Double Glazing In Exeter
Thinking about upgrading to double glazing in Exeter?
A-rated double and triple glazing that cuts heat loss and outside noise - fitted across Exeter
- A-rated glazing as standard - not an upgrade option
- FENSA registered - full certification on completion
- 10-year guarantee on units and workmanship
- Free survey - we come to you and quote in writing
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Double Glazing That's Right For Exeter's Climate
Exeter sees around 800mm of rainfall per year - well above the UK average of around 680mm. The prevailing south-westerly winds bring moisture off Dartmoor and the coast, and older single-glazed windows take the full force of it. Timber frames rot and putty fails. Single-glazed panes provide almost no thermal insulation and very little acoustic insulation against traffic or wind. The case for double glazing in Exeter is strong - and for properties with south or west-facing windows that take the weather directly, the improvement after fitting is immediately obvious.
We fit A-rated double glazing as our standard specification. The energy rating system for windows runs from A++ down to G, and A-rated units have a U-value (heat loss rate) of around 1.4 or below. This is significantly better than the C or D-rated units that were standard practice ten years ago and still appear in a lot of quotes from less careful installers. When you're comparing quotes, ask specifically what energy rating the units are - the answer tells you a lot about the quality of the product.
We cover all areas of Exeter - from Heavitree and St Leonard's to Topsham, Pinhoe, Exwick and the newer areas around Cranbrook. All our double glazing installations are FENSA registered, and you receive the certificate on completion. We also cover double glazing for conservation area properties where appropriate - we'll advise on slim-profile options and what Exeter City Council's planning guidance allows.
15+
Years' experience
1,400+
Installations completed
10yr
Workmanship guarantee
Free
Site visits & quotes
Double Glazing Options For Exeter Homes
Different glazing specifications suit different properties and requirements. Here's a breakdown of the main options we offer across Exeter.
A-Rated Double Glazing
A-rated double glazing is our standard specification across all window styles and frame materials. The units use a warm edge spacer bar (which reduces condensation at the edge of the glass), argon gas fill between the panes (which has lower thermal conductivity than air) and a low-emissivity coating on the inner pane that reflects heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through the glass. Together, these features produce a U-value of 1.4 or below - significantly better than older units that most Exeter homes still have fitted.
Suitable for all property types and all window styles across Exeter. The most cost-effective upgrade for any home still on single glazing or on older double-glazed units that have already failed.
Triple Glazing
Triple glazing adds a third pane of glass to the unit, creating two gas-filled cavities instead of one. This reduces the U-value to around 0.8-1.0, which is a meaningful improvement over A-rated double glazing. The trade-off is cost - triple-glazed units are typically 25-40% more expensive than equivalent double-glazed units - and weight, as the heavier units require more robust frames and fixings.
Triple glazing is worth considering for rooms with large north or east-facing windows in Exeter properties where thermal performance is a priority, or for new builds and significant renovations where the additional cost can be incorporated into a larger budget. For older properties doing a like-for-like replacement, A-rated double glazing usually delivers the best value outcome. We'll give you an honest comparison during the survey.
Acoustic Glazing
Acoustic glazing uses a laminated inner pane with a plastic interlayer - similar to car windscreen glass - which is significantly better at reducing noise than standard double glazing. It's particularly effective at reducing low-frequency traffic noise, which standard glass doesn't attenuate as well as higher-frequency sounds. In Exeter, it's a worthwhile option for properties on Topsham Road, Heavitree Road, the Cowley Bridge Road or near the ring road, where standard double glazing takes the edge off road noise but doesn't eliminate it.
Acoustic glazing can be combined with the thermal performance of A-rated units - you don't have to choose between noise reduction and energy efficiency. We can specify the right combination for your property and location.
Self-Cleaning Glass
Self-cleaning glass has a thin photocatalytic coating on the outer surface that breaks down organic dirt when exposed to UV light, and a hydrophilic coating that causes rainwater to sheet off the glass rather than forming droplets - taking the loosened dirt with it. In Exeter's climate, where rain is frequent but not always heavy enough to wash windows thoroughly, self-cleaning glass can be genuinely useful. It doesn't eliminate cleaning entirely but reduces how often you need to clean and makes each clean easier.
Particularly useful for hard-to-reach windows - upper-floor windows on Exeter's terraced houses, skylights and roof windows, or conservatory roofs. The coating adds a small premium over standard glass and is available in most double and triple glazed unit specifications.
