The Evolution of Double Glazed Windows: A Comparison of 80s and Modern Technology in White Gold

White Gold is a British television series set in the 1980s that follows the lives of a group of double glazing salesmen in Essex, England. The show centres around the protagonist, Vincent Swan, who is a charismatic and ambitious salesman looking to make a name for himself in the industry. Along with his colleagues Fitzpatrick and Lavender, Vincent uses his charm and cunning to sell double glazed windows to unsuspecting customers, while dealing with personal and professional challenges along the way.

Double glazed windows have come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1950s. In the TV show White Gold, set in the 1980s, we see characters selling and installing double glazed windows using the technology of the time. But how do these windows compare to the modern double glazing we have today?

In the 1980s, double glazed windows became more widely used, and the technology improved to some degree. In episode 2 of the first season of White Gold, Vincent Swan attempts to sell double glazed windows to a potential customer who is skeptical about the benefits. Vincent explains to him that double glazed windows can help to reduce heat loss, lower energy bills, and provide better insulation, which can make the home more comfortable and quieter. He also uses some clever sales techniques, such as demonstrating how double glazing can help to reduce the noise from a nearby construction site.

To that end, Vincent was correct, however when we look at the technology behind double glazed windows in the 80s, we now know about its deficits. Namely, the air gap between the panes of glass was often left unfilled, which meant that it provided minimal insulation. Additionally, the seal between the two panes of glass was not always perfect, which could lead to problems with condensation and draughts.

Fast forward to the present day, and the technology behind double glazed windows has improved significantly. Modern double glazing is typically made using advanced technology and materials. Instead of a gap of air, the space between the panes of glass is filled with an insulating gas, such as argon. This provides better insulation and reduces the likelihood of condensation. The seals used in modern double glazing are also much more effective, which helps to reduce draughts and prevent moisture from entering the building.

These improvements in double glazing technology are reflected in the set design of White Gold. While the show accurately depicts the double glazed windows of the 80s, we can see how modern double glazing would look in a modern setting. The modern windows are typically slimmer, with thinner frames that allow for larger areas of glass. This not only improves the aesthetics of the windows, but also provides greater insulation and energy efficiency.

Evolution of double glazed windows has been significant, with modern technology providing greater insulation, energy efficiency, and overall performance. While the double glazed windows of the 80s as depicted in the show White Gold was impressive at the time, modern technology has improved on this design in significant ways. White Gold allows us, as the audience – to reflect on these differences, and serves as a reminder of how far double glazing technology has come.