Glazing for replacement windows: what choice do I have?

The earliest windows were held together by lattice leading and had a single function – to allow light into a place. Thinner, flatter glass followed, as did wooden glazing bars.

More advanced glazing was developed from the 1950s onwards, while double glazed windows became standard after the 1970s as homeowners placed increasing value on security, comfort and energy efficiency.

Here’s a brief summary of the main options on today’s market:

Single glazing

This offers limited security, energy efficiency and soundproofing.

You may be surprised how many UK homes still have single glazing. But draughty frames, cold spots by the window and noise pollution can all result.

If you live in a conservation area or are subject to particular planning rules, you may be required to have single glazing to preserve a property’s period appearance. If you are in this situation, secondary glazing is an option. (See below).

Double and triple glazing

Double glazing is now standard for all new windows and UK homeowners’ most sought-after choice for replacement units.

Meanwhile, triple glazing can make for even warmer, safer and quieter windows, and reduce summertime overheating. Interestingly, efficiency is more about the glass and coatings used than the third pane of glass per se.

Triple glazing can reduce sound by up to 35 decibels while boosting thermal efficiency by up to 35%.

While it may not seem a top priority, it could be worth thinking about if you live somewhere very busy, or particularly cold, or under a flight path.

Quadruple glazing

Some manufacturers have even tried to develop a fourth pane of glass, although demand in the UK for these thicker windows is not high, not least because of the efficiency of modern double or triple glazed versions.

Secondary glazing

This offers an alternative in conservation areas where double glazing is not allowed.

Essentially, it means fitting an extra window directly inside the window frame. It can be seen from the outside but boosts security, soundproofing and thermal efficiency.

Types of glass

There’s more to replacement windows than the number of panes. Think about the kind of glass which would best suit your needs. New technology is developing all the time to make glazing stronger, quieter and clearer.

Here are some of the options:

Low iron glass

This is noticeably clearer glazing, letting in more light.

Security glass

This is laminated or otherwise toughened for improved security. It comes in a range of sizes and thicknesses.

Low E glass

Low emissivity glass has a thin, invisible coating on its inner surface to reflect and retain heat.

Coloured glass

This can enhance your window’s character – and ultimately your home’s.

Sound reduction glass

This reduces noise pollution, and it’s a lightweight, thin solution that also makes a strong alternative to triple glazing. A 6.4mm inner pane is supported by a 10mm outer pane, so that, combined, they offer outstanding noise protection.

Obscure glass

Also called privacy glass, this, again, offers a distinct character to your home improvement while maintaining privacy. Its ‘cloudy’ effect means passers-by can see into our property. It comes in a range of textures, from grainy patterns to leaves and flowers.

Leaded glass

This adds smart-looking lead strips to the window for a purely aesthetic improvement. Suited to all styles of property, contemporary or period, and available in diamond and square designs.

At Paradise Windows, offering double glazing across Oxford and beyond, the team will gladly discuss glazing options with you – just give us a call.