What Double Glazing Delivers For Exeter Homes
The benefits of double glazing in Exeter's climate go beyond lower energy bills. Here's what homeowners consistently tell us after fitting.
Noticeably lower energy bills
A-rated double glazing reduces heat loss through the glass by around 50% compared to standard older double glazing, and far more compared to single glazing. For Exeter homes with gas central heating, the saving is measurable within the first full winter.
No more condensation on the glass
Condensation on the inside of the glass happens when the glass surface is cold enough to cause water to form. A-rated units keep the inner pane significantly warmer, which eliminates most internal condensation - a common complaint in Exeter's cooler, damper months.
Reduced road and wind noise
Standard double glazing provides around 30dB of noise reduction compared to a single-glazed window. In a busy Exeter street, the difference is substantial. For noisier locations, acoustic glazing extends this further.
Warmer rooms without extra heating
The low-emissivity coating on A-rated units reflects radiant heat back into the room. Rooms feel warmer at lower thermostat settings - particularly noticeable in north-facing rooms in Exeter's Victorian and Edwardian terraces.
Better security
Double-glazed units are substantially more difficult to break through than single-glazed glass. Combined with modern multi-point locking on the frame, a new double glazed window provides a meaningful security improvement over older installations.
EPC rating improvement
Upgrading to double glazing typically improves a property's Energy Performance Certificate rating - which now matters to buyers and lenders. For landlords in Exeter, maintaining an acceptable EPC rating is increasingly important under rental regulations.
Our Double Glazing Installation Process
From your first enquiry to the FENSA certificate in your hand - here's how we work.
Free site visit
We visit, measure every window, check opening conditions and discuss glazing options. We'll tell you what rating of unit is in each window currently and what upgrading to A-rated will deliver.
Written quote - itemised, no surprises
You receive a written itemised quote per window, covering the unit, frame (if being replaced), fitting, sealing and waste removal.
Units manufactured to measure
Glazed units are manufactured to the exact measurements taken on survey. This applies to replacement units (where the frame is being kept) and to full frame replacements.
Old units removed carefully
Existing glazed units or frames are removed carefully. Where only the unit is being replaced, the existing frame is protected throughout.
New glazing fitted and sealed
New units are fitted correctly, beaded in place and sealed. Proper sealing matters particularly in Exeter's wet climate - rushed beading is a common cause of early water ingress.
Hardware adjusted and tested
All handles, locks and restrictors are adjusted and tested. We confirm each window opens, closes and locks as it should.
Final inspection - FENSA certificate issued
We walk through the work with you, confirm everything is right and issue your FENSA certificate before we leave.
Our Guarantee
Every window and door we install is backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee. That covers the fitting itself - how the frame sits in the opening, how it's sealed, how the hardware operates. If anything we've done causes a problem within ten years, we come back and fix it.
The glazing units themselves also carry a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee against seal failure and condensation between the panes. Both guarantees are issued in writing on completion of the job, alongside your FENSA certificate. When you come to sell, your solicitor will ask for these documents - we make sure you have everything you need.
The guarantee only stands if the product is correctly installed. That's why we don't rush surveys, we don't cut corners on preparation, and we don't send crews who don't know what they're doing. The guarantee is only as good as the quality of the work behind it.
10
Year Workmanship
Guarantee on all installations
10
Year Unit Guarantee
On sealed glazing units
Also included on every job:
- ✓ FENSA certificate issued on completion
- ✓ Building regulation compliance confirmed in writing
- ✓ All guarantees transferable if you sell the property
What To Look For In A Double Glazing Installer In Exeter
The single most important thing is that the company sends someone to the property to measure before quoting. Window openings in Exeter's older housing stock - particularly the Victorian terraces in Heavitree, St Thomas, Newtown and St James - are rarely the same size from one house to the next. A quote given over the phone or from photos is an estimate at best. The surveyor needs to measure each opening individually, check whether the existing frames are in a condition to accept new units or need replacing, and identify any structural or access issues that affect the price before anything is committed to paper.
FENSA registration should be non-negotiable. Under building regulations, all replacement double glazing must comply with current thermal standards and be certified accordingly. A FENSA-registered company self-certifies the work and registers it with the scheme on completion - you receive a certificate that proves the work was done correctly. Without this certificate, you'd need a local authority building notice, which costs extra and requires a council inspection. When you come to sell your property in Exeter, solicitors and conveyancers will ask for FENSA certificates for any windows replaced since 2002. Missing paperwork can slow down or complicate the sale.
