A comparison between modern single and double glazing

Double glazing has been long established in the UK for many years now, and is often seen as the standard, when compared with single glazing. However, there are certain circumstances where single glazed windows are preferential over double glazed, and here we aim to shed some light on this, and how modern glazing techniques and performance have only further increased the appeal of both.

Single Glazed Windows and Doors

In years past, single glazing was the sole option available for homes across the country. For homes within strict conservation areas, or protected with a Listed status, this can sometimes still be the case. Protecting the heritage and character, while also respecting the history of older structures is of top priority for homeowners and local authorities alike, and a double glazed (Especially non timber option) window or door may not even be considered for approval. As the most traditional option you can choose, single glazed timber windows provide an unmatched, traditional, visual, and are the closest match to how the windows would have looked when the structure was first built. Nothing pays greater homage to the history of a listed building.

If your home is situated in an area not as prone to changes in climate, or temperature, then single glazing is a perfectly viable option, as the home is less likely to suffer or struggle in sudden changes of weather, or cold snaps for example.

Utilising only a singular pane of glass, single glazing can provide a more cost-effective window solution than double glazing. Cost is always one of the largest contributing factors affecting a homeowner’s decision, and so is something to consider here as well.

Double Glazed Windows and Doors

The most popular form of window in today’s world, double glazing has set the standard for decades in the UK and wider world. The second pane of glass brings additional benefits when compared to a traditionally manufactured, single glazed window. Heat retention and noise reduction improves, which enhances both comfort within the home, and the impact on your energy bills. The use of either argon or krypton (for slim double glazing) gas between the panes creates an additional barrier that helps keep heat in, and the cold out. Combined with the natural insulating performance of timber, wooden double-glazed windows can make a significant improvement in the energy performance of your property.

For homes with stained glass that you wish to retain, double glazed timber windows provide an opportunity to retain and encapsulate the stained glass, within the two, new panes of glass in a double-glazed window. In effect, this creates triple glazing, but allows you to retain the character and beauty of the stained glass, while protecting it for years to come, between two panes of high performance, toughened glass.

From a security perspective, double glazing is often a more secure option when compared to single glazing. Security is often a key concern for homeowners, and with our timber windows for example, our glass is internally beaded, which improves security further, helping to give our customer’s peace of mind.

Modern Window Performance and Manufacturing

It may be easy to conclude that double glazed windows are the most appropriate choice for your home, and in a lot of cases this will be correct. However, modern production techniques, combined with high quality materials mean the overall performance and longevity of both single and double glazed timber windows are much higher than before. If you live in a listed building and find yourself constrained by choices, then do not be discouraged if you find you are required to go for a single glazed solution. Modern glazing, combined with warm, engineered timber, will ensure your home is both respected, and sealed tight for years to come.

Modern, toughened glass is both strong and high performing, causing less heat leakage and therefore, higher energy efficiency. While this is even stronger with double glazing, the performance of our single glazed option still performs to an impressive standard. When revisiting customer’s properties for photoshoots, we have been told by homeowners who have our single glazed windows that the house is much warmer than before, and they feel more secure, even without having double glazed windows.

Our casement windows and doors feature multi point locking systems and internally beaded glass, creating a secure, strong window and door that provide reassurance. Our single glazed option is available via our specialist Listed buildings range, and so is putty glazed rather than beaded, however, still incorporates multi point locking systems and strong, engineered timber.

If you are thinking about, or are looking into new windows for your home and want to get a better idea of the options available, and what would be best for your property, we recommend speaking with a member of your local showroom team. Their many years of experience in the industry, and having worked on numerous property styles and ages over the years, will help you find the perfect new timber windows and doors for your home, ensuring you enhance both its value and beauty.