When it comes to installing windows in a home or office, there are a few options to choose from. This includes glass finishings, the most common being single glazed and double glazed.
Many people aren’t sure what the difference is between single and double glazed windows, but they are very important elements to consider in relation to heat and energy efficiency. In this guide, we will aim to explain the pros and cons of each type to provide you with as much information as possible so you can make the correct choice for your premises.
Not sure whether to choose single or double-glazed windows? Get in touch with our team for some more information and a free quote.
What are Single Glazed Windows?
Single glazed windows are made from a single piece – or pane – of glass in a window frame. Once being the most popular type of glazing before double glazed windows came along, their design makes the single glass pane – usually between 3mm and 10mm – the only thing providing insulation against outside temperatures.
The main disadvantage of single glazed windows is that they do not provide much insulation, meaning heat can escape easily through them during winter and enter the building during summer. This results in higher energy bills as you will need to use more heating/cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.
What are Double Glazed Windows?
As the name suggests, double glazing involves two panes of glass in your window frame with a small gap in between – typically around 16mm. The panes are usually separated by an aluminium spacer bar which also helps to improve the windows’ thermal performance.
Gas is then injected into the space between the two panes to further improve insulation. argon or krypton gas can be used for this purpose as they’re less conductive than air, helping to keep heat inside your property.
The Pros and Cons of Single Glazed Windows
Single glazed windows do have some benefits that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Lower Price – The simplicity in the design and manufacturing of a single glazed window allows it to be purchased at a lower price than double glazing windows.
- Simpler Installation – Like above, a single glazed pane is typically a more straightforward to set up than installing double glazed windows.
- Allow More Light – Since there is only one pane of glass to get through, a single glazed window can let slightly more light into the room it’s installed in.
However, there are also several drawbacks associated with single glazed windows, such as:
- Poor Insulation – With only one layer between the indoors and outdoors, single glazed windows have much poorer insulation than their double glazed counterparts. This means colder air getting in during winter, and hotter air getting in during summer.
- Noisier – When wind (or even loud sound waves) hit a single glazed window, the pane can vibrate in its frame, causing the window to be noisier than double glazed panes.
- Less Energy Efficient – Due to having poor insulation, single glazed windows are less energy efficient. Since more air can escape through the window, heaters and air conditioners have to be used more often, raising your power bill.
The Pros and Cons of Double Glazed Windows
Double glazed windows are becoming increasingly popular due to the many benefits they offer. These include:
- Better Insulation – Having two glass panes in the window frame provides a significant improvement to reducing heat loss in your home. A double glazed window will keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Quieter – The same vibrations from inside noise and wind that make single glazed windows noisier are not anywhere near as apparent in double glazed windows. The gap between panes neutralises a lot of these vibrations, significantly reducing noise caused by these factors.
- More Energy Efficient – If you’re looking for energy efficient windows, double glazing is definitely the way to go. The better insulation from having two panes of laminated glass will reduce long term energy costs and leave you with a more energy efficient home.
While double glazed windows do have some advantages over single glazed windows, there are also a few small disadvantages, such as:
- Higher Costs – Due to the use of multiple glass panes and the added benefits that come with them, this does incur a slightly higher cost than single glazing. This is typically balanced the other way in the long term thanks to the aforementioned energy efficiency.
- Detailed Installation Required – More time is usually required to install a double glazed window when compare to a single glazed window to ensure the thermal performance and energy efficient glazing is appropriately setup within the frame.
Should I Install Single Glazed or Double Glazed Windows?
Overall, we believe that double glazed windows are the better option thanks to their superior insulation properties that lead to better heat energy efficiency and noise reduction. If you’re looking to improve the thermal efficiency of your property, then investing in double glazing is a great place to start.
Get Your Windows and Doors Installed by Perth Window and Door Replacement Company
If you have any questions about single glazed vs double glazed windows or would like more information about our window products and services, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’d be more than happy to help.
The experienced team at Perth Window and Door Replacement have been servicing Perth for over 25 years, so you can rest assured that their products will be well worth it. Contact the team today and learn how they can install the perfect windows and doors for your home or business.
