Is Cheap Double Glazing All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
Is Cheap Double Glazing All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
When upgrading your home, it’s wise to have as large a budget as possible. It may be tempting to get less expensive products, but it’s not the best idea in the long term. Your house has to withstand the elements and keep you safe and warm for as long as possible, and cheaper supplies won’t last.
This is especially relevant when it comes to your windows. Here at Ecostar, we understand the appeal of cheaper double glazing. The chance to install new windows at a lower price is incredibly tempting, but trust us, it’s not worth it. Why? Here’s why:
Reduced Energy Efficiency
Cheaper double glazed windows might have a reduced price, but it also has reduced energy efficiency. They’re made with lower-quality materials, so don’t retain heat or regulate temperatures well. Good double glazing will help keep your energy costs down and make regular long-term savings, but cheaper windows will struggle. That up-front price might look appealing, but when you’re shivering in winter, you’ll regret not paying more.
Poor Security
Those cheaper materials also mean the window is less secure. The double glazing should be stable enough, but the frame around it will be weaker. The locks won’t be as decent either, so your home will be an easier target for determined thieves. Even if you’re not worried about unwanted intruders, your windows will be less sturdy. It only takes one badly aimed football and you’ll be looking at an expensive repair bill.
Replacement Costs
A decent double glazed window has an average life expectancy of about thirty years. That isn’t the case for cheaper ones. Lower-quality windows degrade quicker and will need replacing more often. That initial asking price might be low, but can you afford to pay it again in a few years?
Louder Homes
Good double glazed windows are effective at reducing external noise. The thick frames and the gap between the panes form a soundproofing barrier, making your home quieter and calmer. Cheap double glazing may keep out the noise at first, but over time the seals will become compromised and cracks will form. You’ll notice the difference if you live in a loud neighbourhood or near a military airbase.
With all this in mind, we’d have to encourage you not to choose cheap double glazing. Yes, we understand the cost of living is high nowadays and the opportunity to save money will be incredibly tempting. However, those lower prices come because of cutting corners and in the long run, spending more will pay dividends. Your home will be safer, quieter, and your energy bills will be cheaper.
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of double glazing, you are more than welcome to contact us. Our experts will be happy to speak with you. Alternatively, you can request a free online quote, and we’ll see what we can create together.