You probably don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about windows. But with the increasing temperatures of UK summers and the damp and draughty winter months, you might want to give them some more attention.
When confronted with the heat or cold, most homeowners look for solutions like air conditioners or turning their radiators on higher. But these are short-term solutions. One of the best options to avoid the weather affecting the comfort of your home in the long run is to have good insulation when it comes to your windows.
Some homes across the country have normal windows, made with a single glass pane. If this is the type of window you have, you already know that drafts and cold or hot air can easily make their way into your home through this singular layer.
Instead of being at the mercy of the elements, you can opt for double glazing. This type of window provides insulation that not only protects you from harsh weather, but also prevents noise transmission and increases the security of your home.
What is double glazing?
Double glazed windows are a type of window that consists of two glass panes with a small gap between them. This gap is generally filled, either with air or with argon (an inert gas). The air or gas act as an insulator between the layers of glass.
What this means is that double glazing creates an airtight unit that helps reduce heat loss from within your home and prevents hot or cold air from entering in different weather conditions. Your home will be warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer heat.
Not only does double glazing help you withstand the UK weather year round, but it also increases your home’s energy efficiency. The insulation offered by double glazed windows ensures that the hot air warming up the home stays where it needs to be – inside.
This means that you will be saving on your heating expenses. With double glazed windows, you can save up to £195 a year on your energy bills. Havin
This type of glazing also helps you avoid the disruptive impact of noise pollution on your comfort. The insulation not only protects from hot or cold temperatures, but also from any noisiness outside.
Whether you live in a bustling city or a serene town, you do not want to have the calm of your home disrupted by neighbours, cars or any other noise-transmissive factors. Double glazed windows can help you avoid any such unnecessary discomfort.
Why choose double glazing?
If the insulation and noise reduction properties of double glazed windows were not enough to convince you of their advantages, here are a few other reasons why you would want to opt for double glazing for your home:
- Variety of styles: Double glazing can be paired with virtually any window style. Whether you opt for the famous casement windows or elegant French ones, they can be fitted with double glazing.
This way, you can ensure that you enjoy the benefits of double glazing in a style that fits you and your home.
- Variety of materials: You can also pair double glazing with your choice of window frame material. uPVC, aluminium and wood are popular choices that work well with double glazing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the material the frames are made of also have an impact on the cost of your double glazed windows. uPVC frames are generally less expensive, while those made of wood are pricier.
- Various colours: When it comes to the frames, you can find them in almost any colour. This allows you to ensure that your double glazed windows blend well with the overall aesthetic of your home.
- Increased security: upgrade from normal windows
- Durable: Once installed and with the proper maintenance and care, double glazed windows have a lifespan of 20-25 years. Of course, this also depends on the material of your frames and the quality of the installation.
By opting for double glazing you make a long-term choice for your home and can enjoy their benefits for decades.
Pros and cons of double glazed windows
Like all things in life, double glazing has both its advantages and its disadvantages. Before making any decision concerning upgrading your windows, it is important to be aware of those.
Pros:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Noise reduction
- Increased security
- Reduced condensation
Cons:
- High initial cost
- Professional installation is required
- Repair costs
- Possibility for condensation between the two panes of glass
Costs of double glazed windows in the UK
The average price of double glazed windows is between £300-£600 per window. This estimate, however, must be considered in connection to the material you choose for the frames, the window style, the type of glass, and the installation costs.
To give you an idea of how much a window costs based on its size and the material of the frame, we provide you with estimates for the cost of aluminium double glazed windows in the UK this year.
It is important to keep in mind that these are only estimates and that the total price of double glazed windows for your home will depend on the size of the installation, the window style, the frame material, and the installation costs involved.
The only way to know for certain how much you will be spending on new double glazed windows is to contact a specialist. They can offer you information tailored to your home and give you the accurate total cost you can expect if you want to upgrade your windows to double glazing.
