Why invest in double glazing versus alternative windows?

Discover the advantages of double glazing

It may be time to replace ageing windows on your property, or you may be concerned about rising energy costs and the environmental impact of the carbon footprint of your house. In either case it's worth investing some time considering the advantages of double glazed windows over traditional alternatives.

With advances in technology and materials there is little aesthetic differences between double glazing and traditional windows so let’s take a look at the benefits of each product.

Heat retention

Double glazing has become very popular due to its innovative ability to reduce the amount of heat energy lost from your home. It consists of two layers of glass with a layer of inert gas or air trapped between them which acting as an insulator, preventing loss of heat through the surface of the windows.

Up to 18% of heat loss can occur through the windows of your house so this is one area where judicial spending can result in long term savings. Reduced heat loss means lower heating bills and fitting double glazing to all the windows and porches in your house can reduce your heat loss by 10-12% over traditional windows. Double glazing should be considered a long term investment as it will take several years to pay back your investment through energy saving benefits but the installation will immediately create a warmer, quieter environment and may increase the resale value of your house. Replacing all single-glazed windows with B-rated double glazed windows could save you around £165 per year on your energy bills.

In the summer time the reverse is true. Double glazing can reduce solar heating inside your house by 13% resulting a cooler living environment.

Reduced condensation

As the internal pane of glass in a double glazed unit is at a similar temperature to the room condensation is reduced. Condensation occurs when air in the room reaches the temperature of its dew point and deposits water on the coldest object. This is a very common with single glazed window units and can lead to damp inside your home.

Increased Security

With two layers of glass a double glazed window is much harder to break and the broken shards normally stay in place resulting in improved security. This can be further enhanced with the fitting of toughened glass.

UV protection

UV light can be harmful to skin and cause premature fading of furniture and carpets. A double glazing installation will reduce these effects. If a tint is added to the outside window 86% of UV light can be eliminated.

Double glazing can be fitted in all types of materials typically used in windows. In the past wooden or aluminium frames were the norm but uPVC now a very popular option due to cost and the ease of maintenance. Upkeep is negligible compared to that of traditional wooden windows. uPVC does not flake, rot, rust or fade unlike traditional wooden frames which require re-painting, patching and re-filling on a regular basis.

Be careful to choose a design and materials that suits the style of your property, enhances its appearance and matches other properties in the area. This is particularly important with uPVC and aluminium designs if they are being fitted to older properties. Take a look at similar properties in your area and compare the effect of fitting various types of replacement windows.

Although rare, planning permission may sometimes be required when replacing windows. This is especially true in the case of 'listed' buildings and properties located in 'conservation areas'. If you are converting a flat window into a bow or bay window, you may also need planning permission. It's always best to check this by calling the local authority.

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