If you have an old house that currently has original windows, but it’s time for them to be replaced, then you’ll probably start debating whether the new ones you install should be single or double glazed.
If you own an old property, then you might be concerned about the aesthetics of double glazing and whether it will ruin the external facade of your house. If you have doubts or are looking for answers, then continue to read over the following guide.
Let’s take a look at the qualities of single, and double glazed glass, before coming to a conclusion of which option is best.
Single Glazed Windows
As the name suggests, single glazed windows only consist of one pane of single glazed glass, which means it is the only layer between the inside of your home and the outdoors. Looking firstly at a security level, whilst modern technology and materials have made single glazing more robust, it will certainly be easier to break than double glazing. This may make you feel uneasy if you leave your house unattended while you’re away as burglars are, unfortunately, able to usually spot whether your windows are single or double glazed.
The thickness of a single pane usually ranges from around 3mm to 10 mm, which can struggle to provide adequate insulation for your home. Single glazing will also not add as much value to your home, so bear this in mind if you’re looking to sell in the future.
Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing provides much better security to your home as two sturdy panes would need to be breached for anyone to access inside. When looking at the insulation benefits of double glazing, it helps to understand how the technology actually works. Having two panes of glass with a tight air pocket in between is essential for stopping heat escaping from your home; as the air cannot circulate within this space, it makes it a poor conductor of heat which massively reduces the rate of hot air leaving your home.
Once double glazing has been installed, you should see a reduction in your heating bills very soon afterwards – something that is extremely valuable over the winter months. It is also one of the many areas buyers look at when considering purchasing a home. Installing double glazing now will add value when you decide to sell. City dwellers can also rejoice in the technology that double glazing uses, as it provides a tremendous amount of noise reduction inside your home – perfect if you live on a busy street with traffic regularly passing by.
When looking at the argument of double glazing vs single glazing, it’s clear to see the overall winner long-term. Whilst double glazing will be undoubtedly more expensive to instal,l it will have much more significant financial benefits for years to come. Consider this when looking to have your windows replaced, and perhaps wait a little longer and save up for new double glazing to be installed. Contact Us