The Double Glazing Expert

Can Double Glazing add value to your home?

When it comes to home improvements, installing double glazing is quite a substantial change. Taking out all of your old fittings and swapping them for modern double glazing can feel like quite a big investment to make, particularly if you’re considering selling not too far down the road.

The big question, for many homeowners therefore, is: will new double glazing actually add value to my home? There are many benefits to installing new double glazing, some of which can certainly add potential value.

Is it worth it?

The short answer is yes: fitting your home with new double glazed will almost certainly boost its value, particularly if you had old or single glazed versions previously.

New double glazed windows will instantly tell house viewers that your home has been modernised and is up to spec with contemporary standards.

If your home has older, inefficient windows, then you could very well expect the prospective homeowners to try and negotiate for a lower price.

One less job to do

One reason why double glazing adds so much value to a home is that it gives the new homeowners one less chore to do.

There are some house hunters out there that are after a larger project to fulfil them, but not everyone wants what is known as ‘fixer upper.’

When someone is looking for a property with potential, they are usually thinking of ripping out the kitchen or re-painting it – not having to change the basic infrastructure.

Low maintenance

Most new double glazed windows are fitted with either aluminium or uPVC frames. These are incredibly low maintenance as they don’t have to be constantly painted and sealed in order to preserve their condition.

House hunters may see wooden frames as yet another item to replace, as quite understandably, many people don’t want to have to constantly lacquer and paint their windowsills every few years to keep out the rot.

Visual appeal

One more obvious way in which double glazed windows can add value to your property is the visual appeal of your property. If you think about, which property would you rather purchase: one with outdated frames that are visibly blistering or discoloured, or one with robust new double glazing?

The latter is likely to make you more prepared to shell out more money for a property than the former. The visual appeal of a home plays a huge factor in how quickly you are going to be able to sell your property.

Prospective homeowners who want a place that is ready to move into may pass by a property that looks visually unappealing.

In summary, double glazing can absolutely add value to your property. This is why you shouldn’t delay in getting a quote if your current property is fitted with ineffective or visibly decaying windows.

Single glazed windows or old double glazing can date a property quite significantly and could be a possible deterrent to potential buyers. You want to eliminate as many reasons for rejecting your home as possible, and so the windows are one of the most obvious features to consider.

What are the Benefits of Installing Double Glazing?

While you look at your windows every day, you may not think much about what they look like. Many people don’t replace their windows until they’re damaged, misted, or very draughty, but there can be many benefits to installing new double glazing. Here are some of the main benefits of upgrading your double glazing.

Increased energy efficiency

One of the main double glazing benefits is that it makes your home more energy-efficient. Not only do double glazed windows help you keep heat inside during the winter months, but they also help reflect heat during the summer, so your home feels cooler. Newer windows can also cut down on draughts in your home. If your house is draughty, then you’ll no doubt be turning the heating up constantly to compensate, but changing the windows helps you avoid that.

Many people wonder, ‘how much does double glazing save?’ and the answer will depend on a lot of factors such as the size of your home and how much energy costs. However, you may find double glazing pays for itself sooner than you might think.

Noise reduction

Noise from people and traffic outside your home isn’t just annoying, it can be bad for your health too, especially if you live in built-up areas. Excessive noise can stop you from sleeping at night, leave you feeling stressed, and make it difficult for children to fall asleep, all of which can affect your life in many ways. Investing in good quality double glazing could give you the night’s sleep you deserve.

Improving your home’s appearance

Changing your windows can make a big difference in how your home looks. In the past few decades, everyone has had white UPVC windows installed, but if you have a period property, then you might want to opt for sash or casement windows in keeping with the property’s style. You’re not just limited to white, either. You can get woodgrain finishes and many different colours, so your home can look classic.

Better security

Single glazed windows are easy to break, while some older UPVC windows can easily be broken into using a few simple tools. Therefore, if your windows are getting older, then it might be time to upgrade to make your home more secure. Modern double glazing can be laminated or toughened, so it’s incredibly hard to smash without attracting attention, while stronger locks can be installed in more vulnerable areas.

UV protection

When you’re indoors, you may not think much about UV rays, but older windows can let in these harmful rays which can sun-bleach your furniture, carpets, and possessions over time. Newer glazing will protect your home from the sun, as well as preventing those temperature fluctuations that can make your rooms uncomfortable.

