Top Benefits of Double Glazing: A Buyer’s Guide

What is double glazing?

Double-glazed windows have a dual-pane design, meaning they are made of two planes of glass.

In standard double glazing, each window pane is 4mm deep, with a 16mm gap in between the panes that are filled with an inert gas like argon, xenon, or krypton.

These gases are poor heat conductors, and this allows them to act as insulation, helping to retain your home’s warmth.

You can choose uPVC windows or traditional timber-framed double-glazed windows, but whichever you choose will provide benefits like increased energy efficiency, reduced energy bills, enhanced security, and a higher property value.

Installing double-glazed windows is a worthwhile home improvement project, but it’s important to learn as much as you can about the different types, so that you can make an informed decision on which windows to install.

Let’s look at the benefits of double glazing, and what you need to know before you buy.

1. Energy Efficiency

The fossil fuels we use to heat our homes increase our carbon footprint, but by making your home more energy efficient, you can reduce yours.

Not only will double-glazed windows reduce the cost of heating your home, but they will improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Double-glazed windows are very effective at reducing the heat gain and loss through windows that account for 25 to 30 percent of your energy usage.

Choosing energy-efficient frame materials and low-e glass can increase energy efficiency further.

2. Enhanced Security

Just because they are reinforced with an extra pane of glass, double-glazed windows and doors are inherently more secure than single-paned.

Additionally, many suppliers use safety glass for their double-glazed windows, and that is even more secure than regular panes.

Talk to your window specialist about the security of your windows, looking for police-preferred windows with multi-point locking and windows that are secured by design.

As a homeowner, knowing that your windows are providing a deterrent to intruders can give you peace of mind.

3. Noise Reduction

Noise pollution happens when sounds from the outside enter your home. It can be especially problematic if you live in a noisy, urban area, and noise pollution can raise your stress levels, increase blood pressure, interfere with sleep, cause hearing loss, and more.

Double glazing reduces noise pollution by improving sound insulation, creating barriers that reduce noise transmission from the outside.

You’ll enjoy an improved quality of life, with a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.

4. Comfort And Insulation

Double-glazed windows help with temperature regulation by minimizing drafts.

This helps to maintain a consistent temperature in your home all year round, no matter the climate in which you live or what the weather is like outside.

Especially in places with extreme temperature shifts, this all-season comfort makes double-glazed windows a wonderful option.

5. Aesthetics And Home Value

Double-glazed windows come in a variety of colours, designs, and styles, allowing you to improve your kerb appeal while you improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

You’ll be increasing your property value, too, making your home more appealing to potential buyers, both functionally and aesthetically.

All of the customisation options available to you allow you to make your double-glazed windows fit perfectly with your home’s existing look.

6. Maintenance And Durability

Double glazing is designed to last for many years, weathering well. It has low maintenance requirements, and you’ll need to do very little beyond seeing that your windows are cleaned once a month and regularly inspecting them for damage.

Double-glazed windows typically have a lifespan of about 20 years, though some can last much longer with proper care.

Over time, you can expect your double-glazed windows to save you about £235 each year in energy costs.

Choosing The Right Double Glazing

Think about the aesthetics of the windows you are considering. You may want to choose windows that are in harmony with the original character of your home’s architectural design.

On the other hand, if you are remodelling, you might choose a completely different design.

If you are unsure as to what you can do with your windows, talk to your local planning authority. The windows can be made of different materials, and which you choose will depend not only on the look you want, but also on the level of maintenance you prefer and the amount of money you want to spend.

uPVC windows are generally the least expensive, and they are available in many different styles and configurations.

Timber windows are typically found in traditional homes, and if you want to maintain the heritage style while upgrading the energy efficiency of your home, you can choose double-glazed timber windows. Timber requires a little bit more maintenance to stay in good shape.

Aluminium costs less than timber and more than uPVC, and can accommodate larger panes of glass than other frames. When you’re shopping for double-glazed windows, consider low-R glass, which is more energy-efficient, and have your windows installed professionally.

Costs And Budgeting

The initial investment of installing double-glazed windows is not insignificant, but the energy savings will make it cost-effective in the long run.

At Eliments, we offer a variety of financing options to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency with double-glazed windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the cost of double-glazing installation? The cost of double-glazing installation depends on a variety of factors. At Eliments, we beat any competitors’ prices for quoted items, and to make sure you are getting the best deal, we offer free, no obligation quotes.
• How much can I save on energy bills with double-glazing? It’s estimated that double-glazed windows can save you about £235 per year.
• Can I install double glazing myself? You might be able to, but you have to be approved by your local council’s building control department as a “competent person” before you can get started. Once you have done the work, the council team will check and sign off on your work to make sure it meets the required standards. It may be a better option to use a FENSA-registered installer, able to self-certify the work.
• Is double glazing suitable for all climates? Yes, but it is especially good for moderate to hot climates.
• Are there any government incentives for double-glazing? Yes, the UK has introduced a number of financial incentives for energy-efficient home improvement measures, including double glazing.
• What maintenance is required for double glazing? Double-glazed windows are designed to be low-maintenance, requiring only monthly washing and minimal repair.
• How do I find a reputable double-glazing installer? Look for a FENSA-registered company, and pay attention to reviews.
• Does double glazing come with a warranty? Yes, and at Eliments, we provide guarantees on all of our work.
• Can double glazing be retrofitted to existing windows? Yes, and by retrofitting, you can preserve heritage windows.
• Are there any aesthetic limitations to double-glazing? Double glazing is available in a wide variety of styles and colours, making double-glazed windows truly customisable.

Energy Efficient Windows

No matter what kind of windows you need, you can trust Eliments to help you make the right choice. For over a decade, Eliments has been enhancing and improving homes, providing high quality products and excellent customer service to hundreds of happy customers.

We create products to suit your property, within a timescale to suit you, and all of our windows and doors are manufactured to Veka specifications.

If you are looking for the very best windows, doors, and conservatories on the market today, contact us through our website for a free quote.