You may surprised to learn that the windows found in most homes today did not exist in their current form until the twentieth century. Many people have wondered over the years just who invented double glazed windows. The answer is the Libbey Owens Ford Glass Company. This was during the great depression in the 1930s. The company was owned by two men named Edward Libbey and Michael Owens. Double glass window panes are also referred to today as insulated glazing. This is when two panes are separated either by air or gas so that heat transfer is reduced. They are low maintenance, attractive, and allow a home to keep warm air in during the cold months and cooler air in during the warmer months. Glass is the obvious choice of material for a window since it lets natural light shine in and allows one to have a view of the outside. In recent years there have been advances made in the technology behind these sealed window units. Greater thermal improvement means that a window will be functional and usable for many years without needing replacement. This is great for homeowners because window replacement can be very costly. You will often see this style of window referred to as IGU, which stands for insulated glazed unit. In general, these units are produced with a thickness of 3 to 10 millimeters or more. Typically both panes are going to be the same thickness, unless the window is of a special design which will require various thicknesses to be used. Another benefit to this style of window is the security that it offers. A home is less likely to be broken into with such durable window panes in place when they are securely shut and locked. They almost always come with a good locking system that keeps it tightly shut and prevents anyone from being able to pry it open. Before you purchase new windows, be sure to check all local retailers for price quotes. They may seem costly to buy and install, but you will see an annual savings on your home's heating and cooling bills. There is a definite difference in single and double glazed panes, so this is certainly a worthwhile investment and will add to your home's resale value. Another great benefit to this style of window is the reduction in noise. Even if you live in a noisy area such as downtown in a city, you will be able to cut out much of the outside sound and prevent it from disturbing you when inside. You can always open a window up for fresh air and then close it to keep noise out. Although technology has changed quite a bit since the 1930s, manufacturers and homeowners today should be grateful to those who invented double glazed windows all those years ago. They help to keep buildings insulated, reduce acoustic disturbance, and provide a great measure of security. You should consider installing new units so that you also may save money on your cooling and heating costs throughout the year. |