Types of Double Glazed Windows and Doors For Your Home

Take a look at buildings across any area of the UK and you will see a variety of double-glazed windows and doors. While they operate on the same principles, providing an extra pane of glass and airtight seal to promote energy efficiency, there are many different types of double-glazed windows and doors – with subtle variations between them.

Choosing the right home improvement design for your home is important, and there are many possible styles to select from. You need to choose the right types of windows for your installation, which depends on the following criteria:

• The size of the existing window or door frame.
• The shape of the existing door or window frame.
• The materials you require for the frame and the glass type.

Finding the right type of double-glazing means you have to decide from a range of options, and here we will describe them in more detail to help you decide. 

As a leading provider of double-glazed windows and doors across the south coast of the UK, we can help you make the right choice for your home. To start a double-glazing project with us please get in touch for a free quote.

Types of Double-Glazed Windows

The following is some more information about the main types of double-glazed windows:

• Bay windows: Bay windows are the type that sticks out from a building. The need for a bay window will usually be dictated by the structure of the house, with the bay forming an integral aspect of most walls. You can see bay windows in many terraced houses, as they bring more light into a room.
• Casement windows: Casement windows open using hinges on the side of the window frame. They can open and close outward or inwards. Casement windows are generally flat and do not stick out from a building. In some cases, they will be flush or recessed into the wall.
• Sash windows: Sash windows use a sliding mechanism to open and close. There are typically two panes within the frame which you slide up and down to open or close. The sliding mechanism uses string and a strong roller to help easily lift the panes. Sash windows are good for a room with a large height.
• Tilt and turn windows: Tilt and turn windows are open at the top or bottom of the frame, this means that they can safely be left ajar – providing ventilation while maintaining security. Some varieties are also fully openable with a hinge at the side of the frame, with full access to the frame for easy cleaning. 

Double Glazed Window Frame Materials

The following is some more information on the common types of materials used to make double glazed window frames:

• Aluminium: A stylish type of frame available with a range of colours and finishes, aluminium windows can be affected by the weather as metal can become very hot or cold. Aluminium window designs are also much more expensive, as material costs are substantially higher than others.
• UPVC: A durable and lightweight design that is unaffected by weather. UPVC windows can last a very long time and only require minimal maintenance. UPVC is also a relatively inexpensive material, which makes UPVC frames suitable for larger windows and long balcony or patio doors.
• Timber: Timber windows can rot, which is their main drawback, but with proper care, maintenance and cleaning timber windows can last a long time. Timber frames may warp in wet weather and building damp will also affect how well windows function. Making timber frames can also be expensive.

Patterned Glass

Within all types of double-glazing, there is a wide variety of customisation and finishing, such as wood grain and agate grey or anthracite window frames. 

It is possible to apply frosting, colouring and patterned glazing to double-glazed windows. It is also possible to add more panes of glass, with triple glazed windows providing greater energy efficiency – although at a higher price per window.

Types of Double Glazed Doors

The following is some more information on the main types of double glazed doors:

• Bifold doors: Bifold doors fold into the side of the frame, they may have one or more panes. They have the benefit of providing a small space for the doors to fold into, which gives you full access to the entire frame. Bifold doors are commonly seen on patios, balconies and in summer houses.
• French doors: French doors are the same as French windows in that they open outward from the centre of the frame. It is common to have doors on balconies and small terraces or conservatories. You can see French windows on smaller Juliet balconies on higher floors too.
• Front doors: A front door is a major source of air leakage but may benefit from natural light. As a result, modern front doors often feature double glazing. For privacy, there may be coloured or frosted glass, which can help obscure the vision without reducing the ability for light to pass through.
• Sliding doors: You will see double glazed sliding doors in many patios, balconies and conservatories. Sliding doors provide a way to open and close the door partially and without moving it outward, meaning patio furniture, plants and other garden features can be placed right up against them.

Areas We Cover

We are passionate about providing the best service we can, to as many customers as we can. This is why we are more than happy to home improvements across several areas:

• Arundel
• Battle
• Bexhill
• Bognor Regis
• Brighton
• Burgess Hill
• Chichester
• Crowborough
• Eastbourne
• East Grinstead
• Hailsham
• Hastings
• Hampshire
• Horley
• Horsham
• Kent
• Lewes
• Peacehaven
• Pevensey
• Seaford
• Shoreham
• Surrey
• Sussex
• Uckfield
• Worthing
• West Sussex

We have had the pleasure of serving hundreds of satisfied customers in each of these areas, and are ready and waiting to make a return visit if you need us. If you are based in one of these and you have been looking for home improvements, contact us today and we will prepare your order for a fast delivery and installation.

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