Single Glazing vs Double Glazing, Which is Best For Your Home?

When it comes to fitting new windows in your home there are lots of things to consider. One of the main debates is whether to choose single or double glazing.

With all new buildings, Double Glazing is a regulation requirement.

Where full replacements are sought or are required, double glazing is also the law.

The exceptions to the above are listed buildings and some conservation areas but these are also increasingly joining the energy efficiency era and provided the new timber windows are installed which are like for like in design almost all councils are satisfied with this as a solution. Although single glazing might work out cheaper to have fitted in the short term, it will end up costing you more in the long run. Homes can lose up to 25% of heat through windows alone, double glazing prevents much of the heat from escaping. This means double glazing will save you money on your electricity bills in the long run and means you are running a more environmentally friendly home, as you are wasting less heat and using less energy.

For more information on double-glazing services, and a free, no-obligation quote, visit our double-glazing service page.

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What is the difference between double glazing and single glazing?

Double glazing for windows is the process of fitting two panes of glass within one single window unit. The space between the two glass panes creates a void that is filled with argon gas, which creates a sealed and highly insulated layer between the inside and outside of your home.

Single glazing on the other hand only contains one pane of glass within the window unit, meaning there is a lack of an insulating barrier between the two panes of glass that exist on double glazing.

Whether you choose double glazing or single glazing can have a huge impact on the thermal efficiency of your home. We discuss the benefits of choosing double glazing below. We discuss the pros and cons of both options below.

What are the downfalls of single-glazing?

Single-glazed windows are less energy efficient than double-glazing. This might cause you to spend more on heating your property, as single-glazing can allow the heat to escape.

As well as being less energy efficient, single-glazed windows are poor at reducing outside noise, so if you live in a particularly noisy area this could be an issue.

If you are looking to secure your home, single-glazing is not the right choice for you. Single-glazed windows are much easier to break and shatter into large, dangerous shards. Single-glazed windows are an easier target for break-ins due to how easy they are to break.

What are the benefits of double-glazed windows over single-glazed?

Double-glazed glass blocks out draughts and prevents heat from escaping. It is comprised of two layers of glass sealed together and the insulating Argon gas between the two panes acts as insulation.

Double glazing insulation is measured in U-Value, which is the rate of transfer of heat through a surface. At The Specialist in Traditional Sash Windows, one of the leading double glazing companies in the UK, we offer double glazing that has a U-Value below 1.6U which has been tested and certified as being ideal for preventing heat and energy loss from a home.

Another benefit of double-glazing is the safety aspect, particularly in a family home. Standard single-glass windows contain only one single glass sheet, so if one of the kids runs into the patio door, the glass might well break into long and potentially dangerous shards. Our Double glazing is always manufactured with toughened safety glass which as the name suggests is much harder to break, which will give you added security, as intruders find the two panes much harder to overcome. For more information on how to help ensure your home is safe and secure, read our article 6 Ways Updating Your Windows Will Make Your Home More Secure.

If you live on a busy street or in a built-up residential area, chances are it is very noisy outside. Keep the noise at bay with double glazing, which has been proven to reduce outside interference by blocking sound in the same way the extra insulation stops heat loss.

Building regulations now state that all new-build houses must be fitted with double-glazing, instead of single-glazed windows. These ‘thermal performance standards’ came into effect in April 2002, as part of a move to prevent household energy inefficiencies.

Converting to double-glazed windows in your home

Replacing single-pane windows with double-glazing is a process. Most single-glazed windows do not have sufficient space to add another pane, so replacing the entire window or door is usually the case.

If you are worried about maintaining the aesthetic of your property, whether it’s a period property or otherwise, then there is nothing to worry about with help from The Specialists in Traditional Sash Windows. We specialise in sash and casement windows that do not affect the aesthetic of your home, whilst improving your energy efficiency. We offer a range of glazing and timber choices, allowing us to create bespoke windows just for you.

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Retain the appearance of your period property

If you live in a period property with the original box sash windows still in place, you may never have considered fitting double glazing, out of fear of having to update to more ‘modern’ window designs. But it is entirely possible to have double-glazed windows and still retain the look of the property.

The specialists in Traditional Sash Windows are experts in building and designing box sash and casement windows with double glazing that are completely in keeping with the original features of your house. We guarantee that you don’t have to sacrifice energy efficiency to maintain your home’s traditional aesthetic while benefiting from energy-efficient windows and doors.

Improve your home energy efficiency with double-glazing from The Specialist In Traditional Sash Windows

If you’re after installation, replacement & upgrade specialists for sash windows or casement windows get in touch with the Traditional Sash Window team through our quick contact form or call us on 0800 389 7384 to arrange a visit to our showroom today or a free survey.

We endeavour to serve as much of the southeast of England and surrounding counties as possible and have been installing & renovating sash windows, casement windows and doors throughout these areas since our founding in 1999. We cover areas including Central London, South London, South West London, West London, Surrey, Berkshire, Parts of Kent, Hampshire, Middlesex and Parts of East and West Sussex. Please see the areas we serve for further location details.