Since its introduction way back in the last century, double glazed windows have been lauded as the solution for all the UK’s thermally inefficient homes. Once an unusual feature on a property, double glazing is now standard across the UK. We explore all the reasons why double and triple glazed windows are so popular and take a deep dive into all the double glazing benefits:
- Thermal Insulation – Preventing extreme heat transfer to the outside and keeping your home warm all year round.
- Increased Security – Allowing you and your family to sleep soundly at night.
- Reducing Condensation – Protecting your home from excess damage from mould.
- Noise reduction – Ensuring your home is the tranquil space you need.
- Increase in home value – Enhancing your property value and ensuring your home keeps up with the market.
Homes have been enjoying the benefits double glazed windows provide for the last three decades. Double glazed windows feature two-layered glass innovations which have drastically reduced energy costs across the UK, increased security, and reduced the risk of damage from condensation. Homes are noticeably quieter and more private, and homeowners with double glazing installed find that they also enjoy the benefit of an increased property value.
Let’s take a look at the advantages of double glazed windows.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Double Glazed Windows
Thermal Insulation
One of the key benefits of double glazing is to significantly improve the insulation of our homes. With energy costs on an ever upward trajectory influenced by recent world events, more and more homeowners are now concerned about their heating costs. Installing double glazed windows can revolutionise your heating usage and energy bills, and prevent heat transfer from the interior of your home to outside with a combination of sealed uPVC window frames and two or three glass panes. Hot air remains in your home for longer, draughts are eliminated and you’ll enjoy reduced energy bills. So, how do double glazed windows work?
Double glazing has two panes of glass. A heat-insulating inert gas, usually argon, is placed between the two glass panels to keep the warm air on the inside from coming into contact with the cool air on the outside, ensuring the air temperature inside is consistent. Having double glazed windows ensures there is no risk of thermal conductivity which is what happens with a single glazed window. Traditional glazing just has one pane of glass. Without a second interior window pane, there is uncontrolled heat transfer to the outside, meaning you have to run your central heating for longer to stay warm, and often at a higher temperature.
Increased Security
One of the benefits that comes with double glazing is uPVC frames which have helped to ensure that families around the UK can rest easy, knowing that they’re safe from intruders. Old timber frames and single glazed windows are much easier to break into compared to uPVC units. Over time, rain and wind cause old timber frames to rot and weaken, making it easy to gain entry through structural weak points, such as single glazed windows or single glazed doors.
The reinforced and multi-chambered frame double glazing provides is exceptionally difficult to break, even more so if you opt for laminated or toughened glass. Double glazed windows are able to withstand much more force because of the extra depth that comes with two panes of glass and the argon gas in the middle. Plus, the window frames are reinforced with multiple chambers and modern locking technologies and systems, so it’s easy to see why optimal security is one of the key benefits double glazing offers. Sleep sound year round with peace of mind that you, your family and your possessions are safe as houses!
Reducing Condensation
One of the biggest problems with old wooden window frames is condensation. Condensation occurs when the warm water vapour in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces like a single glazed window pane chilled by the outside air temperature. As the cold air from outside cools the surface of the glass, the warm air inside reacts with the lower temperature and creates condensation.
Condensation can be a real cause for concern because it can lead to a number of problems which can affect both the health of your home and your family. The build-up of mould threatens the structural integrity of your windows and can cause interior damage to textiles like curtains and blinds as well as constant costly maintenance. However, the biggest concern is that mould also causes health issues. Breathing in mould is a serious problem for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions and lung problems like asthma. Even if you don’t have a family member that suffers from these, mould is still a serious worry for healthy people. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.
New double glazed windows virtually eliminate the risk of condensation. The inner pane of glass doesn’t react in the same way to the colder outside temperatures meaning that condensation is minimised or even eliminated altogether. It’s impossible to achieve this with windows that have a single pane of glass. What a refreshing change to wake up to clear windows that are not dripping water onto the frames or managing the daily struggle in rooms like the bathroom or kitchen to control moisture levels. Even better, all the surfaces round your house will be a lot warmer, not just the windows, because of improved thermal insulation!
Noise Reduction
Double glazed windows offer a huge improvement in environmental disturbance in areas affected by noise pollution compared to single glazed window frames. It’s simple! The technology that creates improved thermal insulation is also the reason for the noise reduction properties of double glazed windows. And you thought great thermal insulation was just about your home becoming more energy efficient and lowering your energy bills!
