FAQs - Windows and Double Glazing

Double glazing is a type of window construction that consists of two panes of glass separated by a spacer, creating a gap between them. This gap is typically filled with air or an inert gas like argon to enhance insulation. The primary purpose of double glazing is to improve the energy efficiency of a building by reducing heat transfer, minimizing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Additionally, double glazing helps reduce external noise and can also reduce condensation on windows, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.

Double glazing works by using two panes of glass with a gap between them, typically filled with air or an inert gas like argon or the more expensive gas krypton. This setup creates an insulating barrier that reduces heat transfer and sound transmission.

Double glazing reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and lower energy bills. The double layers of glass and the insulating gap reduce the amount of external noise entering the home, providing a quieter indoor environment. Double-glazed windows are harder to break compared to single-pane windows, offering increased security for your property.The insulating gap between the panes reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on the inside of windows, which can help prevent mould and dampness. Installing double glazing can enhance the overall value of a property by improving its energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Overall, double glazing offers a combination of comfort, cost savings, and environmental benefits.

The cost of double glazing can vary significantly based on several factors, including the Size and Number of Windows, the type of Glass, Frame Material, Style of Windows (e.g.casement, flush sash, vertical sliding sash windows as well as tilt and turn) and any additional features like decorative astral bars, frosted glass, or specific colours can add to the price. We can advise you on the best options available for your budget.

Yes, double glazing can significantly reduce energy bills

Double glazing typically lasts between 20 to 35 years, depending on several factors including materials, maintenance and environmental factors.

Yes, double glazing reduces noise. The two panes of glass, separated by an insulating gap, create a barrier that helps to dampen sound waves.

Double glazing is installed by replacing your existing single-glazed windows or upgrading your current double glazing. Falcon Windows have years of experience in installing and replacing windows.

The time it takes to install double glazing depends on several factors, such as the number of windows being replaced, the size of the windows, and the complexity of the installation.

Yes, double glazing can help prevent condensation

Yes - Double glazing helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes from your home in the winter and limits heat gain in the summer. This means less energy is required for heating and cooling, which leads to lower energy consumption and a reduction in carbon emissions from heating systems and air conditioners.

Casement windows, sliding sash windows, convenient tilt and turn or feature arched windows and coloured windows - Falcon can advise on the right options for your property whether you are considering uPVC or aluminium frames, intricate bays or simply secondary double glazing.

Historic, modern, urban, rural - whatever the age or location of your Suffolk property, Falcon Windows can help find the perfect solution, thanks to more than 40 years working on properties across East Anglia.

All our windows and doors help reduce your heating bills by keeping your home warmer. The energy rated double-glazed windows which we install in and around Ipswich are high quality units and represent real value for money. Take a moment to weigh up the ever-increasing utility bills against any additional cost to have the best, energy-rated windows fitted and it soon all makes sense - it simply works out cheaper in the longer term to install the best product on the market at the time.

PVC-u solutions are usually the cheapest on offer after materials like aluminium and timber. Another hugely appealing feature of PVC-u is that it is remarkably low maintenance. Resilient and robust, PVC-u is very reliable and trustworthy when it comes to security. It is a very good insulator compared to the alternative of regular aluminium and timber and this ability to keep heat in and sound out is largely responsible for its popularity.

Yes, fitting double glazing to your property will certainly improve the sound-proofing. We would suggest that you have B rated sealed units with one side laminated glass as this would drastically cut out the noise from outside.

When replacing box sash windows both methods can be used.Some companies believe leaving the original 'box' in place and fitting the new double-glazed sash window within the existing box sash should be perfectly acceptable, providing that the timber is in good condition. This way it will have all the original moulding. Complete replacement is the best option in our view as if the old timber is rotten this would be false economy. At Falcon we remove the complete boxed sash, stud out inside, plasterboard and skim including fitting a window board. This way it is a much better job and all that is left is the redecoration inside. Alternatively we can fit vertical sliding sashes which are becoming more and more popular and affordable. In our view these are by far the best option, but are slightly more expensive and look just like the old box sash windows including the decorative horns.

Yes, there could be restrictions if you live in a conservation area or have a listed building. Our experience has found that it is best to discuss with the local Conservation or Planning Officer what you would like to do and they can let you know whether it's possible.

Tempered glass, when broken, shatters into many small fragments and prevents major injuries. Due to these characteristics, tempered glass is used traditionally in applications requiring increased strength such as patio doors, French doors or UPVC windows. However tempered glass should receive the same care as annealed glass.

The 'problem' is caused by the fact that the Low E insulating Glass is doing its job so well and reflecting heat back into the room. You would normally expect reduced or no condensation once double glazing was fitted. External condensation (dew) can occasionally occur on highly insulated units in temperate climates. Such occurrences will only happen on cloud-free nights when there is little or no wind and usually when a warm front follows a dry spell. The amalgamation of quite a few factors, namely external air temperature, localised microclimate and the thermal transmittance of the glazing itself may all add to the formation of external condensation.

Customers with children are often concerned about this as it claimed that toughened glass is more dangerous if smashed. The question is - is one more secure than the other? Both toughened and laminated glasses are forms of 'safety' glass. People often presume toughened glass is extra strong glass. In our opinion 'break safely glass' - as they are both known - are both safe. Toughened glass breaks into very small pieces which are very hard to get cut from. Laminated glass cracks when broken as there is a thin layer of perspex in between two panes of glass. Laminated glass is 'thicker - usually 6.4 mm - and as such will offer better insulation and is quieter inside as well due to the different thicknesses of the glass. It is also harder to break in, due to the thin plastic inside the glass However this thicker glass is also 'heavier' which will in turn means greater wear and tear on opening windows and doors. It is also slightly more expensive than toughened glass. This is probably one of the reasons why it is not so widely specified in conservatory construction.