The obsolete single glazing and upgrade option
It’s no secret that single-glazed windows are obsolete now. In 2022, window glazing is key to keeping your home insulated and comfortable all year round – regardless of the season.
But many homeowners don’t realize that upgrading to double or triple-glazing doesn’t always mean you need to replace your existing windows.
In fact, it can be a very cost-effective way to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home by changing your existing single gazing to thin-profile vacuum glazing. A window glazing upgrade is a way to enhance your home’s insulation and make it more energy-efficient.
So if you’re still living in a house with those old single-glazed windows, it might be time to consider changing to more advanced glazing. You’ll be glad you did!
What are single glazed windows, and what disadvantages do they have?
Single glazed windows are windows that have just a single pane of glass, as many of those windows were made before the double gazing technology was introduced in the 1930s. Period wooden windows in Grade 2 listed and conservation area properties have also been replaced with single-glazed windows even after the 1930s because of the visible cavity and spacer bars in double glazing.
They are the most basic and least expensive type of window but have the fewest insulation capabilities. This makes them less energy efficient and can lead to higher heating and cooling costs.
There are a few disadvantages to having single-glazed windows. One is that they do not provide as much insulation as double-glazed windows, so they are not as effective at keeping the heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
Poor security and energy efficiency let the noise in – the reality of single glazing
Single glazing is a window with only one glass panel; the thickness of single glazing is usually 4mm to 8mm, which means it is easy to break it.
The main purpose of the window is to keep out draughts, but it does not provide any insulation or sufficient noise reduction and does not usually have any special coatings, so it does not stop any UV.
Single glazing compared to other window glazing options
The single glazed windows’ U-value is usually 2.9 W/m2K, while the double glazing U-value with Low-E glass is 1.1 W/m2K. The U-value of vacuum glazing, such as FINEO glass, is 0.7 W/m2K (Same as in triple glazing). The lower the U-value, the better the thermal performance of the window and, therefore the more energy efficient:
Single glazing u-value compared to other glazing units:
- Single glazed: 2.9 W/m2K
- Double glazed units (Low-E glass): 1.1 W/m2K
- Vacuum sealed units (FINEO glass): 0.7 W/m2Kv
- Triple glazed units: 0.7-0.8 W/m2K
- Windows with secondary glazing: 1.0-1.4 W/m2K
One of the main disadvantages of single glazing is that it does not provide good sound insulation. Single glazing only reduces outside noise by about 30%, while double glazing can reduce it by up to 50%.
Does single glazing have any advantages?
Single glazing actually has some advantages over vacuum and double glazing units. It is more widely available, if broken, you can easily source this glass locally, and it’s cheaper. To get the right size for window glass replacement, you cust need a glass cutter, so in most cases, it is one day job to fix a broken pane of glass.
Vacuum glazing has the best insulation properties, but the production of such glass involves high-tech machinery, and only a few factories in the world can produce it, so broken vacuum glazing will mean you will need to wait 3-4 weeks for the replacement glass.
Double glazing is the most popular window glass type as it offers a good combination of affordability, availability, and insulation properties. It is produced locally in the UK by several factories. It is easier to replace double-glazed units vs vacuum insulated ones only if your windows have common, standard sizes.
Can single glazing in wooden windows be upgraded?
Single glazing in wooden windows can be upgraded to double glazing units such as FINEO glass without changing the window frames or sashes.
This will give your building the highest energy efficiency possible due to the very low U-value of 0.7 W/m2K of vacuum glazing.
External doors such as French or bi-fold doors can also be upgraded if they were single-glazed initially.
After installing vacuum glazing, your sash windows will be draught-proof and soundproof with excellent energy efficiency. Your home will be more comfortable to live in all year round, and you will notice the difference immediately after the installation.