The extra layer of glass, plus the argon gas between the two panes, creates a density which absorbs the vibrations in the air. This helps to drastically reduce the amount of noise that comes through the window and also the amount of noise that leaves your home, great if you have a house full of students or teenagers.
The interior window pane of double glazed windows makes all the difference in areas blighted with external noise like continuous traffic, disruption from adjacent buildings or businesses, and noise pollution from aircraft. As a result, your home will be the peaceful and tranquil space you deserve any time of the day and night with enhanced sound insulation. You’ll also enjoy more privacy and reduce the risk of complaints from neighbours about loud music or noisy children!
Increase in Home Value
Double glazed windows are the standard now in many modern British homes with some double glazing companies even offering triple glazing. Reducing your energy consumption, lowering your energy bills and your carbon footprint ticks all the right boxes for many prospective purchasers; this is one of the less obvious double glazing benefits.
Energy efficiency and heating costs is a subject on everyone’s minds these days as costs continue to rise. Now is the perfect time to invest in double glazing if you haven’t already. New windows will ensure your house is keeping up with market trends and staying at the highest value possible as well as being attractive to potential buyers. Purchasers want to see smart and secure new windows with double glazed units that avoid costly maintenance ensuring increased insulation, minimal heat loss and low energy bills supported by a good EPC rating. Homes with single glazed windows attract far fewer potential buyers compared to properties that have double or even triple glazed windows and doors.
Double Glazing on the Web
If you weren’t convinced of the benefits of double glazing before, we’re certain you are now! If you want to see what new double glazed windows will cost, use our online pricing tool to get a detailed quote that reflects all your requirements. We’ll ensure that you have an expert quote within minutes and quickly help you find the right installer to get your double glazing project moving!
Benefits of Double Glazing in the UK – Final Thoughts
When it comes to double glazing versus single pane windows, there is just no contest. From superior thermal insulation and elevated safety to zero condensation and reduced noise, double glazing offers nothing but benefits for every homeowner. Upgrade your comfort and the aesthetic of your home and enjoy energy efficient living, all this with an uplift in the value of your property.
As energy prices continue to rise and governments strive to improve the health of our planet with worldwide environment conservation efforts, you can make the smartest choice of all for your home with double glazed replacement windows. Help your pockets and your carbon footprint whilst ensuring your own home increases in value and remains competitive in the housing market.
Double Glazing Benefits: FAQs
How much can I save on electricity bills by installing double glazing?
Reduced energy bills are clearly one of the biggest attractions of new double glazed windows. The exact amount of savings varies depending on different factors including the size of your property, your energy consumption, and the type of double glazing. Homeowners can typically expect to save between 10%-20% on their annual electricity payments; this is one of the most attractive benefits of double glazing.
Can double glazing be installed in listed buildings or properties in conservation areas?
Yes, double glazing can be installed in listed houses and properties in conservation areas, but you will need to obtain specific permission from the local council who may dictate the style of the glazing and the materials used. This is in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the house and ensure it is in keeping with the buildings around it. You should also discuss this with your installation company.
How long does double glazing last and how much maintenance does it require?
One of the key benefits of double glazing is its longevity. Double glazing typically lasts between 20-35 years but a lot depends on the quality of the units and how expert the installation is. Happily, double or triple glazed windows require minimal care and maintenance. However, sensible care and repairs when needed will extend its lifespan and continue to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Can double glazing be retrofitted to existing windows, or will they need to be replaced?
In most cases, double glazing can be retrofitted to existing window frames, but these frames will need to be in good condition and the right type for the upgrade. If the frames are broken, outdated, or just not compatible with double glazing, then you’ll need to replace the windows in their entirety. An experienced and qualified contractor will be able to help you with this.
Are there any government offers or incentives available for installing double glazing?
Whilst there are no specific grants for double glazing, homeowners may be eligible for various local authority schemes and incentives linked to energy efficiency enhancements. These include the Green Homes Grant and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. It’s well worth checking with your local council or doing an online search for double glazing incentives and initiatives in your area. Usually, energy companies are familiar with the latest offers as this encourages people to buy their double glazed windows.
