The energy efficiency of your home is very important for the environment and your wallet. With more people taking an interest in how they can make their homes more energy efficient, there’s no wonder glazed windows are becoming even mor popular than they already are. They are renowned for being one of the main ways you can improve your home’s energy efficiency. There are plenty of benefits that make them an effective solution.
What are Glazed Windows?
Glazing refers to the panes of glass fitted within a window frame – the amount of which will depend on your needs as a homeowner. However, it may also depend on the age of the building, for example whether it is listed. For listed buildings, single pane windows are the norm since this is what would have been the option at the time they were built. Due to regulations on development, the windows on old buildings can’t be modernised. In comparison, many new housing developments either have double or triple glazing, given the many benefits.
The Benefits of Glazed Windows: An Overview
Despite glazed windows being a big cost for home owners, they will save you money in the long run. You will find that many emergency glaziers London will advocate the long-term benefits of glazed windows which make up for the large short erm cost of installing them.
One of the main reasons people invest in glazed windows is due to their ability to insulate the home in both Winter and Summer months. The vacuum between the window panes in double and triple glazing captures natural heat and store it in Winter. Therefore, it’s a great way of insulating your home in colder months. In warmer months, the same vacuum can trap the sun rays coming through the window from outside in, which helps keep your home cooler. For homeowners, the science behind glazed windows is what can help save them money all year round.
Other benefits of glazed windows include:
- Safety – Investing in double or triple glazing increases the safety of your home as windows will be harder to break into and are sealed tighter in comparison to single-pane windows.
- Less condensation – double and triple glazed windows have air-tight seals, leading to less moisture on window panes and, consequently, fewer occurrences of mould.
- Noise reduction – another considerable benefit of double and triple glazing is the less noise they allow in. This is particularly beneficial if you live in busy areas like cities or on main roads where there is a lot of traffic.
How Much Do Glazed Windows Cost?
In the UK, double glazing costs can vary from between £150 to £600 per window. This increased with the more glazing you require. For instance, triple glazing will be more expensive. As a result, it isn’t uncommon to receive quotes of £2,000 and up in this industry. Consequently, glazing is one of the most expensive investments for home owners. However, their energy efficiency saves you money in the long run.
Costs for glazed windows do vary. A few factors that can affect the total costs include materials, design, size, and other various factors. Typically, it’s best to do your own research to find a quote suited to your budget. For example, one small business could quote you a much higher price in comparison to a bigger commercial brand. Therefore, it is always best to shop around for the best price.
How Effective are Glazed Windows?
The quality of glazed windows is calculated based on their ability to retain heat which is expressed as a U-value. The lower this number, the better the material is as a thermal insulator. For example, a single-pane window has a U-value of around 5; double-glazing has about 3; triple glazing has a U-value of between 0.8-1.6. The differences in U-values across different glazing options is significant and should be considered when assessing how effective your choice of glazed windows is.
