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Double glazing costs and benefits. The complete guide.
Families all across the UK are looking for more sustainable energy solutions such as using renewable heating systems like ground source heat pumps or air source heat pumps. At the same time, many of them cannot actualise their plan because of poor insulation in their home. According to Energy Saving Trust, your windows may be responsible for 18% of heat loss in your house, and single glazed windows can lose heat twice as fast as double glazing. On the other hand, by replacing single glazing with double glazing, a typical gas-heated home can save up to £155 each year.
This article will provide you with the most essential information about double glazing windows, such as their cost of purchase and installation, benefits in terms of energy and finance, maintenance steps and guidance for further tips to pick the right windows for your home.
Double glazing has become more popular since the last quarter of the 20th century. These windows consist of two glass panes that accompany argon gas between them. The gas plays the role of a thermal insulation layer, helping the windows reduce heat transfer.
On cold days, double glazing can save you time and money spent on heating up your place. Meanwhile, during hot times, those windows can help protect you from the outside heat so that you don’t have to be too dependent on fans and air conditioners.
It takes just 30 seconds!
What are double glazed windows?
By replacing single glazing with double glazing, a typical gas-heated home can save up to £155 each year.
How much does double glazing cost?
The average cost of double glazing ranges from £400 to £900 per window. However, this cost can increase if you choose high-end materials or larger windows.
The overall cost of double glazing can vary depending on many factors such as:
Window or Door Size
The size of the window or door is one of the most significant factors affecting double glazing cost. Larger windows or doors will generally cost more than smaller ones.
Frame Material
The frame material is another factor that can affect the cost of double glazing. UPVC frames are generally the most affordable, while aluminium and timber frames are more expensive.
Number of Panes
Double glazing windows or doors can have two, three, or even four panes of glass. The more panes you have, the more energy-efficient your windows will be, but the cost will also increase.
Additional Features
Additional features such as decorative glass, security locks, and ventilation can also affect the cost of double glazing.
Window styles and costs
Different styles of windows can also affect the total cost you have to pay. You can pick one or several styles of windows for your home based on your preference and the functions of the windows in different rooms.
Fixed windows
can’t be opened or closed, so their only function is to brighten up your place. However, they are the easiest type of windows to install. One fixed window’s cost is around £150 – £300.
Casement windows
are installed with hinges on one side and can be opened outwards. The supply cost for a window of this type is between £250 – £400.
Sliding windows
are pricier than casement windows as they can save more space in your house. Each sliding window would cost around £450 - £1000.
Sash windows
are vertical sliding windows. You may need to pay £500 - £900 for each of them.
Tilt and turn windows
are the most flexible kind of windows as they can be opened fully like a casement window in an inward direction and can be tilted from the bottom to increase safety and ventilation for your room. This kind of window costs between £400 – £600.
Installation time and cost
Installation time and price depend on various factors.
Window size
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It would cost you around £150 to fit a small window.
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A larger window can cost around £300 since it’s harder to install and it requires two people to work together.
The number of windows
Obviously, the more windows you want, the more money you need to spend on labour cost since it requires a longer working time.
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To install four windows, it would take installers a day to complete their job and cost you about £180.
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To install eight windows, it would cost you about £250.
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To install twelve to eighteen windows, you may need to spend about £400.
Window styles
The style of your window can make the installation process simpler or more complicated.
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A small casement window can be installed in an hour.
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A bay window or skylight requires more complicated work, thus, could take up to a day to fit.
Homes with double glazed windows and doors have better energy efficiency and can save you money on heating bills.
How much can you save with double glazing?
UK Government website compared the amount of money you can save by replacing your entire single glazed windows with different types of double-glazing windows. A-rated windows have the best performance in terms of energy efficiency, followed by B and C-rated windows
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Among different types of houses, detached houses benefit from double glazing windows the most. A-rated windows can save a detached house £120 – £155 a year, and C-rated windows can save it at least £105 a year.
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On average, a semi-detached house owner can save around £100 each year using double glazing windows.
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Mid-floor flats come in last place since C-rated windows can save a flat of that kind at least £35 a year.
How much energy can double glazing save you?
