Types of Double-Glazed Windows – What You Need to Know

FACTS CHECKED BY  Bob Smith

Regarding Types of Double-Glazed Windows, double-glazing is now the preferred replacement and new construction windows due to its benefits. You can choose from different double-glazed windows, unlike the traditional design that only offers bright white frames. 

Research also shows that these windows can conserve up to 13% of household energy consumption. This post offers a comprehensive guide on double-glazed window types, their benefits, drawbacks, and more. 

What are Double Glazed Windows?

A double-glazed window features two panes of glass fixed into a frame with a space between them. The gap between the panes contains air or inert gasses, mostly argon or krypton. Two glass panes with an internal air pocket offer many benefits you will learn as you read along.   

Double-glazed window structure

Types of Double-Glazed Windows

When choosing a double-glazing window in terms of types, you have the following options. 

Casement Windows

Casement windows are very popular in homesteads, and many people like them because of the way they open. With the hinges a long vertical edge, you can open them outwards or inwards. 

You can open casement windows outward so that you don’t encroach on the tiny space of your room. Alternatively, you can open the windows inwards if there are obstructions, such as plants outside the window. It all depends on what you find convenient.

If well fitted, the window forms an airlock seal with the frame when closed. You will get maximum energy efficiency and noise reduction from these double-glazing windows. 

The most popular variant of casement windows is the french casement. This type of window features two sections you can open at either end and a fixed section in the middle. 

Casement double-glazed windows

Casement double-glazed windows

Tilt and Turn Double Glazing

Tilt and turn are even more versatile compared to casement windows. You can open them inwards along the sides or tilt inward from the bottom hinge. 

These characteristics make them a better option for bringing maximum ventilation and light into the room. The design makes them easier to clean, as you can easily access both sides of the window.

Parents with kids will also appreciate the tilt setting. You can adjust the tilt such that there is no way your kids can climb through the opening and fall out of the window. 

Tilt and turn double glazing

Tilt and turn double glazing

Awning Windows

The awning design is a traditional double glaze style that is still loved by many. The design feature hinges along the top edge to hang horizontally outwards.

These are among the best choices if you are looking for double-glazed windows that allow maximum ventilation. Awning windows also give you a view of your surroundings without obstruction.

The best part, they are fitted with motor chain drivers so that you can open or close them remotely.

Awning double-glazing windows

Awning double-glazing windows

Vertical Sliding

As the name implies, vertical sliding double-glazed windows open by sliding vertically rather than into or away from the building. They look more traditional but don’t have the disadvantages associated with conventional Sash windows.

For instance, they don’t have the rattling you usually get with traditional sash windows. The design is also easier to maintain than conventional wooden sliding windows.

Modern vertical sliders are safer and more effective. They are light and can slide up and down without getting stuck.

Vertical sliding double glazing

Vertical sliding double glazing

Georgian Bar

Georgian bars have multiple small window panes appearance in every window unit. The high-quality grilles joined to the frame vertically and horizontally create a nicely looking multiple-pane effect.

Modern manufacturers recommend this type of window for large houses with stately quality. The name comes from the fact that they were common in large Georgia houses.

Georgia bar double-glazed window

Georgia bar double-glazed window

Fixed Windows

This type of double-glazed window is more about light, not ventilation. As the name implies, they are fixed shut, and you can’t open them. 

In addition to light, these types of windows offer the full benefit of the thermal efficiency of double-glazed windows. The tight sealing also gives them great noise insulation qualities.

Fixed double-glazed window installation

Fixed double-glazed window installation

Benefits of Double-Paned Windows

Here are the benefits of double-paned windows:

Enhance Insulation

Double panes are effective insulating glazing that can hinder cold from outside during winter from infiltrating your room. In the same way, they help retain the heat during summer.

The gas helps separate the cold outer pane from the warm interior pane during winter. The layer of the gas also slows heat transfer from the room to the outside during summer.

A dense gas will give better insulation than a lighter one. Argon is the most commonly used gas in double-glazed windows because it’s thick and affordable. Krypton works better in thin gaps, and most manufacturers prefer it for triple panes. 

Noise Reduction

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes and a sandwiched extra layer of gas. Two panes are better than one when it comes to reducing outside noise. But with another layer of dense gas in between, you don’t have to worry about a noisy neighborhood or traffic noise. 

Added Security

Windows installed with double-glazing are more challenging to break than single-glazed windows. Some have a built-in high-security transparent lamination layer that makes them even harder to break. They are great options if you have playful kids in your home. 

Disadvantages of Double-Glazed Window

Despite the apparent benefits of two panes of glasses compared to one, there are drawbacks to double glazing. These include:

  • Double glazings windows are more expensive compared to single-glazed windows. You will spend more on materials and installation.
  • They need to offer a clear view as a single pane. Ideally, the more glass panes used, the more obscure the view.
  • They are heavy, and opening them is more challenging than single panes.

What Double Glazing Frame Types do I Have?

Unlike the traditional sashes that could only offer bright white frames, double-glazed window frames are varied. You can classify double-glazing windows based on the type of frame as follows:

  • Timber double-glazed windows or wood double-glazed windows 
  • uPVC double-glazed windows
  • Aluminum double-glazed windows
  • Composite double-glazed windows

Your choice will depend on what will suit your needs. uPVC is known for the best quality. Timber or wooden makes it easier to paint your window with your desired color. On the other hand, aluminum is more cost-effective, while composite offers you the taste of aluminum and wood combined. 

Timber double-glazed window frame

Timber double-glazed window frame

What Color Options do Double Glazed Windows Offer?

Every type of double-glazed window in our list comes in a wide range of colors. There are color options for every taste and budget. Besides, you can paint your window frames any color you choose. 

Which Type of Double-Glazed Windows is the Best for You?

There is no single type of double-glazed window that is best for everyone. Your choice will depend on your needs and budget. Casement windows are not only the most popular but the most affordable on our list. 

Summary

Choosing double glazing for any window is a worthwhile investment. Fortunately, there are several fantastic types of double-glazing windows today. 

Whichever type you choose, they all come with several benefits over the single-glazed design. These include solid insulating quality, energy efficiency, and security which are essential in modern homes. 

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