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Best Double Glazing Windows: 2024
Are you tired of drafts and being hit with high energy bills for your home? The best double glazed windows are not only an efficient energy solution to keep the heat in, but they can also help with your home’s security and reduce noise from outside.
Imagine being able to enjoy a warm and cosy home throughout the winter months, without having to worry about extortionate energy bills. Or picture yourself sleeping soundly at night, undisturbed by the noise of passing neighbours or pedestrians. Pretty great, right?
Our team at GreenMatch can help you discover these benefits for yourself and help you find the best value on double glazing. We can provide you with up to 4 free quotes from our network of qualified double glazing installers in the UK. This way you can easily compare their prices, avoid overpaying, and they can even help you navigate window replacement grants or related incentives.
Our service is completely free and with no obligation. To take the first step towards a more comfortable home, simply click the button below.
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What Are the Benefits of the Best Double Glazed Windows?
Double glazed windows are windows that have two panes of glass separated by a small gap, which is usually filled with argon gas to help reduce heat transfer. The gap between the two panes acts as an insulator, providing better thermal insulation and noise reduction compared to single-pane windows.
When it comes to finding the best double glazed windows, it’s important to consider certain factors that can contribute to higher efficiency and effectiveness so you can reap the full benefits of double glazing. Some of the most important factors include:
- Type of glass
- Window frame material
- Double glazing qualities
- The window installer/company
- Getting the best deal on double glazed windows
By taking these aspects into account, you can ensure that you will have the best double glazed windows in the UK for your home. Despite these factors, there are always universal benefits that apply whenever you upgrade your window. But getting the best valued double glazed windows can help you maximise on the benefits.
In the remainder of this article, we’ll discuss the key factors that can help you take your double glazed windows from standard to exceptional, maximising the energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal of your home’s windows.
What is the most effective double glazing?
Before we look at the types of frames and glass that offer the most effective double glazing. It’s important to understand how the effectiveness is measured.
When you’re looking online for the best double glazing windows in the UK, you’ll notice that windows will come with an energy rating and U-value. The most effective double glazing is one that has a high energy rating and low U-value.
The energy-rating system for double glazing is run by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). Its grades range from A++ (the best windows) to E (the worst). Nowadays, building regulations in the UK require all newly-installed windows to be C-rated or higher.
In addition to the BFRC energy rating, some companies also provide their own energy-saving indicators, such as heat retention and weather performance tests. We advise you to always check companies’ reviews to ensure that their customers are happy with the standard of their products.
The U-value measures how well a window insulates, the lower the U-value the better the window insulates. A window with a U-value of 1.0 or lower is considered to be very energy efficient.
You might come across some windows that have a high energy rating, but poor (high) U-Value. This is because the energy rating takes into account all aspects of the window, including the type of glass or gas used, and not just the insulation properties of the materials, which results in a more comprehensive evaluation of the window’s overall performance.
If you’re looking for quality double glazing with a high energy efficiency rating available in your area, then we can help you. Searching for windows online, comparing their specifications, and figuring out the cost of a double glazed window can be time-consuming and tedious, to say the least.
Thankfully, we can help you avoid all this by providing you with up to 4 free quotes from our network of vetted window installers. Click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £150 per year
Which is the Best Double Glazing in the UK?
Double glazing is a popular solution for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their windows. It involves the use of two panes of glass separated by an air gap, which helps to reduce heat transfer and improve insulation.
However, not all types of glass are created equal, and choosing the right best glass for double glazing can make a big difference in terms of performance, aesthetics, and cost. In this article section, we will explore the different types of glass commonly used in double glazing.
Clear Glass
Clear glass is the most basic and commonly used type of glass in double glazing. It is a standard type of glass that is transparent, allowing natural light to enter the room. Clear glass is usually the most affordable option and is suitable for most homes. However, it is not the most energy-efficient choice, and it does not offer any significant thermal insulation or safety.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between them. It is able to filter 99% of UV light out from coming into your home.
As a safety glass it is more durable and resistant to impact, making it an excellent choice for homes that are prone to extreme weather conditions and locations where improved security is required. All reachable floors (ground floors) should be fitted with security glazing according to security standards usually recommended in the UK.
If the glass is broken, rather than breaking into a lot of sharp pieces, it will, in most cases, produce a “spider web” cracking pattern.
Laminated glass also reduces noise transmission and offers a higher level of thermal insulation than clear glass. One very common use of laminated glass is when higher noise protection is needed, and in that case, a special PVB layer for noise reduction can be used.
Also, there are options where the PVB layer can be coloured in various shades and colours to give the glass a special tint.
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass, also called tempered glass, is another type of safety glass that is made by subjecting ordinary glass to a process of heating and cooling. This process makes the glass more robust and resistant to impact, making it an excellent choice for homes that are prone to break-ins or accidents. It is four to five times stronger than normal glass.
Toughened glass is also more resistant to thermal stress and can withstand rapid temperature changes. However, it is more expensive than float glass and may not be necessary for homes in low-risk areas.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is a type of glass that has a tinted film applied to it during the manufacturing process. This film can help to reduce the amount of solar heat gain, glare, and UV radiation entering the room, making it an excellent choice for homes in sunny climates or homes looking for more privacy.
Tinted glass can also offer greater privacy and improved aesthetics. However, it can be more expensive and may not be suitable for homes in darker or colder climates.
