What do you think of double-glazed windows?
Tom Flanagan
9 years ago
For a city dweller, double-glazing becomes commonplace when you live with so much noise and need to get away from time to time. Equally, it's a tried and tested way of keeping heat insulated, keeping cosy and keeping eco-friendly. However, all things said and done, some people just can't stand the sight of them.
So what are your thoughts on double-glazed windows? Do you think they're worth having around or best left untouched? Leave us a comment and make your case!
So what are your thoughts on double-glazed windows? Do you think they're worth having around or best left untouched? Leave us a comment and make your case!
Wimbledon · More Info
Featured Answer
Comments (11)
rinked
9 years agoRelated Discussions
What do you guys think of these Bi- Fold Windows ??
Comments (2)There a Smart System and we manufacture them !...See MoreSash Windows - double glaze or refurbish?
Comments (7)Be careful - replacing original windows may devalue your house. If you are in a conservation area or your house is listed, changing windows would require permission that would may not be granted. If however your house is in an area where everyone has changed to modern alternatives then you will likely be assured there would be no problem. If the building is historically interesting I say renovate your existing windows, replace rotten wood, repair sash cords and have the work done off site where they can remove the glass, strip all the paint, make the repairs, prime all the wood and then replace glass. Expect a window to be repaired every other day and then a few days for final coat painting at the end....See MoreWhat type and style of window do you guys think would improve look?
Comments (12)Thank you guys you ve provided reassurance and consideration for me to keep the windows as they are... maybe I’m being over critical however if they look fine to others then I’m most definitely swayed to keep them. Do you think I just keep fan light sections with the criss cross design or just change those panes for a cleaner look? They are upvc Also, yes I think shutters will go the fan light line in the window to keep it look as sinple as possible. I recognise that half length window shutters would look odd The reason for shutters is that the first floor front bedrooms look out onto a main road with lots of traffic so I felt that would offer privacy. Additionally I have a very severe dust allergy so whereas curtains may look fab, opening and closing them each night and morning sets my allergy off so I find blinds and shutters have always worked best for me? Unless anyway has similar experience or could suggest alternative as I’m open to other options :)...See MoreReplacement double glazing to match mock Tudor
Comments (8)@Jonathan - The frames and door are nearly 25 years old, and so are coming up to being ready to be replaced (almost all other houses on the estate have moved over to uPVC). @Sven I'm not mad on the door colour. It's previously been black (a little boring) and pillar box red (which I preferred). @Man about the House, thanks for the picture. I guess I need to do some mock-ups. Are there any free/straightforward to use tools that people on here use for that sort of thing (i.e. not Photoshop). I think I see what you're saying about keeping the timber matching the bricks, but would like to see it in grey too (maybe we could paint the bricks to match?)...See MoreTom Flanagan
9 years ago
Emmeline Westin
9 years ago
Luciana
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSmartstyle Interiors is right, people dislike UPVC windows on traditional properties.
We live in a conservation area and many neighbours had changed their windows in the 80s/ 90s with plastic frame ones - they look terrible, especially compared with the houses where the owners retained the stained glass and sashed windows (many with the original irregular, wobbly glass too).
The council caught up some years ago and put a stop to plastic - you can change your windows, but only like for like. What annoys me though is that they still don't allow double glazing, even in a wood sash frame. They go on and on about insulation and environment, but then don't allow you to improve your home..... madness....
PROSmartstyle Interiors
9 years agoLuciana
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoYou are right again, Pheobe! We sort of tricked them: we only put single glazing on the ground floor windows, the rest of the house (and back) are double glazed and all our windows have shutters (way better than secondary glaze!! :)) Our argument was that whoever is looking at the area would not notice that we have double glazed windows at first and second floor.
Don't get me wrong - I love living in a conservation area and do my best to follow the rules - it all comes to respecting and enjoying the place you live in and I, as most of my neighbours, recognise this.
However, I am aware that not everybody thinks the same and some would carelessly ignore its importance if rules weren't in place. What I find irritating is the lack of flexibility and the contrary, even hypocritical rules imposed by some county councils. There's always a happy medium, it's just that they seem to have missed that class.
PS: Let's not forget the safety issue; it's harder to break the glass in a double glazed window than a single one.
PROWessex Glass Co. Ltd
8 years ago
PROChameleon Decorators & Windows Restoration
last yearKeep original window frames and sashes but fit 7 mm VIG glass to existing frames
https://chameleon-decorators.co.uk/sash-windows-double-glazing/
Here is an example of the original window with vacuum double glazing which replaced single glazing:
PROForest Edge Home Improvements Ltd
7 months ago
PROThe Sash Window Workshop
7 months agoAs Smartstyle Interiors commented, there is no reason why you have to sacrifice the beauty and character of traditional timber windows when upgrading to double glazing.
Providing you choose a specialist traditional wooden window company, they should be able to replicate the existing design while upgrading your windows to double glazing.
We manufacture and install traditional timber windows for customers across London and Southern England every day and the majority of these are double glazed (including in Conservation Areas). We only do single glazing if double glazing isn't permitted, such as in a listed building.
Below are a few photos of the traditional, double glazed timber windows that we have installed for some of our customers.
Timber Casement Windows in The Cotswolds · More Info
Traditional timber box sash window: Hertfordshire · More Info
Sashes into existing window frames in Victorian bay windows in West London · More Info
Smartstyle Interiors