What are the advantages and disadvantages of double-glazed windows?

Wednesday, 28 October 2020

Double glazed windows are no longer a novelty. Although there are still properties yet to benefit from the advantages that double glazed windows bring, many of us already use some level of double glazing. However, this innovation doesn’t come without its disadvantages. So, what are these, and how can we go about overcoming them whilst still enjoying the benefits of double-glazed windows?

The Rise of Double-Glazed Windows

Why are double glazed windows so popular, then? This all comes down to the increased comfort and decreased spend that they enable. By regulating the temperature in your home and preventing heat from getting trapped or lost, you consume less. This is great for the environment and your budget!

Energy Efficiency

The two panes of engineered glass, the air between them, and the seals around double-glazed window casements all play a part in energy efficiency. Combined, they dramatically reduce the amount of air being transferred from outside to inside. When 10% of home heat can be lost through windows and doors, this is vital. Frames constructed with PVC-u benefit from energy-efficient material. If that material isn’t for you, double glazed aluminium frames include a thermal break which prevents heat from leaving your home through the frame material.

Soundproofing

Anyone who has ever lived near busy roads, rail lines, flight paths or businesses will understand the importance of soundproofing. This isn’t just an urban issue, though. Disruptive noise can be caused by farms, schools, playgrounds, bin rounds - simply day to day modern life in fact. So, it’s important that we can make our homes a sanctuary from noise pollution through efficient double-glazed windows. A good system can reduce noise pollution by up to 35 decibels.

Privacy

Let’s not forget that the sound insulation of double-glazed windows works the other way round, too. This means that you benefit from more privacy within your home: very helpful when your teenager takes up the drums! The technology of glass used in double glazed windows means that there is a wealth of privacy options available. From obscured glass to tinted glass and even smart glass that alters with conditions, your home can be more protective.

Comfort

On top of the practical elements of energy efficiency, there are the benefits of simple home comforts. Double glazed windows prevent unpleasant draughts sweeping through your home and cold mornings getting out of bed. Also, consider the ease of use and how this makes domestic life that much more comfortable. With various opening configurations, ventilation options and easy to use latches and handles, these windows work with your lifestyle.

Security

The reinforcement of double-glazed windows over single-pane windows makes them vital to optimize your home security. Toughened glass is almost impossible to breakthrough, and the casements are sealed more securely within the building. Besides, advanced locking systems make it far harder to penetrate the building through this route.

Property Value

As an investment, replacing your home’s windows with double glazed options is a sound one. You will always see a rise in the value of your property by installing new double-glazed windows. When you choose to invest in your property, it’s important to get it right. For period properties, explore ranges of wood effect double glazing systems such as Residence 9. With a range of colours, the integrity of the building can be retained.

Condensation

This is caused by moisture in the air hitting a cold pane of glass and running down your windows. It then seeps into sills and window surrounds, causing longer-term repair issues. Double glazing prevents moisture from reaching the colder outer pane and helps to manage this issue.

Maintenance

Whether you choose PVC-u or aluminium, the maintenance of your double-glazed windows will be minimal. These materials are both extremely durable, so you will not need to repaint or treat the casements.

Challenges of Double-Glazed Windows

Although the advantages of double-glazed windows are multiple and convincing, there are of course challenges. Not everyone experiences a challenge, and when people do, they can be varied as buildings are individual and unique.

Initial Outlay

Unless you are lucky enough to have an unlimited budget, this is one challenge that most of us encounter. Indeed, the cost of installing a new system of windows into a home can be considerable. However, with a large range of different products now available, there is usually a solution to fit within most budgets. Also, the financial benefits of your new windows make the initial outlay a wise financial decision.

Temperature Regulation

Some people have found in the past that double glazed windows are if anything, too efficient! While we all want to retain all possible heat during the Winter, this is not so through hotter months. Systems of the past could trap heat in the house to make it feel too warm in the Summer. This is why the evolution of glazing technology is so important since it can now prevent too much heat from penetrating the glazing.

Lack of Repair

Double glazed windows and doors can be hard and expensive to repair. Often, casements need to be replaced in full if a problem occurs. This is why you must install your windows using a trusted supplier who can offer warranties and good customer service. We’re proud to say that at Bill Butters Windows and Doors, we take care of our customers in the long term.

Appearance

Conventional double-glazed window systems are not for everyone aesthetically. Perhaps your home is a period property and you prefer the appearance of wooden frames. Or perhaps it is a modern building and you would prefer the sleek lines and subtle colours of aluminium. You may be happy with PVC-u material, but are put off by the traditional shape of chamfered windows and are looking for something different. All of these alternative options are now possible with the huge array of double-glazing systems that are now available.

Any challenges that are posed by double glazed windows are easily overcome through selecting the right product and supplier. It’s also true that the benefits outweigh any disadvantages with the durability and quality of this window technology. With so many different specifications of double-glazed windows out there it can be daunting, so contact us to talk it through!