Double Glazed Windows: Are They Really Worth the Expense?

Perhaps you’re in the process of building a new house? Maybe you’re looking to make some updates to the home that you currently live in? In any case, you’re thinking about installing double glazed windows.

The only problem is, you’re not sure if they’re worth the investment. After all, a doubled glazed window costs quite a bit more than a single glazed window. Is it really worth the extra cost?

For some, the answer is “yes”. For others, the answer is “no”. The only way you can know for sure is by doing your research.

Looking to learn more about double glazing? The read on! We’re going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of double glazed glass panels in windows.

The Advantages of Double Glazed Windows

If you’re wondering how to choose windows for your home remodeling project, this window profile could be of use to you. Here are the advantages of double glazing windows.

Improves Insulation

One of the purposes of windows is to provide insulation to the home upon which they’re installed. While all windows do this to an extent, no type of window does it to a greater extent than the double glazing window.

Whereas single glazed windows will lose between 50% and 70% of the heat and cold which they contain, double glazed windows will lose only between 30% and 50% of the heat and cold which they contain. This makes them highly effective during both the summer and winter seasons, as they eliminate the vast majority of cold drafts and heat waves.

Provides Greater Energy Efficiency

Because they provide such terrific insulation, double glazing windows are extremely energy efficient. Why is this? Because they keep heat and cold trapped within their corresponding homes, allowing those homes’ air conditioners and heating systems to use less energy than they would have to otherwise.

So, while double glazing can be expensive in the short-term, it can actually save you money (through reduced energy bills costs) in the long-run.

Staves Off Condensation

Do you regularly deal with condensation on your windows? If so, you could benefit from installing double glazed glass panels. These panels do a terrific job of staving off condensation, fighting it off on both their interiors and exteriors.

Not only will a reduction in condensation increase the visibility of your windows, but it will also reduce the amount of mold and mildew that build up on your windows. This equals less maintenance, in the long-run.

Cuts Down on UV Light Damage

Did you know that the UV rays emitted by the sun can actually cause damage to the things with which they come into contact? This means that the possessions which sit next to your windows are all in positions of vulnerability. Color fading, in particular, is an imminent danger to these possessions.

Fortunately, there is a way to cut down on the number of UV rays which shine through your windows: double glazing. Installing doubled glazed windows will reduce the fading of your carpet, furniture, and other possessions, allowing you to let the sun illuminate through your windows on a regular basis.

Reduces Sound

Do you live in a noisy area? Can you hear miscellaneous sounds creeping into your home at all hours of the day? If so, double glazing is for you.

Doubled glazed panels are sealed airtight, allowing them to block the majority of soundwaves which come floating their way. They’ll make you feel as though you’re living in a peaceful area.

Increases Strength

While they’re certainly not indestructible, double glazed windows are much stronger than their single glazed brethren. This protects them not only from incidental physical trauma such as the force of an overthrown baseball but from purposeful physical trauma as well, such as the force of a burglar’s crowbar.

If you want to beef up the security and protection of your home, double glazing wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Ups Home Resale Value

One last advantage of the double glazing window is an increase in the resale value of the home upon which it’s installed. This means that, if you install double glazing windows on your home, you will be able to sell it in the future for a greater price than you would if it were to have single glazing windows instead.

This is an important point to remember when debating whether or not the extra cost is worthwhile. You may pay more money for these windows initially, however, you may actually save money over time.

The Disadvantages of Double Glazed Windows

There are far more advantages to double glazed windows than there are disadvantages. Nonetheless, disadvantages do exist. They are as follows.

Can’t Always Be Repaired

As was noted above, double glazed windows are designed to be exceedingly tough. Nonetheless, on rare occasions, they can experience deterioration, particularly in the spots where they seal to their corresponding frames.

Unfortunately, if this happens, they can’t be repaired. This will result in condensation building up between their two panes, making them more and more residue-ridden over time. At some point, your only option will be to have them replaced with all new windows.

Note, however, that a good many of the double glazing windows on the market come with warranties. If your windows are warrantied, you won’t have to worry about new-purchase costs.

High Cost

As we’ve stated numerous times, double glazed panels are more expensive than single glazed panels. In fact, in some cases, they can be as much as double the price of single glazed windows.

Note, however, that because they’re so durable and because they’re so energy efficient, they are actually fairly inexpensive over time. As a matter of fact, they can sometimes end up being cheaper than singled glazed windows in the long-run.

Interested in Double Glazed Windows?

What do you think? Are double glazed windows right for you? Interested in building or finding a home with such windows?

If so, PropertyTalk might be able to help you. Ours is one of the top real estate sites on the web. Not only do we help individuals to sell homes, but to build and buy them as well.

Read some more of our building-related articles now!