Double glazed windows are ranked from G to A++, with A++ being the highest level of energy efficiency. In the long run, double glazing can save you money spent on energy bills although the upfront costs can be high.
Typically, manufacturers offer a 10-year guarantee on double glazing. When doing your research, calculate the amount of money you can save with your new windows in at least 10 years to decide the energy efficiency rate you want to choose for your windows.
National Coverage
We've got you covered with a panel of double glazing experts nationwide. All of our partners are vetted to ensure they meet the highest standards in their industry. Wherever you are in the U.K. we can connect you with a suitable local specialist to offer a tailored quotes and complete the work for you.
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Are double glazed windows worth it?
Overall, double glazing windows offer a better insulation solution for houses. Moreover, those windows can benefit your home in different ways.
Reducing energy bills
The UK doesn’t have nice and welcoming weather. People who live here face many cold and humid days when they need to find a way to stay warm and dry.
Double glazing windows prevent heat loss, therefore can take the pressure off your heating system and save you around £110 each year on energy bills.
Due to the increased energy efficiency that double glazed windows offer, they're an ideal addition alongside other upgrades such as: air source heat pumps, new boiler replacements or solid conservatory roofs.
Creating a healthy living environment
Low-quality windows would cause condensation which is the reason for damp and black mould in many houses. Once mould shows up on walls and corners in your house, it has to be removed because you are more likely to have respiratory problems, allergies or asthma.
High-quality double glazing can prevent condensation and reduce the risk of damp and black mould. This advantage of double glazed windows benefits everyone, especially children, elderly people and people with existing health problems or a weakened immune system.
Decreasing noise
Today, windows have more responsibilities than before. Apart from preventing draughts from sneaking into your home, good windows can also reduce noise from your neighbours and the streets around your place.
When outside noises hit windows, they cause vibration. Two glass panes of double glazing windows lower the amount of vibration, decreasing noise better than single glazing windows. Additionally, as the two glass panes are separated by the argon gas, they don’t contact each other directly and, therefore, the noise is lessened.
Increasing the property value
Keep this in mind if you plan to put your house on the market in the future: Since 80% of house buyers are requiring that their new places must have double glazed windows, these windows can raise property value up to 10%. It’s understandable that buyers have that request because proper double glazed windows can benefit properties in many ways. Apart from the advantages mentioned above, they can make a house look better, last for at least 10 years while their maintenance costs are not too high.
Secondary glazing, double glazing, and triple glazing windows
Different types of windows may cause confusion for customers. Many families that want to upgrade their places need to distinguish between secondary glazing, double glazing and triple glazing windows, as well as their benefits and costs.
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Unlike double glazing, a secondary glazing window has only one layer of glass put inside of your existing window. This option is more affordable than double glazed windows and still comes with features like noise and heat loss reduction. However, it’s more like a temporary choice and will need to be replaced with more long-lasting options like double or triple glazing.
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The name “triple glazing” already indicates that this type of window offers better noise and heat loss reduction thanks to three panes of glass. U-value is the score that indicates the effectiveness of insulation. The scores of double and triple glazing show that triple glazed windows can be two times better than double glazing in decreasing heat release. As a result, the cost of triple glazed windows is higher than that of double glazing, making them the options for families with a big budget.
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Double glazing windows can prevent heat loss and reduce noise better than secondary glazed windows. At the same time, they are more affordable than triple glazing. If you are not living in a super noisy area with extreme hot and cold weather, you may not need triple glazed windows. Instead of spending too much money on them, you can put your trust in double glazing windows. In fact, triple glazing windows are more popular in countries in Northern Europe, such as Norway or Sweden, where winter is much harder than in the UK.
Our Expert Says
"When replacing your windows and doors be sure to compare prices and options from local double glazing installers. Use the Green Energy Compare comparison tool to compare prices and options from trusted local installers"
Who should you contact: local or national installers?
Both local and national installers have their advantages:
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Local installers are near to your place. They know the area you live well so that you can save more time when working with them. Moreover, they can probably be more of personal service and offer you cheaper deals, saving you more money on your new windows.
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National installers are more well-known so that you can put your trust in them. Additionally, keep an eye on national companies since they offer promotions and discounts occasionally.