On the glazing itself, A-rated double glazing should be the starting point - not an upgrade. Ask any installer what energy rating the units are before you agree to anything. A-rated units use warm edge spacer bars, argon gas fill and low-emissivity coatings - all of which contribute to the rating. Units that use aluminium spacer bars (which conduct heat out of the unit at the edges) or air fill rather than argon are typically C or D-rated. The difference in thermal performance is significant, and in Exeter's climate, where the heating season is long, the difference in running costs over the life of the window is meaningful.
Glazing Options Compared
| Double Glazing (A-rated) | Single Glazing | Triple Glazing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-value (heat loss) | ~1.4 W/m²K | ~5.0 W/m²K | ~0.8 W/m²K |
| Noise reduction | Good (~30dB) | Poor (~20dB) | Very good (~35dB) |
| Typical cost per window | £400 - £700 | £200 - £350 | £600 - £1,000+ |
| Frame size needed | Standard | Slim | Slightly wider |
| Best suited for | Most Exeter properties | Listed buildings only | New builds, north-facing rooms |
"Exeter sees around 800mm of rainfall per year - well above the UK average. We consistently see glazing seal failure in Exeter properties happening at 12-15 years rather than the 20+ years expected inland."
Window Installers Exeter - based on local installation and repair data
What Exeter Customers Say About Our Double Glazing
Genuine feedback from homeowners across Exeter and the surrounding area
"Had all eight windows replaced in our 1970s house in Heavitree. The team arrived on time, laid dust sheets throughout and were done in two days. Biggest difference is the warmth - no more draught across the living room floor in January. Really happy with the whole job."
Karen T. — Heavitree, Exeter
"I got three quotes. These were the only company who actually came out and measured properly before pricing - the others just asked for the number of windows and gave me a number over the phone. The price was competitive and the job was done cleanly. Would use again without hesitation."
Mark R. — Topsham
"Secondary glazing fitted throughout our listed cottage near the Cathedral Close. They knew the planning restrictions before I'd even finished explaining and recommended exactly the right product. The noise reduction from the road is noticeable immediately. Brilliant from start to finish."
Sarah M. — St Leonard's, Exeter
"Composite front door replaced after the old one warped and stopped sealing properly. The new door is solid, the fitting is neat and they took the old door away. Got our FENSA certificate in the post a few days later. Exactly what you want - no fuss, job done."
David H. — Pinhoe, Exeter
"Bi-fold doors fitted to the rear of our extension in St Thomas. The difference to the kitchen is incredible - it feels like a completely different room when they're open onto the garden. The team were tidy, professional and explained everything clearly throughout. Top marks."
Claire W. — St Thomas, Exeter
Common Questions About Double Glazing In Exeter
What does A-rated double glazing mean?
A-rated refers to the British Fenestration Rating Council's energy efficiency scale for windows. An A-rated unit has a U-value of around 1.4 or below - meaning it loses significantly less heat than lower-rated glazing. We fit A-rated units as standard on every job.
Is triple glazing worth it in Exeter?
It's worth considering for large north or east-facing windows where heat loss is significant. For most Exeter properties doing a standard replacement, A-rated double glazing delivers very good results and triple glazing is not always necessary. We'll give you an honest comparison at survey.
How long does double glazing last in Exeter?
Good quality units should last 20 years or more. In Exeter's wetter climate, we see seal failure starting earlier - typically 12-15 years - on properties facing the prevailing south-west wind or near the Exe estuary. Quality units and proper installation both extend the life significantly.
Can I get double glazing in a conservation area in Exeter?
In many cases, yes - but it depends on the property. For Topsham and Cathedral Close, replacement windows often need to match the original style. For listed buildings, secondary glazing is usually the approved route. We'll advise on what's permitted before any order is placed.
How much does double glazing cost in Exeter?
A standard A-rated uPVC casement typically costs between £400 and £700 fitted. Sash windows run from around £700 to £1,200. We provide written itemised quotes after every free survey.
Will new double glazing reduce noise from outside?
Standard double glazing provides around 30dB of noise reduction - a noticeable improvement over single glazing. For properties on busy Exeter roads, acoustic glazing with a laminated inner pane is worth considering for greater noise reduction.
Wondering What Double Glazing Costs In Exeter?
We've put together a detailed pricing guide covering all glazing options and the factors that affect cost. Straight figures with no guesswork.
See Double Glazing PricesGet A Free Double Glazing Quote In Exeter
Book a free survey and we'll visit your property, assess the existing glazing and give you a written quote with no pressure and no obligation.