
Top Reasons to Upgrade to Double Glazing in Older Properties
Older homes come with a unique charm and character – but they can also present challenges when it comes to energy efficiency and comfort. Many older properties were built using single glazed windows, which can lead to draughts, high energy bills as there’s an increased need to put the heating on, and noise leaking in from outside.
Upgrading to double glazing can address these issues. It’s a practical solution that improves insulation, reduces energy bills, and minimises noise, while maintaining the classic aesthetic appeal of the property.
Let’s take a look at the key reasons why you should upgrade to double glazing in your older property, to help you understand whether it’s the right choice for you and your home.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Double glazing can significantly improve the thermal efficiency of older properties. Double glazed windows have two panes of glass, which trap air between them. This acts as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping your home, while also preventing cold air from getting in.
By replacing single glazed windows – which most older properties are built using – with modern double glazed units, homeowners can reduce heat loss, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
But not all double glazed windows are created equally. Their energy efficiency is rated on a scale ranging from A+ to G, with A+ being the highest rating – and all of our windows are rated as ‘A’ or ‘A+’, guaranteeing high levels of energy efficiency.
Reduction in Energy Bills
Double glazing is a cost-effective way to cut energy expenses, particularly in older homes, which typically have single glazed windows. That’s because the two panes of glass in double glazing minimise the amount of heat lost through windows, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reducing the need for heating.
And it’s been proven through studies, which have shown that double glazing can help to reduce energy and lead to big savings on energy bills over time. It’s been found that by installing double glazing in a typical single glazed detached home, you could save £120-155 per year. Additionally:
- In a semi-detached house, you could save £80-110
- In a mid-terraced home, you could save £65-85 over the course of a year
- Upgrading to double glazing in a bungalow could save you £55-75 per year
- In a mid-floor flat, you could save £40-55 per year.
Improved Thermal Insulation
Double glazing offers much better insulation compared to single glazed windows – and this helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. The two panes of glass are separated by a layer of air or insulating gas, creating a barrier that slows down heat transfer. This helps to keep your home warm during the winter months and cool during summer, meaning you’re less likely to need to turn the heating up or rely on air conditioning systems.
For older homes with single glazing, upgrading to double glazed windows is a practical step towards better thermal insulation and greater energy efficiency.
Increased Property Value
Upgrading to double glazing can help to improve the market value – and marketability – of older properties. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important for potential buyers, with almost 9 in 10 saying that energy efficiency is important to them.
As well as improving energy efficiency and reducing energy bills, a double glazing upgrade can also enhance comfort, improve security and reduce noise levels from outside – all of which are key selling points for potential buyers. Investing in double glazing, then, is a smart move if you’re thinking of selling your home, either now or in the future.
Modern Appeal
Older properties are much-loved for their classic look and timeless style. But double glazing is an easy way to add a modern touch that appeals to contemporary buyers, while maintaining the traditional look of older properties. Whether you have bay windows, casement, tilt and turn, or another style, we can install double glazing in the style of your choice. Your home will retain its traditional look, while improving the energy efficiency, security and thermal insulation – thus increasing the property’s value.
Improved Security
Single glazing isn’t secure as you’d expect your home’s windows to be. By upgrading to double glazing, you’ll make your home more secure – that’s thanks to the toughened glass, and the fact that there are two panes rather than one, making it more difficult for intruders to gain unauthorised entry to your property. Additionally, while older windows aren’t always equipped with strong, secure locks, most double glazed windows come with advanced multipoint locking systems as standard, providing more peace of mind for homeowners.
Noise Reduction
Because single glazing uses just one pane of glass, it means that noise can often leak into the property from outside – particularly true if you live in a noisy area. By upgrading to double glazing, you’re likely to notice a significant difference in your older property. The two panes in double glazing create a thermal barrier that not only traps heat, but also stops noise from seeping in from outside.
Preservation of Aesthetic Appeal
We’re sure that one of the things you love most about your older property is its style and character – so you might be concerned about upgrading to doubling glazing, worried that it’ll compromise the character of your home. But modern double glazing is designed so that it blends seamlessly with the architectural style of older properties. Here at Safestyle, we have a wide range of windows to suit every style of home – meaning you can upgrade your windows without compromising the style that makes your home special.
Sash Window Options
If your property has traditional sash windows, there’s no need to worry about losing their traditional character when you install double glazing. We can install double glazing in sash windows in a way that preserves the original look while providing modern benefits such as A+ energy rating and superior security features. Our modern sash windows replicate details from the original character of 19th century windows, including subtle Ovolo beading around the class, decorative sash horns, and classic window furniture.
Long-term Investment
While the initial cost of upgrading to double glazing can be significant, the long-term savings on energy bills, and the increased property value, can make it a worthwhile investment for owners of older properties. The enhanced insulation reduces heat loss, leading to lower energy bills – and these year-on-year savings can offset the initial cost of installation. Additionally, double glazing can boost the value and marketability of your property’s value, increasing its appeal to potential future buyers – a worthwhile investment if you’re considering selling your home.
Double Glazing: A Smart Investment For Older Properties
Upgrading to double glazing in older properties can provide a range of benefits, from enhanced energy efficiency and increased security to noise reduction and preservation of aesthetic appeal. These advantages make it a compelling choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s comfort – and beyond comfort, double glazing can also increase the market value of your property, making it a wise investment for the future.