With so many double glazing benefits, it’s important not to put off replacing your windows. It can be cheaper and easier than you think to get new double glazing, and you’ll benefit from a cosier, more comfortable home.

What Is the Best Double Glazing?

Are you having trouble with the noise pollution from your neighbourhood keeping you up at night? Is your home getting too hot in the summer, and yet freezing in the winter, no matter how long you keep the heating on for? Double Glazing Could be your solution Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how well insulated your walls and roof are, if your windows are letting out the heat from your home into the outside air. Thankfully, double glazing offers insulation against both the elements and noise. There is a range of double glazing options to choose from, each varying in their function and the amount of comfort they offer. To help you find the best product for you, here is everything you need to know about choosing the best double glazing.

What is double glazing?

Double glazed windows are window frames which are fitted with two panes of glass, rather than the standard single pane. The panes have a gap between them that is held with a space bar, and which is usually between one and two centimetres wide; the gap is filled with either normal air or argon gas. This trapped air between the panes offers a shield of insulation against temperature and sound pollution — the more layers of glass within the window, the more optimal the insulation results. The cost of double glazing is determined by the number of windows you need, and the style which you would like for your home. In terms of window frames, uPVC is used most commonly for double glazing because of how efficient it is in comparison to the relatively low price. Aluminium and wooden frames are also available; however they are often costlier and not as functional and withstanding as the uPVC option.

What are the advantages of double glazing?

Installing double glazing in your house reduces your energy bills, as it retains the temperature in your home and reduces the amount of energy which is lost through the windows. Double glazing is also much stronger than single glazed windows, which makes them more secure and harder to break, adding greater protection to your home. Additionally, double glazing not only protects against heat loss, but it also reduces the amount of noise which may travel into the house from outside. Plus, double glazing limits the amount of direct sunlight which enters the house, protecting your furnishings from sun damage.

Double glazing can not only be of benefit to you; it is also good for the environment, as it can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced from heating and cooling your home. Furthermore, if you ever decide to sell your home, double glazed windows can increase the value of your home, making them an excellent long term investment.

Double glazed windows can be supplied in all manner of styles and types to suit your individual needs. You can choose your windows according to the kind of glass, window frame material, shape, type of spacer bar, and the type of air or gas which the space is filled with.

Types of glass

There are many types of glass which can be used in double glazing. One option is Low-E, or low-emissivity glass, which is best for colder regions where a lot of energy is used to heat the house. This type of glass is energy efficient and will reduce the cost of your heating bills. If you are more worried about noise pollution than your energy bills, then acoustic glass may be a preferable option for you. This is built of two or more sheets of glass which are bonded together with acoustic interlayers that weaken sound as it travels through the glass.

Self-cleaning glass is best for those who have a busy lifestyle and may have less time to maintain the home. Technology has come far enough that companies are now able to treat windows with a transparent coating which works to break down the dirt and spread water across the surface of the windows evenly, reducing the build-up of grime. Fire glass is the best solution for protecting your home from fire and smoke, as it is more resistant to the impacts of gas, flame and smoke. If you are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing type of glass, then you can choose a variety of patterns, colours, textures and opacities for your windows. For example, you may prefer obscured glass to stop people looking into your home while still letting light in.

Types of frames

Double glazed windows can be made in a variety of shapes and styles, such as bay and bow windows, tilt and turn windows, sash windows and dual turn windows. The frames are generally constructed out of timber, aluminium or PVC, and it is important to choose the right frame to suit your energy needs, and the aesthetics of your home. For example, a uPVC frame may look better on a modern home, whereas a wooden frame might be better suited to a period house.

In general, uPVC is the most commonly used material for double glazed windows. This durable and robust plastic is usually the lowest cost option, and it requires very little maintenance while still providing excellent insulation. Not only that, but this plastic is the most easily customisable option, making it simpler to get the right colours and finishes to suit your individual tastes.

Alternatively, timber frames are available which can be made from all types of hardwood. This gives a more traditional finish to your windows, and these materials are almost as durable and hardwearing as uPVC. You can also opt for wooden frames to be either painted or varnished, creating a very attractive finish to your home. However, they are often more expensive than uPVC frames; they require more maintenance, and are more easily eroded by the elements and pests. Though it is one of the least commonly used materials for doubled glazed windows, aluminium frames are also available. These are best suited to a much more modern building, though they offer a strong, secure and low maintenance option.