Introduction |
What types of double glazing window are there?
When looking for new windows for your home, it’s important to consider the different types of double glazing windows out there. This means that you have a full scope of what is available, and can choose what would be best for your home. Below is an overview of the common types of double glazing, how they function, how they look, and how effective they are for your house.
Sash Windows
These windows are often made of one or more panels – known as ‘sashes’. These panels can be lifted by moving the pane and the frame up or down, opening and closing the window.
Traditionally, these windows only moved up or down, but modern designs have allowed them to be turned and tilted. This makes it much easier to clean, and gives your home a newer, fresher look.
This type of double glazing window can be hung in two ways:
Single Hanging Windows – Only one pane can be moved to open the window (typically the bottom one, while the top is set in place).
Double Hanging Windows – Both panes can be moved, either up or down, allowing the top or the bottom of the window to open.
As well as choosing the best hanging for your property’s windows, you can also choose from a range of materials and finishes. This allows you to find the best sash windows to suit your home.
Modern sash windows greatly benefit the energy efficiency of your home. By employing the same double-glazing technology as other modern windows, this type of window seals in more heat, saving you money on your energy bills.
Bay Windows
These types of windows protrude from the external walls of your house, and form a bay area in the room. They are often curved, allowing for more floor space, or have a deep windowsill.
More often than not, bay windows contain three or more individual windows. The design allows more natural light into your home – which can help you to save of electricity – and looks fantastic from the outside.
There are three main bay window styles:
Box Windows – Flat sides protrude from the house, connected by a flat front wall/window, creating a box-like shape.
Circle Bay Windows – The most curved of the bay windows. A smooth semi-circle protrudes from the house, featuring a multitude of window panes.
Bow Windows – Bowed to create a rounded bay, often feature four to five individual windows.
These types of double glazing windows are often low maintenance, increase the circulation in the room, and give your home a traditional, quaint character.
Casement windows
Casement windows are often hinged along the side, allowing them to swing open (they can also be hinged at the top or bottom).
Typically, these types of double glazing windows open inwardly. This makes them easily accessible for cleaning and other maintenance. Held open by a ‘casement stay’, these windows are functional, efficient, and look great!
Casement windows are secure, attractive, and energy-efficient. This means that they reduce heat loss by making your property more thermally insulated – helping you save money on your energy bills!
These windows are designed to keep your home secure, and well insulate all year round!
An additional benefit that comes with casement windows is that they fall into a lower price bracket – coming up between £250 and £750 – though the quality is still fantastic!
There are a few different types of casement windows:
Flush Casement Windows – Mimic the traditional look of casement windows, while maintaining the modern energy efficiency.
UPVC Casement Windows – Cost effective, and easy to install. These windows are made from UPVC, making them sturdy to weather and discolouration.
French Casement Windows – Similar in style to French doors, this type of casement window consists of two windows that open to create a large opening.
UPVC windows
This type of window is the most popular choice for double glazing out there.
UPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is a durable and flexible material to case your window panes. It’s non-toxic, strong, and weather-resistant, meaning that it won’t be any harm, and will stand up to most natural damage.
It is also cheaper than more fancy materials, due to its simplicity. This does not, however, mean that UPVC windows are anything short of high quality!
UPVC windows have many benefits:
- Energy efficient – these types of windows will help to keep your energy bill down.
- Additional security – The material makes it resistant to a lot of damage, which makes your home more secure. It can also act as a deterrent for criminals.
- Low maintenance – These windows might as well look after themselves! All they need is a wipe down now and then, and won’t fade or rot like other materials.
Check out our section on UPVC Windows to find out more information on pricing!
Wood and timber windows
A naturally sustainable alternative to the types of double glazing windows above, timber is a great way to add character and decorum to your property. They can also help you to save money on your energy bills!
What’s more is that timber frames have the potential to last up to 60 years if correctly maintained and looked-after. Professionally repairing your timber double glazing windows can even extend their lifespan.
Another handy feature of wood and timber windows is that they have a low thermal conductivity. This means that it’s much harder for heat to escape, and the window acts as a sealant from the outside world.
It’s worth noting, however, that it is important to have your wood and timber frames professionally installed. If installed incorrectly, it could lead to draughts and slight rattling.
These windows also require more maintenance than UPVC and other types of double glazing windows. Failure to do so can lead to rotting, and make your windows susceptible to insects (such as termites).
When installed and maintained correctly, these windows can look fantastic, and create a great atmosphere around your house and your home!
Aluminium windows
First and foremost, aluminium is strong. This material is durable, weather-resistant, and brushes off minor damage. It easily keeps its shape, and will look spectacular for years to come.
Thanks to the strength of the material, these window frames can be made much thinner than other types of double glazing window. This allows them to have a sleek, crisp look – making them perfect for newer homes. Thinner frames also mean more glass, allowing more natural light into your home, which adds to its energy saving.
Historically, aluminium windows were not very good insulators. However, modern designs have enabled them to retain heat, and decrease your energy bills! Aluminium windows can be fitted with thermal breaks, which gives them the insulating properties.
Types of double glazing windows - Summary
Overall, all of the types of windows listed above can work wonders for your home if installed and maintained properly.
It is hard to say which type is best, as each type of window will fit different types of homes. As mentioned above, UPVC windows tend to be a popular choice because of their many benefits, lower cost, and vast stylistic options.
If any of these types of window caught your eye, you can get a quote today, or call us to find out more!
- What Types Of Double Glazing Windows Are There? - October 6, 2020
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