Whether you’re upgrading your home or building a house from scratch, it’s worth giving your windows some attention. Windows can influence the comfort of your living environment, and affect heat levels, energy bills, noise levels and security. Single glazing is now becoming a thing of the past, and is being replaced with its more durable and efficient counterpart, double glazing. But is double glazing worth the hype? In this article we’ll be looking at single glazing and double glazing, and weighing up which is better for your home.

WHAT IS SINGLE GLAZING?

A single glazed window contains just one single pane of glass within the frame.

BENEFITS OF SINGLE GLAZING

• Single glazing is the cheaper option and better if you’re on a tight budget.
• If you live in a hot climate e.g. Australia, heat retention will not be a big concern. Therefore you may be able to manage reasonably well with just single glazing.

DRAWBACKS OF SINGLE GLAZING

• The insulative ability of single glazing is simply not as effective as double glazing meaning that you could be watching your money escape through the windows, as well as leaving you with a colder home in winter.
• Noise can travel more easily through single glazed windows, due to it being significantly thinner than double glazing windows.
• Single glazed windows are not as secure as their double glazed cousins, making them more breakable and easier for thieves to gain entry through.

WHAT IS DOUBLE GLAZING?

Double glazing is when a window consists of two panes of glass with a space between them that is filled with a heavy, inert gas or simply an airtight vacuum. This structure creates a highly insulative window structure that provides many benefits.

BENEFITS OF DOUBLE GLAZING

• The biggest attraction of double glazing is its capacity for insulation and heat retention. The layer of insulative air trapped between the two panes helps reduce heat loss, acting as a barrier that keeps in the warm air.
• Double glazing can save you money on your energy bills due to the increase in the thermal efficiency of your home. Less energy output is needed to heat up your home, resulting in lower bills.
• Condensation is limited in homes with double glazing. The insulative layer of gas or air between the panes prevents condensation by inhibiting the buildup of moisture caused by cold weather. This effect is enhanced by the effective seals found on double glazed windows.
• If you live on a noisy street upgrading to double glazing can be a godsend. The added thickness works wonders at noise reduction, helping to block out the sound of traffic and roadworks from outside.
• Safety is improved with double glazed windows, as they are tougher than their single glazed counterparts. This makes it more difficult for would-be criminals to break into your home.

DRAWBACKS OF DOUBLE GLAZING

• Double glazing is more expensive than single glazing, but the benefits that are reaped from this option make it well worth the investment.
• Repair is not as straightforward for double glazed windows, due to the added feature of an insulative space between the panes. Consequently, if windows become damaged or non-functional, they may need to be replaced entirely. Make sure you work with an experienced and reputable glazing professional who can provide quality installation, repair and replacements if damage does occur.