Are you deciding between double glazed and single glazed windows? Choosing the kind of windows you’ll use for your wooden garden room is always a big decision. Not just because they connect the indoor space to the beautiful outdoors and let in natural light to warm and brighten your garden room. They also play a big part in your comfort and can even decide the size of your energy bills if you’re heating your garden room during winter.

This article will explain how your window choice affects your garden room, especially considering the UK weather. And, why at Summerhouse24 we’ve decided only to use double-glazed windows in all our garden rooms.

What is Window Glazing?

Window glazing can actually mean three different things. While you already know we’re going to be covering types of windows, you may hear this term used in a different setting sometimes.

Window glazing can mean: the process of fitting glass into windows by putting-

1. The glass inside a window frame.
2. The putty that keeps the windows in place and seals them tightly.
3. The process of installing a window pane using putty.

The pane of glass inside a window is generally referred to as glazing. But the type of glass will be called, for example, tempered glass, insulated glass, or float glass. 

Different types of glass are made using unique heating and cooling cycles. These cycles make the glass behave in different ways. For example, tempered glass, which we use for Summerhouse24’s garden rooms, is about 4 times stronger than regular glass. And when it shatters, it breaks into small mostly harmless pieces which are almost round in shape.

A Brief History of Glazing Windows

Have you ever wondered how long we’ve been glazing windows? The Romans first started it 2,000 years ago in Pompeii. The oldest find is from the 1st century AD! 

It took a long time for double-glazed windows to appear though. An American refrigeration engineer named Charles D. Haven invented a new technology in the 1930s which is now known as modern double glazing. Let’s delve deep into what are these.

Single Glazed and Double Glazed Windows

The two main types of windows are single glazed and double glazed. You might have also heard of triple glazed windows. Popular in Nordic countries, triple glazed windows are mostly used in extreme cold climates and may not be worth the additional cost in the UK.

Single vs Double glazed windows – a quick overview:

• Single Glaze Windows: One pane of glass.
• Double Glaze Windows: Two panes of glass with a gap between them. The space is usually filled with air or a gas, such as argon or krypton. This additional gap provides extra insulation and helps keep the indoor temperature more even.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of single glazed windows and double glazed windows.

Single Glazed Windows

Single glazed windows, also known as single paned windows, are better suited for sheds or storage units where insulation and security aren’t major concerns. They’re also great in warmer climates, where the weather doesn’t get very cold. If you’re looking to keep your indoor temperature at a cosy level in the UK though, single glazed windows will make it more difficult.

Pros:

• Cost: Single glazed windows cost less. This is because manufacturers use fewer materials to make them.
• Good in Warm Areas: When heat retention isn’t a big concern, single glazed windows can be a great option.

Cons:

• Poor Insulation: Single glazed windows don’t do a great job at keeping the cold out or the heat in. This makes them less than ideal for the cooler British weather.
• Security: Easy to break, making them much less secure.
• Condensation: More prone to condensation on the surface level. This can lead to mold and mildew.

Double Glazed Windows

Double glazed windows are usually the better choice for garden rooms, home offices, studios, and living spaces. Anywhere you need good insulation, security, and comfort.

The Energy Saving Trust says that homes with double glazed windows can save around £135 per year on energy bills. You may not save as much on heating your garden room or garden office. But you’ll definitely cut heating costs by using double glazing instead of single. 

Another huge bonus is that double-glazed windows cut outside noise by 20-65%. This adds a whole lot of privacy and comfort.

Pros:

• Excellent Insulation: Keeps your garden room warm in winter and cool in summer. Perfect for the unpredictable UK weather.
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces energy bills by minimizing the need for heating and cooling. 
• Noise Reduction: Blocks out more noise, giving you a peaceful space.
• Security: Harder to break, offering better security.
• Reduced Condensation: Less likely to have condensation issues.

Cons:

• Cost: Double glazed windows are more expensive compared to single glazed windows.
• Weight: Heavier, which might require stronger frames.

Why Summerhouse24 Uses Only Double-Glazed Windows?

We have over 20 years of experience in making high-quality garden rooms, summer houses and other wooden garden buildings. Our goal is to make a top-quality product that brings our customers joy for decades. This is why we use only double-glazed windows in all our garden rooms – because they are simply the best choice.

The benefits of double-glazed windows are:

1. Comfort: Double glazing keeps the temperature just right, making your garden room comfortable all year round.
2. Energy Savings: You save on energy bills by keeping the heat where it belongs – inside during winter and outside during summer.
3. Peace and Quiet: Keeps out the noise, so you can enjoy a quiet space to relax, work, or play.
4. Security: Provides an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Is double glazing better than single?

Yes, in most cases double glazing is the better option. Double-glazed windows have better insulation, they save you energy and stop outside noise.

What are the disadvantages of single glazing?

Single glazing has problems with heat loss, condensation, low security, high energy cost and poor sound isolation.

What are the disadvantages of double glazing?

In the summer double glazed windows don’t let in much air. There’s an easy fix though, just crack open the window. Even single glazed windows need to be opened for proper garden room ventilation.

Is double glazing more expensive than single glazing?

Double glazing is more costly upfront, but often more cost-effective in the long term. Its stronger structure and higher security make up for the initial investment. They also lower your energy costs.

Should I convert my single glazed windows to double glazed?

In most cases, double-glazed windows are the better choice. You can add glazing to existing windows. This may be needed for historic houses, for example.  You can also have new windows fitted for modern look, which is typically cheaper and faster.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of glazing for your garden room windows is crucial. While single glazing might be cheaper, double glazing is worth it in the long run. It offers superior insulation, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and security. All of these are important factors for creating a comfortable and safe garden room where you’ll enjoy spending your time.
For more inspiration, check out our wide collection of prefab wooden garden rooms!

Sources used:

1. https://libanswers.cmog.org/faq/144297 
2. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/633156-first-commercial-double-glazed-windows
3. https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/windows-and-doors/ 
4. https://phairwindowsandglass.co.uk/can-double-glazing-reduce-outside-noise/