If you’re here trying to weigh up the best double glazing options for your home, we’ve got the perfect guide for you. Double glazing has long been renowned for its ability to increase the energy efficiency of homes, whilst also offering a range of additional benefits. Noise proofing and enhanced security are just a couple of the extras you can enjoy with double glazing – no matter which style of window frame you opt for.
Since double glazing can be installed in any style of window, it’s worth thinking about how the different options available can help you achieve the aesthetic you’re going for. As well as offering a unique look, each of the different double glazed window styles available can also have functional properties to consider.
Here’s our guide to the most popular types of double glazed windows, the architectural styles and eras they are influenced by; and the functional benefits they can offer throughout your home.
Double Glazed Casement Windows
As the most popular window style in the UK, casement windows are hard to beat. They are easy to use and open for maximum ventilation, as the hinge mechanisms used are smooth to operate. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to consider when thinking about double glazed casement windows.
Ease of Use
Casement windows are effective and easy to open and close. The self-explanatory handle means they may be more manageable than other window styles, depending on the user and their placement in the home. For example, they’re much easier to open than sash windows, which can require more energy in pushing the window up.
Security Benefits
The handle on most casement windows comes fitted with a lock, meaning you can keep your home extra secure by locking them with a key. This is ideal for if you have young children that might try to play with your windows. Casement windows are also designed to be able to lock in to the frame, while still remaining open enough to allow airflow into the home. This boosts security as it means the windows are virtually impossible to open from the outside.
Effective Slanted Design
The slanted design of the upper windows often seen in casement window designs prevents rain from entering your home. This explains why casement windows are the go-to choice for those of us living in areas that are prone to rain (such as the UK)!
Although they were historically constructed from timber, the majority of casement window frames in the UK are now made from uPVC. uPVC helps prevent heat loss and is resistant to moisture, so windows made from uPVC have better energy efficiency ratings than those made from alternative materials.
Maintenance, Hinges and Hardware
Casement windows are known to be made to last, however no style of window is immune to wear and tear or exposure to the elements. The metal hinges and hardware in casement windows can be prone to rusting over time, somewhat reducing security if pieces start to lose quality. Rusting may also impact the overall look of your windows – but it can be fixed!
Popularity and Aesthetics
As casement windows are the most common type of window in the UK, they don’t offer much in terms of aesthetic variation. Being so popular, however, means that many double glazing experts have plenty of experience working with casement windows; so maintenance and installation should be a breeze.
Double Glazed Bay Windows
Bay windows are becoming an increasingly popular architectural revival feature of the modern home. With origins dating back to the medieval era and their use in churches and cathedrals, their popularity increased; and they became a common feature within homes in the Victorian era.
Architectural and Aesthetic Charm
As a popular monarch, Queen Victoria’s influence (on everything from fashion to interior design) spread rapidly throughout the country. During her reign, she was known to favour gothic architecture and decorative elements within the home. The bay window eventually become a significant motif that now indicates the historical origins of Victorian homes throughout the UK.
Bringing in Additional Light
Today, bay windows appeal to those seeking function as well as form. Due to their angled design, they are perfectly positioned to allow extra light to enter the room. This means that, depending on the side of your home you place the window on, you could save money by reducing your dependence on artificial lighting.
Expanding the Home
The side bay windows are great for visibility, providing more panoramic views of the landscape or neighbourhood surrounding the home. They even increase the square footage of your house, jutting out of the exterior of the home and creating additional floor space to use. This space can be used for a variety of purposes, adding both functional and economic value to your home. You could add a window seat, dedicated play area, or even a reading nook.
May Require Structural Support
Be aware that when installing bay windows, you might need to consider additional structural support underneath the bay. This will depend on the placement of the bay window in your home, as well as other considerations such as the existing foundation for your building.
Double Glazed Sash Windows
Sash windows have been a popular feature within British architecture since the 17th century. They offer a traditional look, as the style became increasingly common during the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Traditional Style and Bespoke Options
Bespoke sash windows can be made, offering a range of decorative options such as glazing bars with multiple panes of glass.
Great Ventilation Benefits
Double glazed sash windows are an appealing way to upgrade the appearance of your home; but what about the functional benefits? Sash windows are great for ventilating the home, as you can pull them wide open and let plenty of air in. It’s also very easy to install nets on these windows for the summer months, preventing flies from entering the home.
Safety Concerns for Children and Pets
Due to their ability to open so wide, sash windows might not be the best option if you have small children or pets. If you are set on having a sash window but are concerned about the safety of them, you could opt for a top-opening sash window instead. There are plenty of options you can tailor to your own needs.
Complicated Pulley Mechanisms and Maintenance
One key drawback to sash windows is that the pulley mechanisms can become warped over time, or if they’re used too frequently. Much of this is natural wear and tear that can also happen in other window styles, but it’s important to have windows maintained. It can be difficult to replace the pulley mechanism properly in sash windows, so make sure you work with a reputable expert if your windows do stiffen up or become warped.
Quality Double Glazing by Cloudy2Clear
When considering which double glazing window style is best for your home, it’s essential to consider factors such as price and energy efficiency as well as your aesthetic goals. We hope this guide to double glazing options has given you some insight as to which style of window might be best for your home!
If so, you’ll need to find a dedicated team of experts to help upgrade your windows. We can help! At Cloudy2Clear, our range of quality double glazing options has been carefully selected to suit a variety of requirements and budgets. Our skilled engineers can even help you identify which style of double glazed window would work best for your you and your home. We offer free, no-obligation quotes where we’ll send out a member of our team to help.
Contact us today on 0800 61 21 119 to find out how we can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and security with our expert double glazing services.
