Is It Worth Replacing 20 Year Old Double Glazing?

It’s worth thinking through the benefits of any home improvement projects you plan to start for your property. We understand that choosing to upgrade your home takes a lot of consideration- as there’s so much to think about before getting started! If your home already has windows with improved thermal efficiency, it can be difficult to know how long these windows will last before they could benefit from replacement. While double glazed windows are designed to be a long term solution, they can lose their efficiency over time. This means it might be time to consider a replacement. 

At London Sash Windows, we provide bespoke double glazing installations in and around London. We love providing energy efficient glass solutions for each and every homeowner- and create stylish solutions to match any property. However, in the modern age where double glazing is often installed already, it can be difficult to know if your home would benefit from a replacement. So – is it worth replacing your older double glazing if you already have it?

We provide the answers in this handy article. 

What Is Double Glazing?

Double glazing, also known as insulated glazing or thermal glazing, is a method of improving the insulation of a window pane by encasing it in two separate glass panes filled with air or an inert gas such as argon gas. The windows are separated by an air gap which helps reduce the amount of heat loss through the window. This can help to reduce your energy bills, as well as providing noise reduction benefits. 

The inner panes of double glazed sash windows are often made with uPVC, wood or aluminium frames which have been specially designed to hold them in place and create a tight seal between the two panes. This ensures that very little cold air passes through the window. It also helps to block out drafts and improve the overall insulation of your home. 

One way to tell if you already have double glazing installed in your home is by tapping on the glass pane of your window. If you can hear a hollow sound, then it is likely that you already have double glazed sash windows installed. Another common sign is if your sash windows have condensation inside on cold mornings – this is caused by warm air hitting a cool surface (i.e. the inner glass pane). 

As well as providing improved insulation benefits, double glazing can also help to reduce noise levels within your home. This is because the air gap between the two panes helps to absorb sound waves, dampening the sound and reducing its volume. This means that noise from outside will be less intrusive in your home, making it more comfortable for you to live in, especially if you live next to a busy street.  

Double glazing is becoming an increasingly popular way of improving energy efficiency and comfort levels in homes throughout the world. If you think that double glazing could be beneficial for your property, it is worth discussing your options with a local glazing expert to find out more about the different types available and what system would best suit your needs. Check out our range at London Sash Windows for a stylish, smart choice. 

How Do I Know My Double Glazing Needs Replacing?

If your double glazing is old, it could be beneficial to replace it. However, it could be difficult to assess the age of your installation. Pay attention to leaks or cracks in frames, draughts, difficulty when opening and closing the windows and condensation between the panes. Also feel for broken seals when you open the sash windows.  All of these are indicators that your double glazing needs to be replaced.

Declining thermal efficiency is a surefire sign that your double glazing needs replacing. If it’s costing you more money to heat your home, or you notice certain areas of your home are colder than others, this could indicate that your property is losing heat through its windows. At a time where it’s more important than ever than your money stays in your wallet, new double glazed windows could be a worthwhile investment. 

What Can a Modern Double Glazing Installation Offer My Property?

Replacing your double glazing not only offers functional advantages. Many modern double glazed installations come in a variety of colourful and stylish designs that can help to give your home a fresh look. Whether you choose something traditional or modern, double glazing can improve the aesthetics of your property, while providing all the functional benefits that a new installation offers. Changing up the look of your sash windows can greatly influence the style of your home. With an extensive range of colour choices, designs and hardware available nowadays, updating your double glazing will also give you an excellent opportunity to express your creative flair.

Replacing old double glazing with modern versions can dramatically reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency by up to 25%. This helps to reduce your energy bills to keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer. But that’s not all- modern double glazing also helps to insulate your home from outside noise. Whether you live on a busy road or near an airport, installing new double glazing will make your house much more peaceful and comfortable for the people living inside.

Contemporary double glazing products have special coatings that prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from entering your home. This means that your expensive furniture and carpets will stay looking as good as they did when you first bought them! Forget the damage that sun-bleaching could do. Also when considering damage to your property, it’s worth thinking about security- replacing old sash windows with new, high security double glazing will make it more difficult for potential intruders to gain entry into your home. With lots of modern locking mechanisms and robust frames available on the market today, it’s the perfect time to consider an upgrade.

How Do I Upgrade My Older Double Glazing?

To upgrade an older double glazing installation, contact us today at London Sash Windows. We offer a range of beautiful double glazed windows perfect for your London property. We also offer secondary glazing for single-glazed properties, to help maintain their timeless look while still improving their thermal efficiency. 

We look forward to helping you with your next home improvement project!