What are the best double glazed windows?
- 5 August 2024
- News
Double glazed windows have become a staple in UK homes, with around 93% of properties having full double glazing installed.
After gaining popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, double glazing has continued to develop to a stage where it’s available in a huge range of styles, like casement and sliding sash, as well as various popular materials including aluminium and uPVC.
We understand that the sheer amount of choice available to homeowners can be overwhelming, and you’re not alone if you’re unsure which option will be best suited to your home.
At Crown Conservatories, Windows, and Doors Ltd we’re here to help. As one of the area’s finest window companies, we’ve put together a blog aiming to explore the best double glazing options on the market, weighing up the pros and cons of each to give you the confidence to make an informed decision.
What is double glazing and why has it become so popular?
Before we delve into the specifics of what makes a high-performance window, it’s important to understand what double glazing is, and how it has developed into the phenomenon that it is today.
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by a sealed air gap, or a gas like argon. It’s constructed in this way for a few key reasons:
Energy efficiency
Double glazing is far more thermally efficient than single glazing, with the additional pane and argon gas being incredibly effective at reducing heat transfer, saving you money on your heating bills.
Security
Double glazing’s extra glass layer makes new windows more resistant to attempted break-ins.
Reduced noise pollution
If you live in a busier part of Buckinghamshire, like Milton Keynes or Aylesbury for example, you’ll appreciate the additional soundproofing that your double glazed replacement windows will bring.
If you have any more questions about double glazing, our customer support team are always open for a chat on 01908 507 778.
What are the best materials for double glazed windows?
uPVC
The UK’s most popular window material, uPVC is a form of plastic that is highly customisable, low maintenance, energy efficient, and cost effective.
uPVC is the most common type of window frame for double-glazed windows, as not only is it cheaper than traditional wooden frames, it’s also recyclable, durable and the most energy-efficient type of frame.
Some have reservations over uPVC’s stereotypically bland appearance, which needn’t be the case anymore thanks to the rise of woodgrain effects, and the ability to finish the material with the almost endless RAL colour chart.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a lightweight metal famed for its incredible strength and durability.
When used for windows, the slim sightlines allow for expansive glass panes, which is great for maximising natural light intake.
Aluminium windows also possess all the vital benefits for modern living like thermal efficiency and security, and although coming in at a slightly higher average cost then uPVC, they remain cheaper than timber windows.
Which style of double glazed window is right for me?
Casement
Casement windows date back to the 18th century and are hinged on the side of the frame, allowing them to open wider than any other window. They’re an excellent choice if you’re after a window type that allows for maximum airflow, easy operation, and improvement to your home’s energy efficiency.
Casement windows from Crown can be installed in a huge range of colours, with decorative features like astragal bars.
Tilt & turn
Tilt and turn windows can either be tilted or swung open on the inside like a traditional casement window. This means they’re an incredibly versatile window replacement, easy to clean from the inside, secure, and efficient at saving space.
Sliding sash
Vertical sliding sash windows provide homes with a stunning Victorian look, making them a sought-after feature today. Featuring two vertically operable sashes that slide up and down within a frame, they have risen in popularity in recent years thanks to being extremely aesthetically pleasing and practical. A great choice if you’re looking to replace old windows, as one of the area’s leading window replacement companies, Crown provide sliding sash installations bespoke to your requirements.
Georgian
Georgian windows are characterised by their distinctive grid design, having originated in Britain in the 18th century. However, since the days of the Industrial Revolution, Georgian windows have developed significantly. They boast essential modern benefits like draught exclusion, impressive insulation, and high security.
Lead
Lead windows are made with several panels to provide your home with a traditional charm. They feature smaller panes of glass stuck on one larger frame as standard, creating a grid-like pattern across the window. Lead windows can be incredibly decorative, and as window installers, we work alongside you to create an original lead window tailored to your style and preferences.
Flush Fit
Flush fit windows remain one of our most popular styles across modern and traditional styles. Their defining feature is the opening sash sitting completely flush, or level, with the window frame when closed – creating a clean sightline.
What double-glazing options are available from Crown?
At Crown, we install each of the stunning window styles listed above bespoke to your unique requirements, with double glazing as standard. We offer a free no-obligation quote on all products, which you can find online here.
Top-rated windows and doors from Crown
Crown are proud to have over 20 years of experience serving communities across Buckinghamshire and beyond, gaining a reputation as one of the area’s best double glazing companies.
All our installations come alongside a 10-year warranty and insurance-backed guarantee as standard, and you can have total peace of mind knowing that leading bodies like FENSA, Team Guardian, and LABC accredit us.
As well as champion window installation, we also provide a huge range of impressive doors (including patio doors) and conservatories, with our showroom in Milton Keynes the perfect place to view our product quality for yourself – where you’ll learn something no matter if you’re approaching your first home improvement project, or you’ve completed several with different companies.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with our excellent customer service team on 01908 507 778, or by emailing info@crownwindows.co.uk. Customer satisfaction is incredibly important to us, with our customer reviews available to read here.
