Finding Cheap Double Glazing
First, does finding cheap double glazing units mean the quality of the product needs to be sacrificed? The answer is no. The primary function of double glazed windows is to prevent heat from escaping the home. As a result, homes stay warmer and are quieter, plus homeowners see a savings in their heating costs.
One way to ensure the quality of the window units has not been sacrificed is to check the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo. Any window that is endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust program is rated at a B or higher. Double glazed units that have high energy ratings are more energy efficient. It is also a good idea to check the BFRC energy label before making a purchase.
There is a downside to this method of ensuring the quality of the product is there even when cheap double glazing units are being sought. There are no rules or regulations that state manufacturers must incorporate these energy labels onto their products. Products with these labels that have high ratings will save the most energy.
Double glazed window units require two to three panes of glass per unit. Opting for a unit with two panes as opposed to three is a sure way to find cheap double glazing units and save money. Double glazed windows have two layers of glass per unit. A small gap separates the layers which is typically about 16mm of space. The layers are kept separate by pane spacers.
The pane spacers are inserted around the inside edges of the panes of glass. This keeps the panes from collapsing into one another. Cheap double glazing products typically use some metals in their pane spacers. However, pane spacers that contain more metals are less energy efficient than those that contain little or no metals.
Pane spacers with little or no metals are referred to in the industry as warm edge spacers. The amount of metal in the spacers does affect the BFRC energy rating. Double glazed units with lower ratings are sold for less. To save money while not compromising the quality of the window, searching for a sale or a “buy X number of units and get one free” promotion is the way to go.
Finding cheap double glazing units also depends on the type of materials used to build the frames of the units and their style. The type of materials used and the style of the units do have an effect on how energy efficient the units are. The purpose of the double glaze is to stop heat from leaving through the panes of glass, letting sunlight in through the panes, and preventing air from leaking out around the panes.
There are four different types of double glazed units to choose from. Choosing among them largely depends on personal taste and pricing. uPVC frames are typically the most cost effective because they are the most popular and widely available. Though more cost effective to purchase and install, these types of frames last longer and can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.
Wooden frames are also available. These are popular in conservation areas and are generally used to replace existing wooden frames. Using a wooden frame means some maintenance will be needed in the future. These types of frames are popular in environmentally conscious homes because they have less of an impact on the environment.
Next are steel or aluminum frames. These last the longest. The frames are thinner and can be recycled when its time to replace them. Last are composite frames, which need less maintenance and are more durable. The frames use both timber and plastic or aluminum. The timber rests inside the plastic or aluminum, which keeps the frames weatherproof. Finding cheap double glazing may save money during the initial investment but may require homeowners to replace their units and frames more often.
Double glazed windows are meant to last for long periods of time. Typically, these units do not need to be replaced for up to 20 years or more. Finding cheap double glazing may sound like a good idea at first but spending a little more and installing units with high energy ratings means less maintenance in the long run.
In some cases, condensation builds up between the double or triple panes of glass. In this situation, the seal around the panes is damaged and no longer doing its job. The seal itself can typically be replaced without having to install a new frame, which is more costly. However, the build up of condensation is not always a bad thing.
When single glazed units are replaced with double glazed units, the replacements are more air tight. This reduces the amount of ventilation the units provide for the house. As a result, some condensation can build up. To counteract this issue, some replacement windows come with trickle vents built into the frame that allow for minimal ventilation.
Another aspect to think of when choosing cost effective double glazed units is what type of glass is in the units. The most energy efficient glass used in double glazed units is Low-E glass or low emissivity. Typically, a fine layer of metal oxide is coated on the inner layer of the panes. The coating is transparent to the eye and allows sunlight to penetrate the glass. The metal oxide diminishes the amount of heat that can escape through the panes.
When choosing double glazed units for a newly constructed home or as replacement windows, it’s important to note the energy rating on the windows. When cheap double glazing units are the only option, choose from a reputable manufacturer or wait for the units to go on sale.