Double Glazing has been around since the 1970s and it is touted as one of the best and most economical improvements you can make to your home. This is why most of us are surprised to learn that there are a number of people out there who are still trying to make do with single-glazed windows. Despite several regulations in place to make sure homes are fitted with high-quality double-glazed windows, single glazing, it seems, is not illegal.
Double-glazing is essentially a window with two panes of glass instead of one. These two sheets of glass are separated by a pocket of air in the middle, much like a sandwich, and this pocket of air is filled with insulating gas to reduce heat loss.
Nobody is quite sure when double-glazing was invented, it has been linked both to 1930s America and the Roman Empire, but it only really took off in the UK around the 1970s and 80s. Thanks in part to the popularisation of double-glazing in America, people really started to see the amazing benefits in the UK, and this was when it became mainstream.
Although it’s not completely illegal to have single-glazed windows in the UK, since April 2002, building regulations have applied to all replacement glazing to improve energy efficiency. This means that if you’re thinking of replacing your glazing, you have to prove that you’ve conformed to the specific double-glazing regulations set out by the government.
Any new build properties have also had to adhere to these new regulations, which means that double-glazing now comes as standard on all new builds in the UK. For landlords, rented properties have to replace single glazing with double-glazing before renting a property, thanks to the new Minimum Energy Standards (MEES) set out by the government in England and Wales.
If you’re thinking about replacing your single-glazed windows with double-glazing, it’s probably a good idea to know a little bit about all of the benefits that come with it. Double-glazing can do a number of amazing things for you and your home, ranging from heat retention to saving money. Let’s run through the advantages:
Installing a window with double-glazing will not only provide heat insulation, but it can also capture heat and retain it during the winter months.
The heat-retaining advantages of double-glazing can also have a positive impact on your pocket. You’ll save more money in the long run because you’ll end up spending less money on heating.
Double glazed windows are harder to break and are sealed tighter than single glazing alternatives. This means that if you install double-glazing in your home, your home will be more secure.
Good quality double-glazing is designed to reduce noise as well as retain heat. This means, with the correct installation, double-glazing can provide you with a much better night’s sleep.
Good quality double-glazing is designed to reduce noise as well as retain heat. This means, with the correct installation, double-glazing can provide you with a much better night’s sleep.
If you struggle to get to sleep because you live in a very noisy area, chat to us about our SGG Stadip Silence glass laminate. The cheapest option reduces noise pollution by at least 35dB!
Visit our state of the art design tool to personalise your perfect Double-Glazing window solution today.
Why Do Some Houses Not Have Double Glazing?
Many people still choose to keep their single glazed windows over the much more energy-efficient and cost-effective installation of double-glazing. There are a variety of reasons for this.
Some people feel as though the expense of installation outweighs the long-term savings of their energy bills, others worry that new windows won’t look as good as traditional ones, and some don’t know about all the great positives that come with installing double-glazing.
For those who live in listed houses or in conservation areas, it used to be very difficult to update your windows. This is because there are various regulations that require you to retain the building’s original character. However, many of our uPVC and aluminium heritage window options are accepted in listed buildings, so talk to us today to find out more.
Installing double-glazing has a variety of benefits, but there are a few downsides that should be considered before making a decision on whether or not double-glazing is right for you.
Double-glazed windows retain more heat than single glazing, which means it’ll cost you less in the long run to heat your home. However, a lot of people find the initial cost of installing double-glazing off-putting, and even choose to provide extra heat to their homes using electric heaters, which are notorious for their inefficiency and expense.
For those living in period and listed properties, there is a worry that installing double glazed windows will not only prove to be more expensive than a standard installation, but that doing so will require planning permission, and may destroy the original look and character of the property.
You might think that the best thing about double-glazing is that it keeps your home feeling warmer for longer, but for a lot of people, heat is one of the downfalls of double-glazing. For those who live in warmer climates, or for people who naturally run hot, the idea of retaining more heat is actually more of a nightmare than a dream.
Some people choose to install double-glazing themselves, without the knowledge and assistance of a reputable double-glazing fitter. While this would save on the installation fee, there would be a risk of improper fitting and damage to the glass. If there is a problem with the seal, this could cause condensation between the panes, which could prove hard to repair. In fact, it’s probably much easier and much more cost-effective to replace rather than repair.
Double-glazing, when installed properly, can last a long time without any issues. It is estimated that quality double-glazed windows can last about twenty or thirty years, but they still have a limited lifespan and will inevitably need replacing. There are a number of ways to tell whether or not your double-glazing needs replacing, always check for the following:
If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, contact one of our friendly experts today to find out more about our state-of-the-art double glazing solutions.
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