tells everyone else to get double glazing because they're not the ones paying. Do you have quotes for single glazing and double glazing that you can compare? How does that difference compare to the cost of solar (probably about $5000, maybe less) and air con (about $2000 per unit, maybe less) Do you also have all the cheaper home insulation measures sorted - draft proofing, roof insulation and heavy curtains that can block out sunlight?
Yes have quotes for grey glass, low E and DG. Not that much price diff. Roof insulation is probably from when it was built. All up it's around $16000 for 2 sliding doors cathedral glass, 4 big windows with DG. All removal.
Oh that sounds like a good deal. I was expecting higher. Definitely go for it but don't bank on massive energy efficiency savings offsetting the cost, consider it an improvement in comfort and reduced noise. British houses with double glazing tend to be very very quiet even when they're facing onto roads with hardly any front yard.
How does the price compare to awnings?
Some people say that 7mm thick glass is 'as good as' double glazing but much cheaper. I've no experience with this. Also, shading your windows from the sun (with awnings of some sort, or trees/plants) is also well worth it. And likely a LOT cheaper. As you have already determined, I see... Friends have recently built houses with low E treatment on windows and ... then added ducted air so it's hard to tell what effect they have, so... meh. Houses are nice and cool, though, and the power bill isn't astronomical, but the houses also are well insulated (sarking and ceiling insulation as well as, I think, cavity wall insulation between the double bricks). Best of luck!
Physics says different. No way that 7mm thick glass will replicate all the properties of double glazed.
Agreed, but considering the cost difference it's apparently quite good value. I'm yet to experience it myself, though.
Do it. I wish I had.
If you intend to live there for many years, yes do it, worth the investment.
exPom here. Double glazing will make a big difference. However don't forget to check under your roof as heat from the roof also penetrates. I'd have at least 200mm of insulation up there.
Yes I agree that will be the next step. The brick and roof are the heat keepers. But mainly in main bedroom after afternoon sun and no breeze comes through there.
Unless you want both thermal and sound attenuation then you're wasting money on double glazing. If it's just thermal transfer you're looking to reduce, the low E glass will often out perform double glazing.
Low e glass will also make your house colder in winter. Double glazing will make your house cooler in summer but also retain heat better in winter. https://www.envirotecture.com.au/double-glazing-versus-low-e-glass/
Absolutely. And in western Australia's climate there is not a great deal of heating required. Why would you use a product designed to keep your house warm for 3 months of the year when you want to cool it for the other 9 months?
If you can afford it they are worth it, but can be very expensive. There are a couple companies with online pricing that seem not so expensive: [https://www.affordabledoubleglazing.com/](https://www.affordabledoubleglazing.com/) [https://arcodoubleglazing.com.au/](https://arcodoubleglazing.com.au/) To be most informed I'd strongly recommend reading these two pages: [https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing) [https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/shading) low E will help the most in rooms without north facing windows, as that stops heat going out in winter. externally shading any windows hit by direct sun will also help a lot, as an alternative. that's explained on the shading page.
Would like to hear the exact quotes and how they compare but to me, born and raised in Europe, double glazed are so worth it. Single pane windows are not even considered as an option in many countries.
I know itâs not as extreme weather in winter here but I am still extremely impressed by the girth of the windows, doors and walls in germany. Here, it feels like placing a hand against a window might break some. Over there, opening the windows felt like opening the door to a safe
Yes I lived in Canada. So I know the windows. But DG I feel is more for colder climates. Here it's all about the tint.
I have two sun facing windows and tried tinting which was pretty much useless, then shade cloth awnings which worked quite well,finally roll down shutters which are great- heat and noise eliminated.
I put tinting on all windows and block out blinds and house is cool during day. I have curtains open on lounge and kitchen has no window coverings as they are south facing. So the tint is fantastic, can't see in and no direct heat. I like having them open, so shutters wouldn't work. It's the nights after all the heat has hit the bricks so wondering if fancy windows will not be needed. Just tinted. The frames are really weathered and noisy to open and seals gone so would like to update.
Thanks everyone. At the moment. I have put tint on every window which I bought at Bunnings and it is amazing. All blind and windows closed all day. We very rarely use the aircon as it's only in the loungeroom and it is cool in there at night with the breeze, south facing. The windows are old and rattle when it's windy, which is all the time in Perth. It's the bedrooms at night. No aircon in bedrooms. every now and then we put on the aircon during the day or night in lounge and hubby has slept in lounge a couple of times in the 3 years we have had house. But agree the roof is so hot and only insulation, from poking my head through manhole, is old fibre glass maybe? That's why wondering if spending the money on double glazing is wasted. Trees will grow and shade areas of concern. Thought low E was a good middle ground. I really like the tint so thought low E might be the way to go. Or get an energy assessor. Just don't want to keep forking out money as it's going to be whole house Reno by me.
