Double Glazing

Double glazing is the term used for windows manufactured with sealed uPVC or aluminium units that use two panes of glass instead of one. Between the two panes of 4mm glass, there’s a 20mm space bar gap which is filled with a mix of air and at least 90% argon gas. It’s these two panes of glass and the gas which work together to give the insulation you need to keep your home warmer in cold weather and make it more energy-efficient.

Double glazed windows can prevent up to 60% of the heat inside your home from escaping and it’s this that makes double glazing so energy-efficient – and popular for all homeowners.

The main purposes of double glazing are to improve your home’s heat insulation, increase its energy efficiency, and reduce any outside noise from neighbours or heavy traffic. It’s the two panes of glass and the gap which are key to all three of these.

Firstly, to increase heat insulation, double glazing reduces heat transfer between the outside and inside of your home. Secondly, with argon gas filled gaps, this also improves that insulation – and the wider the gap, the better the insulation. Thirdly, the second pane of glass acts as a further barrier against any heat loss and combined they have much greater sound reducing qualities.

Any double glazing you choose for your home will go a long way to improving the warmth and efficiency of each room. When installed correctly, they can reduce the amount of heat lost through your windows which means you have lower energy bills, saving you money and helping the environment.

All double glazing is energy-efficiency rated by letters between A and G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least efficient. It’s also possible for + and – ratings to be attached to each letter as well and the higher the grade, the less heat you’ll use.

Every uPVC window manufactured across the UK is rated and verified by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). Their rating system runs from A – E with A++ being the highest achievable rating. Using this verified system, all Majestic Designs uPVC double glazed windows are rated A+14 as standard.

Having double glazing fitted in your home will definitely help lower your energy bills. How much depends on the amount of double glazed windows you have installed. But if you own a detached house and replace all your single pane windows with Majestic Designs A+14 rated double glazing, the Energy Trust suggests there could be savings of up to £115 a year.

If you own a terraced house with homes on either side, you would naturally use less energy to heat it. You would also lose less heat as well, so replacing all your single pane windows with Majestic Designs A+14 rated double glazed windows could mean savings of up to £60 a year.

Double glazing will give you many years of long-lasting durability and efficiency, and, on average, double glazed windows should be effective for around 20 years. Of course, if it’s not performing as well as it could be in helping to insulate your home, then you should look into replacing it.

If your home already had double glazing when you moved in, but you’re not sure when it was fitted, there are some signs that could tell you it could be due for replacement. If you’re noticing any draughts or leaks, check for any cracks or warping in the frames and any other signs of wear and tear in the uPVC. Also look out for any discolouration or misting of the glass – this is a sign the seals are near the end of their life. At Majestic Designs, we’re so confident of all our double glazing that we offer a full 10-year warranty on every window.

In a word, yes. Secondary glazing works in a similar way to double glazing but it’s nowhere near as effective or energy-efficient. Instead of the energy and thermally efficient glazing double glazed glass gives you, secondary panes are a poor substitute.

Secondary panes are fixed to single paned windows from the inside, but there is no seal. This means there’s no pressure difference between the inside and outside of the window so they’ll offer little or no energy savings or sound insulation. Going back three or four decades, double glazing was an expensive addition to any home, so secondary glazing was seen as a cheaper option. But double glazing is much more affordable nowadays and will more than pay for itself in energy savings over the years.

Most uPVC double glazed windows you’ll see are white in colour. While they’re the most common, Majestic Designs offers you a much wider range of popular frame colours to choose from. Every property is different and while white is standard, it might not be right for your own home.

Just as hard-wearing and popular, our range of rich heritage colours gives you plenty of choice to match your own taste and suit the architectural style of your home. Our double glazing frame colours include:

• White
• White Woodgrain
• Cream
• Chartwell Green
• Irish Oak
• Rustic Cherry
• Golden Oak
• Mahogany
• Rosewood
• French Grey
• Anthracite Grey
• Schwarz Braun Black
• Agate Grey