5 double glazing alternatives compared
Looking for an alternative to double-glazed windows? Join us as we run through 5 of your options.
Once upon a time, the UK was a colder place to live. Homes and offices were fitted with single glazing – a type of window that does the job in the same way that a summer jacket will keep you warm in winter.
Today, homeowners, landlords and business owners are spoilt for choice. Modern windows provide vastly improved insulation, meaning an all-round levelling up of comfort.
But it's not just comfort that double glazing and its alternatives provide. The thicker your windows, the less noise pollution you have to endure, whether it's the hum of traffic or the clatter of a neighbour's drum kit.
Thicker glass also makes your building more thermally efficient. By keeping the warmth in, you're far less likely to top up the temperature via thermostat. This can have a noticeable impact on your energy bill. It can also be a positive step towards a greener, more sustainable home.
Finally, double glazing helps you control condensation. This minimises the chance of your property being afflicted with mildew and mould.
At the time of writing,
93% of homes in the UK have double glazing. So, you may be surprised to learn that double glazing isn't the only horse in town.
In this article, we take a look at some of the alternatives to double glazing on the market and weigh up their pros and cons. We'll also tell you a bit about the free upgrade we offer from double to triple glazing.
Why would you need an alternative to double glazing?
There are two main reasons homeowners and business owners look for alternatives to double glazing.
The first is that owners of Grade II-listed buildings and properties in conservation areas need to seek permission to install double-glazed windows – and there's no guarantee these applications will be accepted.
A related but separate issue is that many owners wish to conserve the character of their properties. Double glazing could change the look of a property for the worse in the owner's eyes.
But there's a more general reason to look for an alternative. Double glazing is good for thermal insulation, soundproofing, moisture control and home security. But these days, it ranks second behind triple glazing.
Triple glazing gives you all the benefits of double glazing – only better. This incentivises an increasing number of landlords and property owners to make the change from double glazing.
1. Thermal curtains and blinds
Thermal curtains and blinds are designed to stop heat escaping in the colder months. While they lack the comprehensive thermal control of double and triple glazing, their special linings can help you manage the flow of heat into your home.
2. Shutters
In the olden days, glass was a premier product. This meant many people had half-and-half windows – the upper half was glass and the lower half a shutter.
There's a reason those days are behind us. Nevertheless, shutters can be a functional and affordable way of insulating your property when used in conjunction with good-quality glass. They can also help you keep out any unwanted external noise.
3. Secondary glazing
Shutters, curtains and blinds can do the job – up to a point. However, they have one main drawback. Unlike windows, they block out the light.
This isn't a problem at night. But during the day, you're restricting the amount of natural light coming into your building. This, in turn, means your energy bills will go up as you rely on electric light to make your building a hospitable place to be.
Secondary glazing sidesteps this problem. As the name suggests, it involves adding a second layer of glazing to the window. This is a popular choice for owners in heritage properties who want the advantages of double glazing without replacing the original windows.
4. Reglazing with vacuum-insulated glass
Reglazing with vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) is a great alternative to installing new double-glazed windows. Like double glazing, it offers a strong thermal performance, strong sound insulation and a good lifespan.
VIG is increasingly popular with owners of listed buildings. As with secondary glazing, it lets them improve their windows' thermal performance without replacing them altogether.
5. Triple glazing
For our money, triple glazing is the best alternative to double glazing on the market. It gives you all the benefits of double glazing – only better.
That means better thermal insulation, better home security, better noise reduction and a longer lifespan.
It's easy to see why. Triple glazing consists of a sealed unit with an extra glass pane, giving it a U-value of around 0.7 W/m²K and a sound reduction of around 35 decibels.
It's already popular in colder parts of the world. But more and more UK property owners are getting on the triple train. Aside from anything else, triple glazing is an investment that will make your energy bills more affordable in the long run – a great example of how technology can combine consumer satisfaction with environmental concerns.
How we can help
At Calder Windows, we count ourselves as loyal members of the triple-glazing fan club. We believe it does the job and then some – and that it's only a matter of time before double glazing becomes the new single glazing.
When you buy double glazing through us, we'll upgrade them to 40mm
triple-glazed windows free of charge. These windows have an A++ energy rating and are up to 40% more thermally efficient than their double-glazed alternatives.
So, if you're looking for a warmer home, cheaper energy bills and a glazing solution with all the benefits of double glazing, only better, why not join our legions of happy customers and take advantage of our free upgrade?
To get involved, simply give our team a buzz on 01924 897 040 or
get in touch online.
We'd love to help you give your windows a face-lift that's good for your home, your bills and the planet.
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