Is Double Glazing Really More Cost Effective?
Overall, upgrading windows and doors with double glazing offers homeowners significant long-term savings. According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing single glazed windows with double glazing can save up to £140 annually in Great Britain and £160 in Northern Ireland.
When upgraded with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and paired with premium aluminium frames, heat transfer can be reduced by 30% to 50%. At Express Direct, we go even further by incorporating a warm edge spacer bar, which can reduce heat loss by up to 94%.
Here are the key factors that make double glazing a cost effective choice:
1) Energy Efficiency
Double glazed windows and doors are highly valued for their energy efficiency. With two panes of glass separated by an insulating layer of air or gas, they act as a barrier to heat transfer, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature year-round.
In colder months, double glazing traps warm air inside, minimising heat loss. In summer, it prevents excess heat from entering, reducing the need for heating or cooling systems. This improved insulation not only lowers energy consumption and utility bills but also creates a more comfortable living environment.
Furthermore, by reducing energy usage, double glazed windows contribute to a smaller carbon footprint, making them an eco friendly choice for your home. Over time, the energy savings make double glazing a cost effective and sustainable investment.
2) Durability & Lifespan
Renowned for their durability and long lifespan, double glazed windows often last 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Designed to withstand wear and tear, including exposure to harsh weather, they offer a longer-lasting alternative to single pane windows.
When combined with high-quality materials like low-E toughened glass and robust aluminium frames, double glazed windows resist warping, cracking, and weather damage, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Their sealed construction prevents water ingress and condensation, minimising the risk of mould and maintaining their structural integrity over time.
Minimal maintenance is another advantage of double glazing. Smooth surfaces and fewer seals make them easy to clean, requiring only routine care to keep them in excellent condition. Discover our selection of maintenance products designed to help you care for your aluminium investments.
3) Home Security & Privacy
Double glazed windows are a powerful upgrade for improving home security, making it significantly harder for intruders to gain entry. For an extra layer of protection, adding laminated glass is an excellent choice. This innovative material features two glass layers bonded with a durable Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer, making it exceptionally tough and resistant to impact. Even if the outer glass breaks, the PVB layer holds the shards in place, preventing injuries and blocking easy access.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The insulating gap between the panes also dampens external noise, creating a quieter, more private sanctuary inside your home. Whether you live in a bustling city or an isolated area, this added sense of security and privacy delivers priceless peace of mind.
4) Property Value & ROI
Installing double glazed windows and doors can boost your property value by up to 10%, thanks to their energy efficiency, noise reduction, and improved comfort. Prospective buyers are drawn to these features, particularly those seeking eco friendly options or lower utility costs.
While replacing windows may not dramatically increase a home’s value, outdated or worn-out windows can reduce it by 15–40%, according to Property Price Advice. Opting for A-rated double glazing not only helps maintain your property’s value but also makes it more appealing to buyers.
Regarded as a desirable upgrade, double glazing improves a home’s market competitiveness. The better aesthetics, insulation, and security provided by these windows can increase buyer interest, leading to a higher resale value. This makes double glazing a worthwhile, cost effective choice with a strong return on investment (ROI).
5) Reduced Condensation
Condensation is a common issue in homes with single glazed windows, leading to dampness, mould, and potential damage to the surrounding structure. When paired with thermally broken aluminium frames, double glazed windows effectively reduce condensation by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and preventing the cold from reaching the inner surface of the window. At Express Direct, our double glazed, argon gas-filled sealed units are specifically designed to minimise condensation. They comply with all Building Regulations and feature excellent Window Energy Ratings (WER), thanks to their low U-value and high solar gain.
Double glazing not only helps reduce condensation, but it also improves overall home comfort, by minimising draughts, improving sound insulation, and ensuring fewer temperature fluctuations. With reduced noise pollution, double glazed windows contribute to a more peaceful and pleasant living environment.
Double glazed windows are a smart, long-term investment for homeowners. They improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, increase property value, and boost security. While the initial cost may be higher than single glazing, the savings and added comfort make it a worthwhile choice.
By choosing Express Direct double glazed aluminium windows, you’re investing in superior quality. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing aluminium doors and windows, we ensure stunning finishes, precision craftsmanship, and durable, insulated fascia and pressings. Plus, all our solutions come with a comprehensive warranty for added peace of mind.
Whether you’re in the market for bifold doors, sliding doors, or fixed and casement windows, our double glazed, thermally broken doors and windows are built to meet the highest industry standards, with U-values as low as 1.1. Explore our range online or visit one of our showrooms to see how our premium aluminium products can redefine your home.
