What Is Double Glazing?

Double-glazing is a window consisting of two panes of glass separated by a layer of trapped argon gas. The layer of argon gas has 67% of thermal conductivity of air, making it a poor conductor of heat, thus keeping warm air trapped inside your home and helping improve energy efficiency.

This extra pane of glass also acts as a secondary barrier to noise, helping keep your home nice and quiet, and strengthens the window to improve security.

What Do The Window Energy Ratings Mean?

When buying new windows, one of the most important things to look out for is the Windows Energy Rating (WER). They work in a similar way to the energy ratings on electrical goods.

The ratings go from A (very efficient) to G (incredibly inefficient). To comply with building regulations, all windows have to be at least C-rated.

The Windows Energy Rating is calculated using various values:

Thermal Transmittance (U value)

Solar factor (G value)

Air Leakage (L value)

U-value – how much heat can escape through the glass (thermal transmittance), measured in Kilowatt-hours, per square meter, per year.

For example: 2.5kWh/m2.K

This means that 2.5 kilowatts of energy is lost through every square metre of the window every year – that’s every square metre of window boiling the kettle!

G-value – how much energy gained through your windows from the Sun (solar factor). This is measured in kilowatt hours per metre, per year.

L-value – Air leakage through the window. We’re looking for as low as possible here and is measured in kilowatt hours per metre, per year.

We pride ourselves on only providing the best products, with an official WER ‘A’ Rating on all of our window products.

Does Double Glazing Reduce Your Utility Bills And Energy Usage?

If you’re replacing older units you can be pretty confident it will save energy and therefore money on your bills. Did you know that our homes account for a quarter of all CO2 emissions in the UK and windows can account for up to 30% of the total heat lost from a house? ‘A’ Rated windows can have a zero energy loss over a year cycle or even add energy back into the room via solar gain. As an example, a semi detached house with approximately 17m² of windows and electric heating upgrading from single glazed wooden windows to A-rated casement windows could currently save £1486 a year. This calculation is based on the electric tariff of 34p per kWh in 2022 and calculated using the Deceuninck Energy Saving Calculator.

Window Colours

Colour choice is important when considering replacing your windows, doors or conservatory extension products for your Edinburgh or Lothians property. Outdated or poorly chosen windows and doors can easily detract from even the most grand of Edinburgh homes, often spoiling the look and feel. These days, it's not just about picking the right style of window, door or conservatory extension. PVCu products are now readily available in a wide palette of colour finishes, ranging from the more traditional wood styles of Rosewood and Oak, right through to more contemporary colours such as Anthracite Grey. The introduction of colour windows really can transform not only the look of a home, but the feel of any living space. With 8 colours readily stocked and over 60 colours available, let Bryant and Cairns welcome you to a world of colour.

Effective Sound Reduction

Does Double Glazing Keep Out Noise?

Yes, it does! While it won’t completely block out all noise, installing double glazing can significantly reduce the noise you hear from outside. The amount of noise a window blocks out can depend on factors including vent size, the age of the windows, etc.

Energy Efficient 'A' Rated Double Glazing

Not only does Energy Efficient 'A' Rated Double Glazing offer incredible levels of solar control, but it also offers considerable sound reduction properties. Upgrading your home, conservatory or house extension to Energy Efficient 'A' Rated Double Glazing will ensure that your home is the perfect place to relax or unwind, keeping the temperature inside just right and any unwanted noise away.