Before you were a property owner, chances are windows were something you just looked out of to take in the view. You probably didn’t give them much thought and you might have cleaned them occasionally. That was it.
Now, as a homeowner, your single, double, or triple glazing means so much more. And if you’re about to renovate a property or upgrade your windows, it’s worth diving into the fascinating world of double glazing to find out more. (Honestly, it’s pretty interesting.)
In this quick read, we look at different types of windows and why they matter, especially as energy prices rocket.
Why windows are so important
Traditionally, windows were single panes of glass. Great to look out of, but not the best at reducing heat loss. They were also quite dangerous if broken. While some older homes still use single panes, double glazing is now the norm.
Double glazing is a long-term solution for saving on energy costs. There are multiple types of double glazing, and their energy rating (from A to G) tells you how energy efficient they are.
Different types of glazing
Insulating glass
These are multiple panes of glass in one unit with a layer of gas in the middle. They reduce heat loss and are Building Regulation compliant.
Solar reduction glass
Perfect for reducing the amount of heat entering your home, these panels have a special metal oxide coating that’s invisible to the eye. Consider these if you’re lucky enough to have a sunshine-filled south-facing home and need to keep cool during the summer months.
Noise reduction glass
If you live along a busy road or near a train line, these are a must-have. They prevent sound waves from travelling through the windows due to their thickness and sound dampening core.
Structured glass
These windows have the wow factor. They are large pieces of glass that can hold the weight of surrounding structures. Think of big sliding doors or conservatories.
Window safety glass
These windows are made extra strong due to a heat treatment and shatter into smaller pieces rather than large shards if broken.
Mix up your glazing
For maximum energy reduction, consider double and triple glazing for your home. For example, double glazing on the south-facing side of your home and triple glazing on the cooler, north-facing side.
It’s worth remembering that good windows add value to your home/rental property.
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