Single vs Double Glazing

neil_999

Just bought a new house that needs the front door replacing (we already knew this)

The whole house has single glazed uPVC windows at the moment. I was after any advice on whether you think it might be worth getting the whole house upgraded to double glazed uPVC?

I read somewhere that upgrading from the old wooden single glaze to uPVC double glaze saves around £200 a year. So if it costs me £5000, that's 25yrs to make my money back!! AND they only last about 20yrs and are uPVC now, not wood.


I don't think I'll bother but if I'm wrong, please tell me otherwise...

Hintza

Have you done any calculations including energy price inflation? Did you not pay a bit less for the house to take account of the single glazing.

27col

If the windows are single glazed, you might well find, that it is not possible to double glaze the same frames.
I am sure that a glazing expert will be along soon to confirm or deny this.
Anyway you don't put in D/G with the expectation of getting your money back. You do it mainly, in order to make your house more comfortable and to reduce your energy bills.

paddyrg

Alternatively, you can use a bit of bubblewrap as temporary secondary glazing in winter (when there's little light anyway), and make sure the draughts are minimised

DH_Frames

27col wrote: »

If the windows are single glazed, you might well find, that it is not possible to double glaze the same frames.
I am sure that a glazing expert will be along soon to confirm or deny this.
Anyway you don't put in D/G with the expectation of getting your money back. You do it mainly, in order to make your house more comfortable and to reduce your energy bills.

Being single glazed in pvc I would say they're at least 15 years old, changing the glass for double glazed units will not be possible.
Replacing the windows will definitely save you money, how much exactly is hard to say as each home is different. What I will say is make sure you have sufficient insulation in your walls and roof before installation, there's no point paying 5k for new windows if the heat then decides to go out through the wall or roof

27col

DH_Frames wrote: »

Being single glazed in pvc I would say they're at least 15 years old, changing the glass for double glazed units will not be possible.
Replacing the windows will definitely save you money, how much exactly is hard to say as each home is different. What I will say is make sure you have sufficient insulation in your walls and roof before installation, there's no point paying 5k for new windows if the heat then decides to go out through the wall or roof

That's what I thought. I have an old patio door on my back porch and there is no way that double glazing could be put into it.

neil_999

Taking all in to consideration, I think I will leave it for now. The house was only £46k which is a little below average for the area. Insulation is a problem - all houses are the same around here, stone walls! Seems like a hell of an expense to not save much on energy and the house is perfectly comfortable. Thanks for your help people!

BigCharlie

Bit confused, is it single glazed in wood frames, or uPvc, as you mention both in the post. All I can add, is that 25 years ago we double-glazed our 3bed Victorian 9" brick detached house, and it raised the room temperatures from 55F to 70F in winter! And no painting! £5k sounds a lot, unless it's a big house.

Susan1942

I live in an apartment and am having my windows upgraded I live in a conversation area and when these apartments were built in 1989 they had to have wood sash windows to be in keeping with the other properties.
Initially the Landlord was responsible for the replacement windows. I had one replaced a few years but had to pay for the glass, The flats are leasehold and we have a Managing Agent. They are for the over 55's and now some who live here are very elderly.
About 2 years ago we were then told that we were responsible for the windows replacement. Planning permisson was sought and we are now able to put in PVC windows but still in the sash window style.
I am having mine replaced on the 9th of July 4 small arched windows 1 normal sash window and I am replacing the glass in 3 of the Velux windows where the seal is gone. I am leaving the window replaced about 4 yrs ago It is costing £3500 which is a lot for the size of the windows The little windows in the lounge and my bedroom are very small but are arched and so they are £485 each
Although planning permission was granted we also have to apply individually at a cost of £170. The same company are doing all the work for those who are having them replaced so just able to have one quote for the work.. I am happy to replace them as the current ones the wood is rotting and also they are drafty.
Is there anything I should look out for when they are carrying out the work. Never been in a house where windows were replaced but have heard of some horror stories. From what I hear most people are very happy with the Company.

Thanks Sue

neil_999

neil_999 wrote: »

The whole house has single glazed uPVC windows at the moment.

All single uPVC. Anyone any idea of the rates and terms for finance options from the big companies. I know it would be a lot, just after an idea.

27col

neil_999 wrote: »

All single uPVC. Anyone any idea of the rates and terms for finance options from the big companies. I know it would be a lot, just after an idea.

How long is piece of string? Get someone to give you a quote, you are not under any obligation to accept it.