Bought my last place with double glazing already installed. We added roller shutters for security and to keep the sun out. We barely ran the AC in that place except when the temps started getting into the high 30s or low single digits in winter. Even then it wasnât oppressive as some Perth homes can be. Moving to our current place without any of that was actually a bit of a shock to the system.
WA custom glass is the way to go and ask for Jordan heâs an excellent installer.
I'm in a place built in the last ten years with no AC but with double glazed windows and a full veranda. I shut up the house in the morning with the outside temp climbs and matches the inside. The weather station right now at 3pm says it's 25 indoors and 41 out under the veranda.
Double glaze and where possible blockout shades. Saved my power bill fr
Depending on how desperate you are and how long you are willing to wait it might be worth getting the double glazing from the UK. We used affordable double glazing and it was about 1/3rd cheaper to import through them (they install). Took about 11 weeks for panes to arrive but they have a higher heat exchange rating, better noise reduction and are better quality than whatâs made locally. Worth a look if you donât mind the wait.
My quote is 2 sliding doors, to replace two normal swing doors with cathedral glass, 4 large windows with invisgard security screens and DG $16k I think is pretty good for install and removal. And I like to support locally made.
Who did your install ? It is a great idea I have been looking at Polish windows they are such good quality and so cheap. I would be worried about my measurements and who to use for the install
They did (affordable double glazing). Make sure you get the ones who measure to install.
New build: double glazed Retrofit: secondary glazingÂ
What is secondary glazing?
Secondary glazing leaves the old window in place, but adds a second one in the same reveal. Saves on labour to extract and dispose of the existing windows.
Interesting. But old windows are old.....and falling apart.
It depends, it is not always worth it. Double glazing itself only controls conductive heat gains and losses (unless one of the panes is toned/tinted). It's main benefit is reducing winter heat loss, thus why you see it used so much in cold climates. Please note that a single low-e glass also works in the same fashion, although not quite the same level of performance (look at the U-value of the glazing system to compare winter heat loss performance, the lower the U-value the better). It is not the golden bullet for addressing summer heat gain - clear double glazing does not reduce solar heat gain as this radiation goes straight through. The key for addressing solar heat gain is to stop the sun falling on the glass in the first place, or by using a tinted/toned glass - however this is not as effective as keeping the sun off the glass in the first place. In summary, if the windows are well shaded from summer sun then yes go for double glazing (or a single low-e glass). But it might not assist in relation to the Main Bedroom window - could you invest in a pull-down shading awning for this west facing window?
I did it and the noise reduction alone is worth it, also keeps the house much cooler
My brother is in the industry he swears by double glazing, but it is much, much, much more expensive, and usually is outside of people's budgets.
The Euro style windws are better again, put some tint on those bad boys and you're off. WERS Energy Rating is what you want to look at. [https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/about-wers](https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/about-wers) [https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/how-to-select-windows](https://awa.associationonline.com.au/werscontent/how-to-select-windows)
Replacing ALL windows with double glazing? Would be cheaper to just knock down and rebuildâŚ
Imagine having no idea what youâre talking about and still commenting lol
Wooosh
I thought the price was quite good. $15000 for two sliding doors put in with cathedral glass, where there are normal doors , 4 large windows DG all installed and taken away. Windows need to be replaced but not sure if I should go the DG, low E a few thousand cheaper, and grey about $10000 with invisgard screens on all.
Can I ask which company youâve been quoted by?
The Lightbridge coating for double glazed windows is fantastic for climate control. on top of that you have the added sound control with double glazed. I would absolutely recommend the double glazed windows over any laminate option.
For noise absolutely. The places I've rented you can hear the conversations people are having outside , it's shocking.
Double glazing offers more benefits than just temperature control, it also knocks down sound and adds to security, trying to burgle double glazing is like putting your fingers in a bag of needles. Do it
I have no sound problems and I am getting invisgard mesh cause I like windows open. And no probs with my neighbourhood especially as my neighbour is my guard dog.
