5 double glazing alternatives compared

Looking for an alternative to double-glazed windows? Join us as we run through 5 of your options.



But there's a more general reason to look for an alternative. Double glazing is good for thermal insulation, soundproofing, moisture control and home security. But these days, it ranks second behind triple glazing.

Triple glazing gives you all the benefits of double glazing – only better. This incentivises an increasing number of landlords and property owners to make the change from double glazing.

1. Thermal curtains and blinds

Thermal curtains and blinds are designed to stop heat escaping in the colder months. While they lack the comprehensive thermal control of double and triple glazing, their special linings can help you manage the flow of heat into your home.

2. Shutters

In the olden days, glass was a premier product. This meant many people had half-and-half windows – the upper half was glass and the lower half a shutter.

There's a reason those days are behind us. Nevertheless, shutters can be a functional and affordable way of insulating your property when used in conjunction with good-quality glass. They can also help you keep out any unwanted external noise.

3. Secondary glazing

Shutters, curtains and blinds can do the job – up to a point. However, they have one main drawback. Unlike windows, they block out the light.

This isn't a problem at night. But during the day, you're restricting the amount of natural light coming into your building. This, in turn, means your energy bills will go up as you rely on electric light to make your building a hospitable place to be.

Secondary glazing sidesteps this problem. As the name suggests, it involves adding a second layer of glazing to the window. This is a popular choice for owners in heritage properties who want the advantages of double glazing without replacing the original windows.

4. Reglazing with vacuum-insulated glass

Reglazing with vacuum-insulated glass (VIG) is a great alternative to installing new double-glazed windows. Like double glazing, it offers a strong thermal performance, strong sound insulation and a good lifespan.

VIG is increasingly popular with owners of listed buildings. As with secondary glazing, it lets them improve their windows' thermal performance without replacing them altogether.

5. Triple glazing

For our money, triple glazing is the best alternative to double glazing on the market. It gives you all the benefits of double glazing – only better.

That means better thermal insulation, better home security, better noise reduction and a longer lifespan.

It's easy to see why. Triple glazing consists of a sealed unit with an extra glass pane, giving it a U-value of around 0.7 W/m²K and a sound reduction of around 35 decibels.

It's already popular in colder parts of the world. But more and more UK property owners are getting on the triple train. Aside from anything else, triple glazing is an investment that will make your energy bills more affordable in the long run – a great example of how technology can combine consumer satisfaction with environmental concerns.

How we can help

At Calder Windows, we count ourselves as loyal members of the triple-glazing fan club. We believe it does the job and then some – and that it's only a matter of time before double glazing becomes the new single glazing.

When you buy double glazing through us, we'll upgrade them to 40mm triple-glazed windows free of charge. These windows have an A++ energy rating and are up to 40% more thermally efficient than their double-glazed alternatives.

So, if you're looking for a warmer home, cheaper energy bills and a glazing solution with all the benefits of double glazing, only better, why not join our legions of happy customers and take advantage of our free upgrade?

To get involved, simply give our team a buzz on 01924 897 040 or get in touch online. We'd love to help you give your windows a face-lift that's good for your home, your bills and the planet.