Compare Double Glazing Window Quotes and Save up to 40%
What Are Double Glazed Windows?
Double glazed windows have two panes of glass with a gap between them that is filled with either air or gas. This construction provides better insulation, noise reduction, and has several other benefits compared to old-fashioned single-pane windows. The two panes of glass and the gas or air gap prevent heat transfer, keeping interior spaces warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
But what are the different double glazing styles you can access? And what will work best for you. Let Double Glazing On The Web help you find out below.
All our trusted local suppliers are members of one or more of these consumer protection groups.
Over 100 vetted companies, reference and credit checked. Deposit indemnity protection and an insurance-backed guarantee.
What Does Double Glazing Look Like?
Double glazed windows have two panes of glass with a gap between them filled with air or gas. The panes are separated by a spacer bar and sealed together at the edge. Besides being able to see the two panes if you get up close, they don’t look markedly different to their single glazed or triple glazing counterparts.
How Does Double Glazing Work?
The air or gas gap between the two panes of glass slows heat flow in and out due to its insulating properties. This gap prevents convection, and as the gas cannot circulate, it further reduces heat transfer. Any moisture that makes its way between the panes may condense on the glass, but the seal prevents leaks or drips into the home, protecting against mould and mildew buildup.
What Are The Benefits Of Double Glazed Windows?
Double glazed windows offer superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs. They also dampen outside noise levels and prevent condensation or frost build up during cold weather. Overall, they keep interior spaces more comfortable and lower energy bills. Double-glazed windows and doors are typically low-maintenance too, especially compared to traditional timber windows.
Main Double Glazed Window Styles
There are several common styles of double glazed windows available. The main options include:
Casement Windows
Casement style double glazed windows are hinged windows that are side hung, so you crank them open to the side. The hinges can be on either the left or right-hand side depending on preference and your home’s design. Groups of casement windows can create a full corner of glass to optimise natural light.
Casement Windows: Pros/Cons
Casement windows provide excellent ventilation when fully open and are available in various window materials. Typically, casement windows open outwards, but they take up space inside when opening inwards and can be exposed to weather elements.
Sliding Windows
Sliding double glazed windows open horizontally by sliding one pane past the other. They can slide open to the left or the right. Pairs and triples are common to optimise openings in a space for improved home ventilation in more difficult home set-ups and layouts.
Sliding Windows: Pros/Cons
The main pros here are space efficiency and horizontal opening operation where windows are adjacent to another building. The cons include more limited ventilation and meeting rails that can collect dirt and debris, affecting the window’s operation overtime.
Tilt and Turn Windows
Tilt and turn windows have multiple operation modes. You can swing them inward like a door which is great for cleaning the windows or tilt the top in for ventilation. This offers flexibility based on how much fresh air you require.
Tilt and Turn Windows: Pros/Cons
Tilt and turn windows are super flexible for ventilation and cleaning. There are some cons, however as they use more complex hardware and mechanisms, so if it breaks, it’ll cost you a little more to get it replaced.
Bay Windows
Bay windows with double glazed glass protrude outwards from the exterior wall, creating a feature and extra space inside via an alcove. They allow light from multiple angles and can be a great feature for a room in your home.
Bay Windows: Pros/Cons
Pros are the increased space, shelf area, and light. The drawback is that they will protrude from the building, so they need careful weatherproofing, and they can intrude on the garden or outside space you have. The framing is more complex, too, so expect to see that reflected in the price and in any repair costs further down the line should damage or wear and tear effect the windows.
Bow Windows
Bow windows are similar to bay windows but have a more rounded and curved shape that extends further from the wall, rather than the box shape of bay windows. This creates enhanced space and views and the bow shape adds a softer feel to a space which might suit your style better.
Bow Windows: Pros/Cons
The pros and cons of bow windows are similar to those of bay windows. In some settings, the shape of a bow window extends the available space even further than bay windows, bringing more natural light into the room. The cons regarding footprint and more complex framing shapes are similar to bay windows.
Additional Considerations
Beyond double glazing styles, here are some of the other factors that impact double glazed windows:
Frame Materials
Common frame materials include vinyl, wood, aluminium, fibreglass, or combinations of these. Aluminium windows give contemporary homes a sleek, modern appearance but have a higher price tag. Wooden windows are perfect for period properties with sash windows or another traditional style. However, they are high maintenance and come at a premium cost. uPVC frames have an affordable price point and offer great value for money. Choosing a specific frame colour is also possible if you don’t want white, helping you customise your home’s double glazed windows according to your taste.
