Beyond The Panes: Exploring Key Window Statistics

Windows are an integral part of our homes, they allow ventilation and are a lifesaver on those rare hot days. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on the design of a property, all having unique benefits. 

With the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK, it’s also important to remember that poorly installed and bad quality windows can increase your heating bill. Single-paned windows allow more heat to escape, which is why new build properties are being built with double or triple glazing.

A single-hung window is a window with an upper fixed sash and a lower movable glass pane. Allowing the bottom half to move up and down, providing ventilation for a room, whilst the top half remains stationary.

Unlike single-hung windows, double-hung windows have two operable sashes that can be moved up and down. This allows more air to flow into your home, whilst also allowing rising heat to escape. It’s ideal for homes in hotter climates due to its ability to provide better circulation and keep rooms cooler.

Awning windows have hinges at the top and open at the bottom, to allow the window to open in a weatherproof fashion. You’ll often find this type of window in a rectangular landscape shape and placed high on buildings to ensure privacy. It also does a good job at keeping out wind, standard windows can cause real problems with wind blowing over items in your home. The open-from-the-bottom approach reduces the amount of wind that can get in a building when windows are open.

Horizontal sliding windows, or simply sliding windows are when one panel slides behind another when opened. They are large and wide, allowing a good view of the surrounding area which is a big reason for their popularity.

Tilt and turn windows are designed to open in two ways, inwards at the top or swing inwards like a door. They are popular in modern high-rise buildings, as the two-way opening option provides safety for those with children and pets. Being able to swing inwards also allows easy cleaning, cleaning high-rise windows can be an expensive cost.

Casement windows are one the most common types of windows, they’re hinged on one side and open outwards. They are easy to use and can be found in many different styles and designs. This is a more energy-efficient option and is much easier to maintain and clean than other window types.

Bay windows usually consist of three or more window sections that project out of your home, providing a curved finish and more space in the inside room. This type of window brings excellent character to a property and can increase the size of the inside of your home. However, they are one of the most expensive window types due to the added brickwork the outside projection brings.

Picture windows are fixed panel windows, meaning that they cannot open or close. They offer a single-pane view and are designed to not detract from the outside view.

Like in any industry, it’s important to consider the impact on the environment. Windows do break and need replacing so there will come a time when they’ll need to be disposed of. Fortunately, glass is 100% recyclable, however, glass windows do contain additives like metal oxides that can affect the process. Recycled glass is often used to create fibreglass and other building materials. The recycling process reduces air pollution by 20% and water pollution by 50%. 

According to Business Waste, around 130 million tonnes of glass is produced annually, with five million being in the UK. Of this 76.5% is recycled, meaning just under 100 million tonnes of glass is reused per year. Otherwise, this glass would be sent to landfill sites, seriously polluting the local environment. By recycling just one tonne of glass you save 385,000 tons of CO2 emissions. So the UK saves over 1.9 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by just recycling its glass alone.

The UK government, and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland offer schemes to encourage double-glazing your windows. They do this, as it will reduce the energy bills of its citizens as well as decrease energy demand.

Below is a table showing the schemes currently on offer in the UK:

We know a window's function is to provide light to a room, a good view of the outside and ventilation. However, development has gone into new solar windows which will come with non-traditional functions. These windows will take advantage of solar technology, by collecting the heat generated by the sun to power nearby electrical devices. This would make homes more eco-efficient whilst saving homeowners money on their energy bills.

In the United States, scientists are working on glass that changes colour at the flick of a switch. They want to revolutionise interior design by allowing the change in colour schemes. It is aimed to be as eco-efficient as possible with its energy usage being equivalent to that of a bedside lamp. 

Frosted glass isn’t uncommon, it’s often found in areas where privacy is required like bathrooms. However, new developments are being made to allow glass to be switched from frosted to clear. This will allow hotel rooms to feel bigger and more open planned whilst also maintaining that important privacy factor.

When deciding to clean your windows after a long period, pick a day when it is cloudy. This is because the rain will wash away any cleaning solution before it has time to act, and the sunlight can dry the solution before you get the opportunity to wipe it away. A cloudy day gives you enough time to give your windows a thorough clean.

A good cleaning solution for windows is a mix of distilled water and white vinegar. Vinegar's acidic nature makes it excellent for eliminating dirt and other bacteria that build up on your windows. It is also very environmentally friendly, with you using chemicals that won’t affect the local wildlife. The solution is very cheap to create, most households already have vinegar in their cupboards, so they’ll just have to buy distilled water which can be picked up for under £5.

Before cleaning the inside of your windows, make sure to remove any curtains or objects on the windowsill. The cleaning solution you create can easily get onto your curtains causing staining and leaving a nasty smell. Curtains can also be an irritating hindrance, with the material constantly moving into your face, distracting you whilst you try and complete the task.

Windows are particularly vulnerable to scratching, so avoid using hard materials to wipe. As scratches can be a real pain, they can take a lot of time and money to get off and that's if you can get them off at all. Instead use a soft sponge that will be kind to the glass panels, and scrub in a gentle but firm manner.

When it comes to window cleaning some jobs are often forgotten, we all know that the glass panels need to be left sparkling, but the window tracks are equally important. Over time dirt and dust can build up in your window tracks, this can prove to be a difficult area to clean due to it being a tight space. However, find an old toothbrush, dip it into a bit of soapy water and scrub. You should start to notice the dirt coming off quite easily, just make sure not to apply too much pressure when scrubbing as this can cause damage.

Avoid spraying shop-bought window cleaners directly onto your glass panels, this is because they generally contain harsh chemicals that can damage your windows over time. Instead, spray the product on a soft sponge or cloth before wiping down your windows.

If you want to speed up the process of cleaning your windows, then invest in a squeegee. It works well at removing dirt and grime. First, spray a sponge with some cleaning solution and apply it gently around the glass panel. Then use the squeegee to wipe away the solution, before finally rinsing the window with standard tap water.