Home improvements are an investment that can provide a range of benefits to you and your home.
Double glazing is a popular home improvement but it can also be an expensive one. But is double glazing a worthwhile investment?
Read on to find out if double glazing is worth the investment.
What Is Double Glazing?
Double glazing is a type of window that has two panes of glass within a single frame. The panes are separated by a gap filled with gas that has a high insulation ability such as argon. This slows the movement of heat from one side of the window to the other keeping your home warm or cool.
Signs Your Current Windows Need Replaced
There are many signs your double glazed windows may need to be replaced such as:
Draughts
If you can feel a draught coming from your windows, it is unfortunately a sign that your windows may need replacing. Properly sealed windows keep the heat inside your home, and if there is a draft it means the heat inside your home is escaping. With heat escaping from your home, money is wasted trying to keep your home warm.
Increased Energy Bills
If your energy bills suddenly rise, then this may be a sign of an issue with your windows. Again, if your window has a draft, then the heat inside your home is going to escape costing you more to heat your home. As well as this, older windows won’t have the same insulation as newer, more modern double glazed windows. Therefore, they won’t be as energy efficient.
Condensation
If you notice condensation between the panes of your double glazed windows then this can be a sign it may need to be replaced. This is because condensation between the panes in your window means that the insulation has failed and the gas has escaped. Don’t get this mixed up with condensation that forms on the inside of the window that is down to
Inefficient Insulation
Double glazing provides efficient insulation against the cold and loud noise. So, if you can hear outside noise or feel cold drafts coming through your double glazed units, it may be time for them to be replaced. Inefficient insulation is also the cause of increased energy bills so upgrading to new efficient double glazed windows will save you money on your energy bills.
Physical Damage
Wear and tear is normal and to be expected after some time. However, if you notice large cracks or parts starting to rot, then it is time to replace your windows. This can be an alarming sign to replace your windows as soon as possible as there is a risk of more serious damage like water seepage and mould.
Modern double glazed windows can last up to 20-35 years and possibly even longer with the right maintenance and care. However, some factors outside your control can affect this lifespan. Keep an eye out for these signs as it could mean your windows may need to be replaced.
Is Double Glazing Worth The Investment?
For nearly all homeowners, double glazing will be worth the investment. Here are some of the benefits they can offer:
Energy Efficiency
Home energy efficiency is important to homeowners as it can not only keep your home warm but also reduce your energy bills.
Double glazed windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency by slowing heat from escaping the home. According to the UK Government, around 18% of heat loss happens through our windows. Heat is lost twice as quickly through single glazing than standard double glazing, around 7% of households in the UK have no double glazing.
Even old double glazed windows may have lost their efficiency costing you more on your energy bills. By upgrading to modern, efficient windows, you can guarantee to save money on your energy bills.
Warmer Home
Double glazing is a worthwhile investment when keeping your home warm. This is due to their energy efficiency meaning less heat will be escaping so your home will stay warmer for longer.
This will not only benefit your home comfort by keeping your home warmer for longer but again this will mean you will be saving money on your energy bills.
But, while double glazing is known to keep your home warm, it can also keep it cool instead. During the summer, double glazing can also keep your home cool by stopping heat from the sun entering the home. This will reduce the need for air conditioning to cool your home down.
Noise Reduction
If you live next to a busy main road or other noisy areas then double glazing will likely be a worthwhile investment for you.
Double glazing is efficient at reducing outside noise. This is due to their high insulation ability that can dampen outside noise more efficiently than single glazed or old double glazed windows.
So, you can enjoy some peace in the comfort of your own home with double glazing.
Security
Double glazed windows can increase your home’s security by offering an extra layer of protection. If you have single glazed windows or old damaged double glazed windows then your home’s security could be compromised.
This is because double glazing has two panes of glass instead of one in a single frame which makes them harder to break. Old and damaged windows also make your home an easy target for intruders as they are weaker and therefore easier to break.
So, double glazing can be a worthwhile investment for your home’s security.
Increased Property Value
While installing double glazing in your home can be an expensive investment, it can be worthwhile for your home’s value.
Installing new double glazed windows can increase your home’s value and make it more inviting to potential buyers if you plan on selling.
All in all, double glazing will be a worthwhile investment for a majority of homeowners as it comes with a range of benefits for you are your home.
Looking For New Double Glazed Windows?
If you are looking for new windows then you can get a free no obligation quote.
At Homeshield Scotland, our range of A+ premium double glazed window styles offer the highest levels of insulation and security. In addition to this, we have various colours and finishes to choose from.
You can also save up to £2,500 on new windows and doors when you recycle your old ones.