When choosing the right material for your window frame, consider the style that will suit your home, as well as durability, maintenance, and lifespan so you can get the most out of your investment.
Glass Types
Double-pane glass varies hugely depending on budget and requirements—there is a dizzying array of options. Choose between glazing with a low emissivity coating, argon gas fills between the two panes to manage heat loss and help lower heating bills, or special acoustic glass to reduce external noise.
When it comes to double glazed windows, the choice of glass is endless. You can opt for glazing with greater visibility, higher insulation values, or glass with specialised treatments to reduce maintenance and cleaning. Choose different space bars for various windows. You may also want to choose different glazing for windows on the upper floors, where air circulation and secure ventilation are a priority, than other windows on the ground floor of your home, where there could be different priorities like enhanced security and the windows are not the same style.
The cost of the glass will have one of the biggest impacts on your double glazed windows project. However, a slightly higher price point will reward you with excellent energy efficient windows that enhance your property value.
Related: Best Glass for Double Glazing
Costs
Double glazed windows have a wide range of associated costs. The styles, sizes, materials, and options you choose all contribute to the final cost in varying degrees. It’s vital to obtain multiple quotes, as even for exactly the same number and type of windows, you’ll find a range of prices across installers.
Getting several quotes will help you source the most energy efficient double glazed windows with optimal thermal insulation and the most competitive deal. We can help you find the perfect installer for you offering the best possible price.
Related: Free Instant Double Glazing Quotes Online
Installation
Proper installation is crucial to ensure new windows function as intended without leaks or gaps. Consider hiring experienced technicians rather than doing it yourself. Poorly installed new double glazing could invalidate any warranty and not keep your home well insulated.
Save up to 40% on Double Glazing
Double Glazing on the web has helped over 1M homeowners request double glazing quotes for window and door replacement. We are home improvement experts with a panel of over 100 accredited window and door installers registered with us throughout the UK.
Summary of Styles
The most common double glazed window styles—casement, sliding, tilt and turn, bay, and bow—all offer unique benefits, but each individual style has drawbacks. Focus carefully on how you intend to use them, your priorities, like easy cleaning or reducing heat loss, to find the right design for your home.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Analyse how you use your home, where windows are located, your budget, and what matters most, such as views, ventilation, security and efficiency. Visit showrooms to look at different options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to help you make the best choice. And above all else, make sure you compare the prices being offered by different installers.
At Double Glazing On The Web we offer a quote comparison service that compares our installation partner’s prices. We then present your best options and you can choose who to contact. All the installers we work with are independently vetted by our team and they all have relevant accreditation to guarantee the quality of their work. Work with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best double glazed window style?
The “best” style depends on your needs and preferences and the type of house you have. Casement windows provide excellent ventilation when fully open. Sliders optimise space efficiency. Tilt and turns are flexible and easy to clean. Bay and bow windows create space and open up garden views. Evaluate your priorities – there is no universally best option, only the best option for you and your home.
How much more expensive are double glazed windows?
Double glazed windows typically have an upfront cost premium of anywhere from 10-50% more than single-pane windows, but save significantly on heating and cooling over time with improved energy efficiency, meaning you make your money back.
How long do double glazed windows last?
With proper installation and maintenance, double glazed windows typically last 25-30 years before seals fail and fogging occurs between the panes. Units with argon gas fill rather than air may last 5+ years longer on average. Even though double glazing frames are designed to be very low maintenance, it depends on how well you look after your windows, including attending to any breaks or damage and dealing with repairs promptly.
Do double glazed windows reduce noise?
Yes, having two panes of glass with an air gap offers far superior sound dampening compared to single-pane windows, reducing outside noise by up to 50%. This helps minimise street noise, loud neighbours, and sound from nearby commercial buildings or traffic. Triple glazing offers even better noise reduction.
Can you install double glazed windows yourself?
It is possible for handy homeowners to install their own double glazed windows, but it requires expertise and is tricky to get perfect seals. If you don’t install the window frame properly, then your double glazing could suffer, and moisture could enter the window unit. You may also invalidate any manufacturer’s warranty. Consider hiring an experienced window installer instead.