Low-E Glass
Low-E (low-emissivity) glass is a type of glass that has a thin metallic coating applied to it during the manufacturing process. This coating helps to reflect heat back into the room, making it an excellent choice for homes in colder climates so that your home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Low-E glass can also reduce solar heat gain and UV radiation, making it an excellent choice for homes in sunny climates. However, it is more expensive than clear glass and may not be necessary for homes in moderate climates.
In conclusion, choosing the best type of glass for your double glazing depends on several factors, including your budget, location, and specific needs. Float glass is a standard and affordable option suitable for most homes, while laminated glass and toughened glass offer greater durability and safety. Tinted glass and Low-E glass can improve energy efficiency and aesthetics but come at a higher cost.
To determine the best option for your home, it’s important to consult with a professional double-glazing installer. They can come assess your home and give recommendations and quotes for your best options.
If you’re ready to start upgrading your home’s windows to double glazing, we have a network of certified and trustworthy installers who can help you out. By answering a few short questions about your preferred windows, you can get up to 4 free quotes at no obligation.
- Quotes from local engineers
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- Save up to £150 per year
What is the best double glazed window in the UK?
If you’ve set your eyes on having the best double glazed windows, you’ll also need to consider the optimal frame material and frame style that suit your needs. The most common window frame materials used in the UK include fibreglass, uPVC, wood (timber), and aluminium. We’ll explore each material below.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass window frames are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a durable and long-lasting option. They are incredibly strong and resistant to warping, rotting, and fading. Fibreglass frames also offer excellent thermal insulation, making them ideal for homes in cold and wet climates.
Additionally, they can be painted in any colour, allowing for greater customisation and personalisation. However, fibreglass frames are more expensive than other options and may not be suitable for all budgets.
uPVC
uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) window frames are the most popular choice in the UK, and for a good reason. They are affordable, durable, and require very little maintenance. uPVC frames are also energy-efficient and provide excellent insulation, making them ideal for homes in cold and wet climates.
Additionally, they come in a wide range of colours and styles, allowing for greater flexibility and customisation. However, uPVC frames can become warped and brittle over time and may not be as strong as other materials, which can impact their security.
Wood
Wooden window frames offer excellent insulation and are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a traditional and natural aesthetic. They come in a variety of wood types and can be painted or stained to suit your preferences. Wooden frames also have a low environmental impact.
However, wooden double glazed windows are susceptible to the elements, can be expensive, require more maintenance than other materials, and are prone to rotting, warping, and insect damage.
Aluminium
Aluminium window frames are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a modern and sleek aesthetic. They are incredibly durable, resistant to weather damage, and require very little maintenance.
Aluminium frames also provide excellent security and can be powder-coated in any colour, allowing for greater flexibility and customisation. However, aluminium frames can be expensive and offer less insulation than other materials, which can impact their energy efficiency.
Window Style
In addition to the window frame material, it’s also important to consider that the window style can also play a role in how much energy is lost from your home. For example a sash window is less energy efficient compared to a casement window. This is because casement windows close and lock tightly against the frame, while sash windows do not.
Are there different qualities of double glazing?
There are different qualities of double glazing available, and the quality depends on various factors such as the type of glass, materials used for the frame, thickness of the glass, and installation. Choosing low-E glass and high-quality materials can help to ensure that the double glazing is energy-efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that higher quality double glazing comes at a higher cost. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, investing in high-quality double glazing can pay off in the long run by reducing energy bills and increasing the value of your home.
It’s also important to consider the type of property you have when selecting double glazing. For example, traditional or listed buildings may require specific types of double glazing that are in keeping with the property’s character and style. It’s always best to seek advice from a professional double glazing company who can help you choose the right product for your needs.
Which window company is the best?
It’s worth noting that even the highest quality double glazing can be let down by poor installation. To get the most out of your investment, it’s crucial to find a reputable and experienced installer who can ensure the double glazed windows are installed correctly. This will help to avoid issues such as air leaks, which can significantly impact the energy efficiency and insulation properties of your double glazing.
A good installer will also provide a warranty or guarantee on their work, giving you peace of mind and protection against any potential issues. So, when selecting double glazing, don’t forget to consider the importance of finding a trusted installer to complete the job.
When it comes to finding the best double glazing companies to install windows, it can be overwhelming given how many options are available. Your options range from many small independent installers near you to large companies.
Luckily, we’ve written up a complete guide on finding double glazing installers near you. However, when doing the research and comparing companies to find the right local installer, you may find yourself spending countless hours searching for local companies and calling each one individually.
But fear not, as Greenmatch has done all the hard work for you. We’ve researched and analysed the top window companies in the UK to provide you with the best options. You can find out who makes the best double glazing windows here.
Get the Best Double Glazing Windows Deals
If you’re ready right now to install double glazing windows and don’t want to go through any of the hassle of finding reliable installers, then you’ll also be happy to know that we have a network of reliable partner installers. Each of our installers is certified, experienced, and committed to providing you with the best service possible. This includes offering you the most competitive quotes on the market.
Getting multiple quotes is beneficial for you because it allows you to compare quotes to choose the best one. It also eliminates the risk of you overpaying! We can help you get up to 4 free quotes from local installers in our network. All you have to do is answer a few questions about the kind of windows you would like.
Ready to get the best deals? Just click the button below.
- Quotes from local engineers
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FAQ
As a writer with a deep understanding of low-carbon energy systems, Hannah aims to breakdown knowledge barriers and share insights to empower individuals in their pursuit of creating more environmentally conscious homes.
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