How well insulated do windows and doors really need to be?

If you’re looking to replace your windows or doors, one of the things you might be asked about is insulation. More specifically, what level of insulation do you want on your end product? Now this might not be something you’ve ever thought about before, but it will make a real difference to your end result, and to your wallet in both the long and the short term.  But you might also find yourself asking, how well insulated do my windows and doors really need to be, and why does it matter anyway?

How do you insulate windows?

You’re probably familiar with traditional house insulation, which comes in big sheets that look a lot like fabric, and sits in the walls of your home to absorb and retain heat. But when it comes to windows, it might not be so clear. The main way you determine the installation of windows is through the glazing – so whether you have single, double or triple glazed windows, or glass in your doors. Double glazing has been the standard for a long time and is a great insulator, but if you really want to make the most of it, then triple glazing goes that one step further. By adding another layer of glass within a sealed frame., you significantly increase the insulation.

To put it in perspective, insulation levels in windows are measured using something called a Ug-value. The lower the Ug-value, the better insulated the window is. A brick wall has a Ug-value of 2.0. A standard double glazed window, as found in most homes, has a Ug-value of 1.2. A triple glazed window is 0.6. So a pretty big difference, just by adding one pane of glass to insulate the window further.

It will save you money

If nothing else, making sure your windows and doors are well insulated is a massive cost saver. If they are cracked, misfitted or just aren’t quite insulated properly, then these barriers to the outside world could actually end up letting rather a lot of it in. This means drafts, which means you get cold, and turn the heating on. This means higher heating bills, higher CO2 output from your home, and a lot more money spent when it just didn’t need to be. So if you want to significantly reduce your bills for the long term, spending a bit more on high quality, well insulated windows and doors is a great way to start.

Building regulations

Energy efficiency has always been pretty high up on the Government’s priority list, but with more pressure from an environmental angle, plus the need to keep energy bills low, the demand for energy efficient windows has been getting bigger over time. So big in fact, that it’s even written into the building regs. Part L of Building Regulations states that all replacement windows now need to meet an energy rating of Band C as an absolute minimum, while doors have to have a U-Value of 1.8W/m2. That’s a fancy way of saying the amount of heat lost per unit of space. The lower the number, the less heat lost, and the better performing the door. Having good quality, well insulated windows and doors will help you meet those standards without a problem, and more often than not will actually perform better. After all, the regulations just set out the minimum, not the best choice.

At Truglaze, all of our windows and doors meet and exceed these requirements. From uPVC to timber and even aluminum, our widow fittings and doors will provide you with all the warmth and energy savings you need to run a super-efficient home. We’re always happy to talk you through the energy efficiency of all our products, and recommend the best option for your home. If you would like to know more, just get in touch with the team today for your free consultation and estimate.

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