Date: 1st May 2025
Author: Jack Devaney
Categories: Timber, Windows, Doors, Sash Windows, Listed Sash Windows, Conservation Sash Windows, Entrance Door, Stable Doors, French doors, Horndean, Winchester, Flush Casement, Lipped Casement, Cottage Casement
Double glazing has become the standard choice in the UK for many years, often seen as the go-to solution when compared to single glazing. However, there are still certain situations where single-glazed windows may be the preferred option. In this post, we explore why single glazing can sometimes be more suitable, and how modern glazing technologies and performance improvements have enhanced both options.
Single glazing was once the only available choice for homes across the UK, and in some cases, it remains the preferred option today. This is especially true for homes in conservation areas or those with a Listed status, where preserving the historical integrity and character of the building is crucial. In these cases, double glazing (particularly non-timber options) may not even be approved.
For homeowners in these situations, single-glazed timber windows offer an unmatched, traditional aesthetic that closely mirrors the appearance of the original windows when the building was first constructed. This choice pays the greatest tribute to the history of a listed property.
Utilising only a singular pane of glass, single glazing can provide a more cost-effective window solution than double glazing. Cost is always one of the largest contributing factors affecting a homeowner’s decision, and so is something to consider here as well.
The most popular form of window in today’s world, double glazing has set the standard for decades in the UK and wider world. The second pane of glass brings additional benefits when compared to a traditionally manufactured, single glazed window. Heat retention and noise reduction improves, which enhances both comfort within the home, and the impact on your energy bills. The use of either argon or krypton (for slim double glazing) gas between the panes creates an additional barrier that helps keep heat in, and the cold out. Combined with the natural insulating performance of timber, wooden double-glazed windows can make a significant improvement in the energy performance of your property.
For homes with stained glass that you wish to retain, double glazed timber windows provide an opportunity to retain and encapsulate the stained glass, within the two, new panes of glass in a double-glazed window. In effect, this creates triple glazing, but allows you to retain the character and beauty of the stained glass, while protecting it for years to come, between two panes of high performance, toughened glass.
From a security standpoint, double glazing is typically a more secure choice compared to single glazing. Many homeowners prioritize security, and with our timber windows, for instance, the glass is internally beaded, which enhances security and provides added peace of mind.
It’s easy to assume that double-glazed windows are the best choice for most homes, and in many cases, this is true. However, advancements in modern manufacturing techniques and materials have improved the performance and durability of both single and double-glazed timber windows. If you live in a listed building and are limited to single-glazed options, don’t be discouraged. With modern glazing and high-quality engineered timber, your home can remain both historically accurate and energy-efficient.
Modern, toughened glass is both strong and high performing, causing less heat leakage and therefore, higher energy efficiency. While this is even stronger with double glazing, the performance of our single glazed option still performs to an impressive standard. When revisiting customer’s properties for photoshoots, we have been told by homeowners who have our single glazed windows that the house is much warmer than before, and they feel more secure, even without having double glazed windows.
Our casement windows and doors are equipped with multi-point locking systems and internally beaded glass, ensuring strength, security, and reliability. For listed properties, our single-glazed windows are putty-glazed rather than beaded, but still feature multi-point locking systems and robust engineered timber.
If you’re considering new windows for your property and are unsure about which option is best for your home, we recommend speaking with a member of our experienced sales team. With years of expertise working on a variety of property styles and ages, they can help guide you to the perfect solution. Whether you’re enhancing the beauty of your home or improving its energy efficiency, we’ll help you find the ideal timber windows and doors for your needs.