How long does double glazing last

How long does double glazing last?

Double-glazed windows last on average for about 15-20 years, but companies will often only guarantee the gas-filled glazing units for between 5 – 10 years.

Most double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with the space between them filled with gas. Over time, this gas begins to evaporate to the point where the double glazing is no longer effective and has poor insulation qualities, which can happen after 10-15 years.

It is important to make sure your double glazing is working properly in order to prevent your windows from losing heat and save money on your energy bills.

What factors affect the lifespan of double-glazing units?

There are a number of things to take into account when determining the lifespan of a double-glazed unit. Often when double-glazed units on timber windows stop being effective, it is down to the degradation of the perimeter seal.

If you can feel the cold air around the perimeter seal then of your window, this is a sign that the glass unit has stopped being effective, and it’s time to replace your windows or replace the double glazing units by retrofitting them with new double or triple glazing.

But what can lead to your double-glazed window failing and becoming inefficient?

The external conditions

If your window is exposed to extreme temperatures, this may cause it to fail quicker. This means that south-facing windows will fail sooner than north-facing ones as they will get hotter due to being exposed to more sunlight, which can cause the seal to fail.

Once this occurs, then water can get into the unit leading to condensation on the glass, which is a sure sign that you need replacement windows.

Wear and Tear

Over time, the everyday use of the window or windows may lead to the unit starting to leak, which will prevent it from being energy efficient, and heating bills will rise.

How long does FINEO double glazing last?

While typical double glazing companies only offer 5-10 year guarantees on their glass units, FINEO – the ultra-thin double glazing – comes with a 15-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Despite being 50% lighter, FINEO matches the efficiency of triple-glazed windows, and with an ultra-thin frame, it is the ideal energy-saving solution for heritage properties.

Instead of using gas to fill the cavity, FINEO creates a vacuum between the glass panes.

This means that it delivers much higher insulation values than any gas-filled unit, and therefore, the cavity can be much smaller, hence why it can deliver such superbly low U-values and be so thin and lightweight.