Should I draught proof, retrofit double glazing or get new windows?

[Falcon1]

Another post from me to help me tackle my draughty house.

The windows have big gaps in them and are cold. Also, we're on a flight path and 3 days of the month the noise really bugs me.

We're had Ventrolla and Joinery Workshop round who both said that the windows are in good condition and don't need replacing. Ventrolla recommended refurbishing them then adding secondary glazing. Joinery Workshop recommended refurbishing and retrofitting another pain of glass to make them double glazed. However, another company came round and said that it would be much better in terms of heat retention and sound proofing, to get new timber double glazed windows (made like-for-like). Though they would say that as they don't offer a refurbishment service!

All options are expensive, with completely new windows not actually that much more expensive than retrofitting DG. So now I'm very confused!

So, what would you do??!

Has anyone retro-fitted DG and found that it didn't make much difference?

Has anyone got secondary glazing on a bay window that doesn't look ugly?

Thank you!

When they say retrofitting double glazing, do they mean changing the window panes within the frame or doing secondary glazing (an extra window inside the house)?

When I researched this in our previous house, I decided that new double glazing would be best. Replacement double window panes have a smaller cavity between the glass so aren't as efficient.

Hi Jo Jo, I mean the former. Yes, the fact that is would be less efficient is what I'm concerned about. Not convinced it would be worth it.

I've had the retrofitting DG in sash windows before, combined with draught proofing in each of the windows and that made a significant difference to noise reduction and heat retention. I wanted to keep the old sash windows and it worked very well for that and a huge improvement on single glazed. Not cheap but I used a local company that specialised in it, their quote was about 2/3 that of the better known ones.

I've now had new DG wooden windows in the current house, they do fit and operate much better, the sound/heat is more effective and generally I'm very happy with them. However they don't have quite the same look/feel of the original ones though. And more expensive of course.

So it depends what is most important to you.

Whichever option you go for I would make sure you get the draught proof strips inserted into the windows & frame - that made a big difference to rattling/draughts.

Hi Falcon,

The article below may be of interest to you. It discusses the different options and the benefits associated with each.

Should I Replace Single Glazed Sash Windows with Double Glazed Sash Windows

If your windows are draughty I would recommend ensuring that your windows are draught proofed as part of any work that you decide to have carried out. Most companies will offer this as part of the service, but always double check that it is included in the price before proceeding to avoid any hidden extra costs.