We recommend comparing quotes and options from up to three installers to help ensure that you get the best deal all round. You can use the Green Energy Compare quote tool to get quick prices from local and national double glazing installers that service your local area.
Types of glass
There are four main types of glass you can use for your double glazed windows:
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Annealed or float glass is the basic type of glass for windows. Producers harden the glass by heating it and letting it get cold slowly. Annealed or float glass is the cheapest option and is still quite strong and difficult to break.
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Toughened or tempered glass is three or four times tougher than float glass and is a more expensive option.
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Laminated glass is the kind of glass with the PVB (polyvinyl butyal) laminate which makes your windows more secure. If the glass is broken, it will stick to the laminate.
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Noise-reduction glass acoustic inner layers of PVB that are able to absorb sound. If you still want to have a better soundproof effect, you can use layers of glass with different thicknesses.
Frame materials
There are three types of materials you can consider using for your windows frames.
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uPVC is the most common material for double glazing frames since it’s affordable and long-lasting. To install a casement double glazed window with uPVC frames, you are supposed to pay between £250 to £900.
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Aluminium frames are more expensive than uPVC ones and could cost you around £500 to £1000.
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The most expensive material is wood. Wooden frames for a casement window can take about £850 – £1500.
Frame colours
The material of your window frames doesn’t limit your frame colour to just white. You can consider alternative colours for your frame and pay an extra amount of money for that.
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A typical white-frame window costs around £300 – £500.
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A grey-frame window costs around £400 – £600.
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A black-frame window takes you around £400 - £700.
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A window that has frames with wood grain effect costs around £600 - £800.
When should you repair or replace double glazed windows?
Blown windows
When you notice fog between the two glass panes and you can’t remove the condensation, it’s time to contact an expert who can help you with this.
The preparation can be simple or complex. If the professional window fitter can detach the glass layers from their frame and replace them, the cost for new panes and installation will be between £40 - £150.
Sometimes, your current windows may steam up because the seal or the frame has been broken. In this case, the entire window may need to be replaced, and the cost will be higher. Let our experts know the situation so that we can help you find the best way to fix it.
Broken hinges
If you find it hard to close or open your window, maybe you need help with your hinges. Fortunately, replacing broken hinges is not difficult and doesn’t take up too much time, and you will need to pay your window fitter £60 - £80.
Broken handles
Just like window hinges, window handles may stop working properly one day and need to be replaced. The whole process including buying new handles and installing them can cost about £20 - £50.
Removing double glazing windows
Apart from labour costs, you may need to pay for waste removal if you want to replace your current windows with new ones. In most cases your installer will take away your old windows or doors when installing your new ones. When comparing prices and options through GreenEnergyCompare.com you can find out which installers will take your old windows and doors for free.
If however you choose to install your own windows, you'll need to dispose of the old ones.
A waste removal company will charge you around £70 – £160 to collect your old windows.
You can also separate different parts of your windows and bring them to the nearest recycling point. This way will take you more time, but you won’t need to pay any extra fee.
Double glazing maintenance
To keep your windows in good condition for a long time, you need to take care of them with occasional maintenance. The good news is that the maintenance cost for double glazing windows is not expensive.
Resealing cost
Over time, the seal gets old and cannot prevent draughts from getting through.
To reseal a window, you will need to pay a professional about £50 – £90.
Cleaning windows
Cleaning windows is simple and should be done to prevent mould and dirt build-up.
The frames of double glazing windows are often made from uPVC, which is good at insulation, noise reduction and condensation prevention. If you have uPVC frames, you should clean them with uPVC solvent cleaner which costs no more than £7 per bottle. Meanwhile, to clean timber or aluminium frames and glass panes, you shouldn’t use hard chemical liquids to avoid harmful effects.
Lubricating a Window
Lubricating is a part of door and window maintenance. You can use a silicone spray that would cost a few pounds to keep your windows functioning well over time.
Crack double glazing windows
Although double glazing hardly cracks, sometimes old windows still suffer from that if they face extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, windows in kitchens and bathrooms are more vulnerable because of the high temperature and humidity in those rooms.
If you notice that your windows crack, we can help you assess the situation to see if you should repair or replace your current windows.
Compare the cost of double glazed windows and doors from local installers
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