When it comes to windows, there can be a number of decisions and factors at play when looking to choose new windows. Not only have you got to consider the style, such as the material (aluminium or uPVC), as well as the frame colour and glazing style, there’s also a decision to be made on which type of window you want – single glazed or double glazed windows.
Single glazed and double glazed windows come with a number of benefits and drawbacks, which we’ll take a look at below.
Single Glazed Windows
Often present in much older properties, single glazed windows are not fitted as often these days, mainly in part due to their low energy efficiency rating, amongst other problems.
A single glazed window contains only 1 pane of glass.
They come with some benefits, but also some drawbacks.
Benefits of single glazed windows
- Cheaper to buy
- Allows more heat to escape – only a benefit if you live in a warmer area (not likely in the UK)
Drawbacks of single glazed windows
- Less energy-efficient – you’ll probably end up spending more money to heat your property, as single glazing allows more heat to escape
- Poor at reducing noise – particularly bad if you live near a main road, single glazing is not going to reduce noise from the outside too well
- Security – single glazing offers a lower level of security than that of its double-glazed counterpart
Double Glazed Windows
Double glazed windows are now considered the de-facto type of window when looking to replace existing windows. They’re constructed using 2 panes of glass.
Benefits of double glazed windows
- Energy-efficient – double glazing can help to reduce energy bills as it is harder for heat energy to escape through the windows due to the double layer of glass
- Reduces noise – the dual layer of glass helps reduce noise from the outside. This is useful if you’re on or near a main road – especially for bedroom windows
- Enhanced security – double glazing can come with some security benefits, making it harder for would-be thieves to get in to your property
Drawbacks of double glazed windows
- Cost prohibitive – in many cases, double glazing can be expensive. It’s important to weigh up whether the energy savings would counteract the investment
- Repair – if the cost of the initial installation wasn’t bad enough, the cost of repair if something were to go wrong may put you off (though the chance of an issue arising is low)
Using the above information, it’s important to make an informed decision on the type of window you want fitted to your property. In most cases, we recommend double glazed windows.
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