Double Glazing versus Triple Glazing
When you are investing in new windows you want to get it right the first time! That nudge to deal with new windows can come in a variety of ways. It may be that continual draft that puts you off sitting by the windows, or condensation build-up every morning. Alternatively, you may find that your existing windows are not insulating against outside noise. Whatever your reason, purchasing new windows is a significant outlay that is made with the expectation of decades of protection for your home. With the thermal insulation benefits of windows being more recognized than ever, it is understandable that you will want to select windows that have the best thermal performance and ratings as well as sound structural integrity and security. Double glazing has long been the go-to choice for high-quality, durable glazing, but triple glazing is making a name for itself as a performance alternative with superior energy efficiency. Triple glazing is a market contender for truly energy saving glazing. Triple glazing is touted as the way to go for truly performance windows. The name alone inspires confidence that this is a window that will exceed the capabilities of regular double glazing. It is incredibly popular in the cold, northern European climes of Scandinavia where timber and aluminium triple glazed windows are chosen to eke out every bit of warmth from the nordic chill. What is triple glazing? Triple glazed windows are windows that are made up of 3 panes of glass, rather than the two panes that are used for double glazing. Each pane is separated by a layer of inert gas (such as Xenon or Argon) and the entire frame is sealed. Like double glazing, the gas layers between the panes act as effective insulators for noise and heat, with two insulating layers, compared to the single gas layer in double glazing. Both the gas layer and extra pane are thought to contribute to enhanced energy performance and acoustic insulation. Is triple glazing worth it? The added value of triple glazing is down to its insulative properties. But are they worth the premium, compared to double glazing? One of the best ways to make a sound assessment of the thermal performance of any window is to evaluate its U-value. U-value is a measure of the window’s ability to transmit heat from a warm environment to a cold one. Understandably, the lower it is, the better as it will mean that your windows retain your heat in your home. For comparison: ● Single glazing carries a U-value of approximately 5. ● Double glazing, depending on its age, can have a U-value of between 3 and 1.6. ● Triple glazing can achieve U-values of as little as 0.8. ● A wall has a U-value of 0.3! The type of energy savings will be affected by the thickness of the glass used in the glazing as well as the type and quality of frames and their installation. As the U-value of triple glazing is closer to that of walls in your home, there may be less temperature disparity between windows and walls than is sometimes experienced with double glazing. Why over 90% of UK property owners make double glazing their tried and trusted choice. Double glazing is not yet obsolete! Modern double glazing delivers excellent thermal performance and noise abatement which in many cases negates the additional insulation gains of triple glazing, especially when the cost is considered. If you are choosing between double glazing and triple glazing, high specification double glazing with thicker glass may deliver better value for money and deliver a wider range of design options. Looking for new windows? Make sure you talk to the experts. By sitting down with a member of our local team of expert window fitters, you can have your questions answered and benefit from free, impartial advice on the range of glazing options available for your property. We can also measure your windows and show you our extensive catalogue for frame designs that will make not only a durable but tasteful enhancement to your home. To get started simply call our email us and we will be delighted to arrange a no-obligation visit to your property at a time of your convenience.
Recycling: There’s still life in those old windows!
