GLAZED EXPRESSIONS
Doubling up helps keep out the cold and noise while also slashing your energy bills – but what else do you need to know? LUKE RIX-STANDING puts you in the frame
DOUBLE GLAZING is pretty selfexplanatory. Two panes of glass separated by a cavity – which is filled with air, or, in fancier frames, inert gases like argon or xenon – and closed up with industrial sealants.
Long a go-to for savvy homeowners and property developers, double glazing has carved an effective niche at the heart of home improvement.
But does everybody need it, and what should you consider before deciding? We looked at the pros, cons and materials that underpin the use of double glazing – and why, when it comes to window panes, it might be a case of the more the merrier...
FRAMING YOUR GLAZING
DOUBLE-GLAZED windows usually come in one of four materials. Aluminium is a long-lasting, recyclable material that can be difficult to paint; timber frames look lovely but can be tricky to maintain; and uPVC frames are cheap and durable, but sometimes lack in the aesthetics stakes. Alternatively, you can choose all three – composite frames have a layer of timber coated with plastic or aluminium, resulting in a product that’s low-maintenance and weather-proof.
THE PROS...
THERE’S one dominant reason as to why double glazing has become so a la mode – it offers a hefty hike in home heat retention.
A single pane in a cracked, weatherbeaten frame haemorrhages warmth, while two panes with insulating gas between them keep more warmth in, and better keep out the cold.
“Heat loss and energy saving are the primary reasons people turn to double glazing,” says Steve Brock, managing director of Clear Structures, specialists in glass engineering, “and for most people it’s a matter of money.” Naturally, if your home stays warmer, your heating bills are cheaper. The Energy Saving Trust estimates double-glazed windows save £100 to £120 a year in a detached house, £70 to £85 in a semi-detached.
Cutting power usage also helps slash your carbon footprint, making double glazing a standard ecoconscious choice.
As with most home improvements, double-glazing also adds value to your property, while the thick, sealed panes insulate effectively against noise.
Double-glazed windows are also far stronger than their single-glazed cousins, appealing if you’re worried about security.
THE CONS...
DOUBLE glazing tends to be a financial calculation, and while the
upside is significant, it’s not a good choice for buyers expecting quick returns.
Cost varies wildly depending on brand, size, material and domestic habitat, but there’s always a substantial outlay to consider.
Steve estimates that the average double-glazed window won’t pay for itself for roughly five to 10 years.
Double-glazed frames can also be infuriatingly hard to repair, and major damage usually means replacing the whole window.
“There can be a problem with life expectancy,” says Steve. “The gases in the cavity can leak out and moisture can leak in.”
Make sure on installation the glass panes are airtight and sealed, to limit the chances of unwanted condensation misting your view.
In fact, many potential pitfalls arise from structural problems. If you live in a particularly old property, a conservation area, or a listed building, you’ll most likely need to apply for permission to double-glaze. And now
there is triple-glazing, retaining more heat, blocking more noise, saving more energy, and more difficult to break. They are also more expensive.