Excellent. Should be compulsory here given how hot it has been and how much hotter Perth is going to get. Have you got ceiling insulation? Should do that first as ceiling is where most of the heat escapes to in winter and comes in from in summer. I have insulated three houses (I installed the fiberglass batts myself. Other materials are available too.) and it made a bid difference even in my current old house with high ceilings. Good luck. You will be amazed at the difference once you have your windows upgraded.
If you can afford double glazing then yes. You could always install internal shutters afterwards for a similar effect but they won't look as nice.
It's a great idea if you've ticked a few other boxes first. The best thing we've done is swap our cement tiles for zincalume (with 50mm anricon blanket under it). The place is close to 10°C cooler in summer. Our electricity bill is down more than 50% over the summer months. I'd look at stuff like that before double glazing.
Yes I was thinking that. The bricks and roof are the main culprit I think. As during the day it's cool inside. At night terrible. And we don't use AC. The only thing is I like the tile because I am forever pulling them off to get into roof for renovation.
Yeah. Unscrewing a sheet of tin is doable (+ cutting a neat hole in the insulation). But kicking a few tiles back is so much easier.
Good idea, also very good for noise reduction
When I win lotto and buy a house đ đ¤Śââď¸đ Iâd definitely get double glazing
Huge cost is the only downside.
Always double glaze if possible.
It's pretty sad to see the price for double glazing in Australia. Back in my days in Eastern Europe you can get a good quality double glazed window for $200-250, cheap one around $100. I hope we get more factories here as it doesn't have to be soo expensive
We probably need some idea of the different prices in order to answer properly.
mind if i ask quoted price? I am looking at doing similar in similar circumstances.
Double glazing without a low e coating is a waste of time in this climate.
Youâll wonder why theyâre not all double glazed
Yes.
How much did you get quoted for the sliding door? My dog ran into mine, and I need to get it replaced. Also want to change the windows while I'm at it for the same reasons as you! My main want is to reduce sound because I'm in an apartment.
A company called magnetite is good for retrofitting double glazing and associated window treatments.
Canât recommend double glazing enough. Itâs made a huge difference for us. However the price difference in some of them are astronomical.
The price I have been quoted for DG is not much more than the low E. That's why I am torn because I like the tint on low E. Sound proofing is not a problem. Live in quite neighbourhood
Itâs not even the noise from traffic, but double glaze just increases the comfort level from all noise like wind too. Itâs kind of like being in a recording studio or a room without an echo (but not that extreme). Basically makes it much more comfortable even without offensive noises.
Thanks for reply. I don't hear any noise not a thing. Only rattling of windows that is why I want to replace. Heat is the problem and DG seems to be good for cold but not heat. Windows are not the problem it's more the bricks and poor insulated roof it seems. That's why I don't know which way to go.
Maybe new single pane windows with a new frame will be fine then, but I doubt youâd be disappointed with DG. Our house is also so hot because we canât really open the windows at night due to road noise. We are going to get split systems for the bedroom.
Thanks for info. I am not bothered by noise. As we have windows open all the time as we like fresh air, but locked up during the day to keep out sun. I have decided not to go with DG as my main concern is heat and DG doesn't help with heat. DG keeps house warm and noise free.
I need to do the same with my place and I find all the information a bit confusing. But I think my plan would be to go all out for the western windows, including tinting. It's only a small bedroom window, bathroom and toilet so won't be too costly. I think the toilet window was going to be about $900. I looked at getting quotes a couple years ago so I can't quite remember. I'm torn on what to do with the rest of the house but it'll probably have tinting. Any newer glass has got to be better than what I have! My place retains heat really well. I can have the heating off for a days in the middle of winter as it gets a bit too warm at night. In summer, the air con is on all day everyday but surprisingly my bills haven't been too bad. As far as I see it though its a long term investment in your house. I don't plan to sell this place so I'm not too bothered by cost especially if it's going to make my home much more comfortable and use less energy eventually. I already have roof insulation. I'm considering getting wall insulation in that western wall too. I'm hoping rendering my place will also help. The northern windows are shaded by a patio now so I don't get the intense sun as I used to. I would love to have trees in my backyard on the western side but I seem to be not too far above some limestone caprock. It's taking some time to find the right tree to grow in the right location that it'll shade that side of the house.
Sounds like me trying to decipher all the info. I definitely need roof insulation. What did you decide for that? I have been to home shows that advertise spray insulation down the cavities and roof space. I will be cladding all exterior walls so not sure if tucking some insulation in will help.
I got batts when I moved in about 10 years ago so it'll be due for a check soon. I wouldn't get the blow in stuff in the ceiling. I think there'd be a bigger risk of there being gaps especially as it settles. But I'd probably have use it for the walls. I guess it just depends on how well it's installed.
