5 Reasons Why Your Family Home Really Needs Double Glazed Windows*
If you live in a period property there’s a fair chance you have fair single windows still. These original windows look lovely but did you know that double glazed windows can now be made like for like? This means you can retain the look of your beautiful home but reap all the benefits of modern thermal efficiency. Wooden sash window technology has come a long way and thankfully so because here’s five good reasons why your home really needs double glazed windows.
Double glazing keeps your home warm
Double glazing considerably reduces the amount of heat loss. It’s estimated that around 18% of all heat lost in the home occurs through windows according to the UK Government. The only part of the home that actually leaks more heat is the loft at around 30%. So once the loft is insulated, the next most important job on the agenda is the windows. Double glazing will cut your heating bills by around £120-£155 according to this recent UK Government survey. If you have draught single glazed windows then it’s highly advisable to upgrade with high quality double glazed sash windows. They are quite pricey, so if you can’t afford them straight away two great tips are cover the open air vents and then hang heavy lined curtains. This will make a noticeable difference to the overall warmth of your home.
Helps you get a good nights sleep
One of the biggest problems we all face is getting a good nights sleep. It’s hard enough when the baby wakes us crying but the misery is compounded by cars and people shouting in the road. Double glazed windows will really help to reduce this problem. You can actually lower the noise considerably enough that someone shouting will be a dulled background noise. The key to double glazed sash windows is ensuring there is a large air cavity between the panes of glass, but not so large that it would ruin the look of the window. There are plenty double glazed sash window companies that specialise in re-using the existing frames and installing double glazing glazing into the original frame which is considerably cheaper than full replacement. Double glazed sash windows into the existing frame work much in the same way as complete replacements and are nearly as efficient, just without the expense.
Improved security & safety for your family
One of the biggest concerns with single glazed windows is the glass isn’t very strong. If you have youngsters and one were to fall into the window, it could be a disaster. Luckily new double glazed windows are almost always installed with toughened safety glass which will protect your children. Even if they were to swing a cricket bat at the window, it’s still unlikely to break the glazing. Not only is this peace of mind for the death of your children, but combined with good locking mechanisms this means that your home is safer to potential intruders. Another great benefit is the glass can’t break so there won’t be any unexpected bills cropping up. Which leads me nicely to the next benefit.
An end to maintenance for at least ten years
New double glazed sash windows come with an insurance backed guarantee that’ll ensure any defects or damage will be repaired or replaced within the first ten years for free. I have it from Only Windows, a reliable window price comparison website, that most high quality double glazed units will not fail for over twenty years now due to the advancement in polyurethane technology. This is the substance that binds the glazing panels together and stops the inert gas(normally Argon) from escaping. Argon helps to prevent the heat transfer between panes.
Improves the value of your home and makes it more marketable
Most homeowners now recognise the benefit of new hardwood windows that’ll last thirty to forty years relatively maintenance free, and still maintain the look of a traditional period property. As a result, these windows actually serve to increase the values of your family home whilst improving the overall ambience. It’ll certainly help the marketability as well.
All in all, double glazed windows are a serious asset for your family and well worth researching in more detail.