Independent companies lead the double glazing pack

Local independent double glazing companies tend to leave their customers more satisfied than the big national glazing firms, according to a double glazing customer satisfaction survey carried out by Which?

Just 7% of Which? members say they trust double glazing companies. So, to help you find a trader you can trust, we asked more than 2,500 members who'd had double glazing installed in the last five years to rate the company they'd used for various aspects of their experience, such as quotation process and customer service

Double glazing prices

More than 40% of Which? members say it's difficult to find good advice on double glazing, and a quarter had no idea how much double glazing should cost before getting quotes.

Best double glazing companies: How to buy double glazingDouble glazing explained

For many households, having double glazing installed is a key way of achieving cheaper energy bills. Here, we explain how it works, how much you could save on your bills, different frame types and what the energy ratings mean.

What is double glazing, and what are the advantages over single glazing?

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air. Double glazing has many benefits over single glazing (where there's just one pane of glass and no air layer):

• Keeps warm air in, meaning your property is better insulated. This results in fewer draughts and cheaper heating bills.
• Keeps noise out - you'll hear far less noise from outside with double glazing.
• Reduces the amount of condensation on the inside of your windows.
• Heightens security - double-glazed glass is more difficult to break than single glazing.

How much cheaper will my energy bills be if I install double glazing?

If you were to replace all of the windows in a three-bedroom, semi-detached house, going from single-glazed windows to double glazing, the Energy Saving Trust says that you'd save between £80 and £110 with B-rated glass and £90-£120 with A-rated glass.

This thermal image shows the difference in heat loss between single and double-glazed windows (image courtesy of Horton Levi Ltd)

As double glazing should last for at least 20 years, that's a saving of between £1,600 and £2,400 over 20 years. 

The picture on the right is a thermal image showing the difference in heat loss between single-glazed and double-glazed windows. The house on the left has a single-glazed window where we can see more heat escaping - indicated by the bright-yellow colours.

What types of double glazing frames are there?

The most common type of window frame for double-glazed windows is uPVC - or, to give it its full name, un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride. Not only is it up to three times cheaper than traditional wooden frames, but it's also recyclable, durable, and the most energy-efficient frame type.

uPVC frames are available in a variety of colours and finishes, including wood, but white is the most popular option. It's easy to keep clean, too, requiring little more than a wipe down with a soft cloth and a spot of washing up liquid every now and again.

Alternative options to uPVC include wood or aluminium frames. Timber is a greener option than uPVC as it's a naturally renewable material. Many people feel wooden windows look nicer and more subtle than uPVC, particularly in traditional or period-style houses.

While timber windows tend to be more expensive and need maintenance, if properly looked after, they can last a very long time.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd
65, Seymour Road
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 5PT
www.candlwindows.co.uk

01452526028