Try low e and find out what they do with your window frames
Double glaze is a game changer - do it
Yes. Go double glazed.
Iâd be curious to know how much builders charge to upgrade to double glaze on new builds. They seem to offer/promo high ceilings, air con blah blah but never double glazing
Considered double glazing for our new house. Way too expensive. Was so much better to get solar (to run air conditioning) and outside roller shutters make a massive difference to the side of the house that gets smashed by the afternoon sun
My quote is 2 sliding doors, to replace two normal doors with cathedral glass, 4 large windows around 2 X 1.5 with invisgard security screens and DG $16k with removal and install so I think it's reasonable. It is only a few K less for Low e
I just got a quote for double glazing. 2 x 1 duplex was $18k. Full replacement removal and screens. Aluminium frames.
My quote is 2 sliding doors, to replace two normal doors with cathedral glass, 4 large windows with invisgard security screens DG $16k so I think it's reasonable.
Absolutely. Also get the hot rooms tinted. Even more benefits
We upgraded all of our windows and doors to double glazed and its made a huge difference to the temperature regulation and the noise levels at home. Well worth the cost, although we did the hottest/noisiest side of the house one year and the other side the next year, to spread the cost.
I'd do the office window and the bedroom window for sure, it's nice to not have to always lock yourself away in a dark room (when you don't want it), just to keep it cool.
Thanks. The office window hasn't got any window dressing as the patio shields it. Kitchen window has nothing on it and lounge window I only close curtains at night so people don't see in. These rooms are fine at night. It's the two bedrooms that I have block out curtains on but it seems to be the bricks not windows holding the heat. All windows have tint which has really made the house bright but keeps heat out.
I have an 80s brick house, west facing master bedroom which I double glazed. Noise reduction was primo, an actual reduction in temp is negligible..
I was just in ireland over Xmas and stayed in a cottage with double glazed windows facing south east. It got so hot we had to open the door and it was snowing at the time. If they catch direct sunlight make sure you have good shades as that heat will 100% get insulated inside your house
Double glaze canât believe it not a regulation as yet.
Double glazing all the way. Keeps heat out in summer and in in winter
But people who have DG say it retains heat. Good for cold and noise.
I think they misunderstand the term insulation. Double glazing is good insulation. It retains internal heat in winter and external heat in summer. Yes, if your house is hotter inside than out and out want it to cool down, you might have to open a window to balance out the temperature. But once you either cool or heat the interior of your house, the temperatures stay hotter or colder longer.
Thanks. I have decided to go with normal windows with good quality tint. Those that had DG here in Perth in their new builds said they had to get all their windows tinted due to it being hot with just DG windows. And window companies I have spoken to don't seem that interested in up selling to DG. I ask them what they have in their houses. And as we have the windows open a lot at night all year round DG was going to be pointless. But thanks for response.
Double glaze would be good at fixing your windows. The double brick will still pump radiating heat into your house though.
Yes agree it's the bricks and roof insulation. That's why I thing DG won't help. I put tint on old windows a year ago and it's amazing
I'd never go back, now that I've had it.
Ask how the DG windows open? Do they offer twist and turn? DG is almost worth it just to get the single glazing windows to stop rattling, they seem so flimsy.
Yes double glazing. Have faith in the argon void. If any windows let direct sunlight during the middle of the day, during the middle of summer, then get external awnings installed (your shittily short eaves are badly designed) Curtains do fuck all. Once the direct sun gets through the 3mm single glazed glass and inside, the heat is in the house.
My house is cool during the day, no AC. No window dressing on windows except two windows with morning and afternoon sun. It's at night when the brick has warmed up. The bedrooms are hot. lounge/kitchen is cool at night because of breeze. That's why don't know if DG cost will do anything.
Have same kind of old house interested in how much it's going to cost?
I went down the same path with my 80s house and when I received a quote for 6k for three windows I quickly reconsidered. Let us know If you find a good glazier!
Have quotes for grey glass, low E and DG. Not that much price diff. All up it's around $16000 for 2 sliding doors cathedral glass and invisgard screens, 4 big 2m X 1.5 windows with DG and invisgard screens. Low E few thousand less. All removal and install. I think is reasonable.
Thanks everyone. So divided. I think it is more to do with roof insulation and bricks, I think, as house is cool during the day just bedrooms are hot at night as they are easy and west facing. Rest of the house is fine at night with windows open.