A double glazed window made today will typically have a lifetime of 25-30 years, and possibly more if they are installed in a sheltered location that is not subjected to extreme weather. Double glazed windows that are more exposed and regularly encounter weather can expect a lifespan of around 20 years.
Clear signs of double glazing failure include:
Condensation forming on the interior of your window or between panes. Chips in the glass itself. Water is leaking through the frame. Your Energy Bills have risen disproportionally.
Yes! Double glazing installations have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. Given this suggested longevity, older double glazing will likely be outdated and not provide the same level of energy efficiency and soundproofing as newer glazing.
A double glazed window produced today will have a lifetime of 25-30 years and more if fitted in a sheltered location and not subject to any extreme weather. A double glazed window that does face exposed weather will expect a lifespan of 20 years.
Windows that are over 20 years old should be replaced. If you've lived in your home for decades and have never replaced the windows, they are likely original to the house. Replacing your windows will keep you up-to-date with the latest window technology. Older windows are likely to be made with pane glass.
Double- or triple-glazing
Triple glazing performs even better than double glazing to further reduce heating and cooling costs and is ideal for colder Victorian climates.
Failed double glazing can end up costing you more in the long run, as it's no longer effective if your window seal has failed. You'll lose money on energy bills. 20% of heat in the home is lost through windows and doors. Once your window seal has failed, cold air from outside is free to enter the home.
For a single double glazed window you can expect to pay £160 – £1,030, and up to £1,800 for bay windows with 3 panels. Are there any grants for double glazing in 2025? Several grants for windows could apply to residents in the UK, including ECO4, the Home Upgrade Grant, and Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan.
Shine a Light – Wait until dark, go outside and have someone stand inside shining a flashlight towards the window. If you can see pinpricks of light escaping around the window, then there are obvious leaks. Thermal Camera – Having access to an infrared camera can also reveal hot spots from windows.
In short, yes! If your windows aren't as energy efficient as they used to be, you can replace the double glazed glass unit without having to replace the whole window.
The lower the number, the better the energy efficiency is. Old single-glazed windows can have U-values of around 5.8 W/m2K, and older double-glazed windows can be around 2.8.
Double glazing companies often have sales at slower times of year such as January or July, when fewer people are in the market to buy new windows. This can be a good time to benefit from special offers and make decent savings on the cost of your new windows.
Home windows have a lifespan of 15-20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals start to weaken or fail, which leaves you open to drafts and water seepage. In addition, single-pane windows were the standard 15+ years ago. These windows lack insulation and are not as energy efficient as modern double-pane windows.
Yes, you can reseal windows yourself, but it's a complex task best left to professionals. DIY resealing might not guarantee the functionality of your double-glazed windows, so for optimal results, hiring a window specialist is highly recommended.
Background ventilators are required on most replacement and new windows under Building Regulations.
Single-pane glass can lose up to ten times the heat of the same area of an insulated wall. Double glazing can reduce that heat loss by as much as 50%, while triple glazing can cut heat loss even further to around 20%.
Expensive double glazing often features advanced technologies, such as low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and inert gas fills between the glass panes. These innovations enhance thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer and contributing to a more energy-efficient home.
Heat passes much slower through a double glazed window than a single pane window, trapping heat in winter and keeping it out on hot summer days. Unfortunately, double glazed windows alone are not a shading device, which is exactly where window tinting comes in handy.
January and February weather doesn't inspire many homeowners to shop for new windows and doors, but that's exactly the time of year when you can save money on an order that will be ready for spring installation.
Our research shows that window replacement costs an average of $554 per window, depending on the window style, frame material, and brand you choose. However, replacement window costs can range between $100 and $2,500 per window.