We all know that double glazing delivers outstanding performance and value for money, with most installations having a service life of 18 years or more. But there comes a point when it is clear that even the most hardwearing windows are reaching the end of their use. Problems like: ● blown seals, ● leaking, ● cracked or chipped glass, ● draughts, ● stiff or broken hinges, handles, and locks, are strong indicators that your windows require imminent replacement. Old windows often end up in a landfill. Before the new double glazing of your choice gets installed, those old windows need to come out. It is a shame, but in many cases, the plastic, frames, metal, and glass from old uPVC glazing end up dumped when much, if not all of the materials that go into double glazing can be recycled. Without an effort to recycle double-glazed windows, the frames will not break down. Old uPVC remains an unsightly contribution to the increasingly recognized plastic pollution that is impacting our environment, with a shocking 82% of uPVC waste going to landfill in a 2005 study! Double glazing recycling means that old windows don’t need to become waste! There is absolutely no reason why the plastics, metal, and glass used in uPVC windows cannot be fully recycled to create new windows, as well as a whole host of other products. Reputable door and window companies like ours are fully aware and on board with the need to ensure that old double glazing is recycled, by providing a window recycling service to all our customers. We want to save old windows from the landfill and incinerator and see to it that as many as possible become new windows and doors. Great benefits of recycling old double glazing. Double glazing is already an environmentally-friendly, energy-saving product. By recycling old uPVC windows we gain the added benefit of: 1. Less waste: Repurposing used double glazing means that there is less scrap material going into landfills. 2. Less pollution: As about 15 percent of old uPVC is incinerated, recycling will cut down on the harmful air pollution generated by this. 3. Recycling makes uPVC windows and doors sustainable: uPVC is a petrochemical product. We need to be recycling as much of this material as possible to slow the consumption of our natural resources. Recycling has the potential to make uPVC a truly sustainable product with a window or door delivering hundreds of years of use through repeated recycling. 4. Save energy: recycled old windows will save energy and chemicals used in processing materials to make brand new plastics. How uPVC windows are recycled We partner with specialist recycling companies that are experts in reclaiming uPVC from old windows and doors. The windows are dismantled and the uPVC profiles and other components are separated and graded. The uPVC is then crushed down and either chipped or powdered for use by the plastic extrusion industry. Glass is also recovered from old double glazing windows and can be readily washed, crushed, melted down, and made into new panes, again and again. Indeed recycled uPVC windows and doors are now proving a lucrative market for the recycling contractors who have seen big increases in demand for these recycled materials. Something old something new Recycled uPVC is a versatile product and can be used to create a range of useful products including: ● guttering ● soffits ● fencing ● decking ● pipes and tubing, ● and, of course, new uPVC windows Get experienced double glazing contractors to recycle and replace your windows By purchasing new uPVC windows and doors from our company, you will not only benefit from our high-quality inventory and expertise, but you will also have the reassurance of knowing that your existing windows can and will be recycled. Putting old windows to new use through recycling makes a great product like uPVC windows even better. To learn more, our helpful team is happy to visit your property to provide all the information and advice you need to replace your windows responsibly. You can also take advantage of our free measuring service too. Call or email us today to get started.
Windows are a well known hazard for children
If you have a growing family, you’ll appreciate the need for your windows to be safe and secure, especially when little ones are nearby. Windows are a common hazard for children with falls from open windows being a significant contributor to annual statistics on accidents in young children. Also, accidents can occur due to broken glass, digits being trapped in hinges, and children letting themselves out of properties unnoticed. Make child-safety a priority for your windows. This makes your windows an area of your home where you can leave nothing to chance. Double-glazing is certainly much safer than the older single-pane windows but in most cases still has a child-sized aperture especially when the mandatory fire-escape windows are considered. Securing your windows will require not only creative thinking but also some proactive measures, especially if your windows are old. 5 key uPVC window safety devices to make your windows child-safe. Though some of these devices are integral in contemporary uPVC window designs, they can all be purchased separately for quick and easy retrofitting on the majority of double glazed windows. 1. Window restrictor hinges These paired metal friction-stay hinges will only allow the windows to open a small distance meaning that they can be cracked open for ventilation but not swung wide. To fully open the window the upper and lower hinges must have a specific point fully depressed, which can only be done by an adult. Most also carry an egress or fire-safety feature for emergency escape. 2. Sprung window safety catches These simple window restrictors consist of a metal spring-loaded hook and stud that the hook attaches to limit the opening of the window. These catches are vertically mounted, self-engaging, and can be readily released by an adult when needed. Often you forget that they are there as they are very discrete. 3. Tilt and turn window restrictors Tilt and turn windows are a great design but can be hazardous. Plastic Tilt and turn restrictors are fitted to limit the opening of the windows in both directions. They have varying levels of robustness and installation complexity but a critical to keeping this popular window design safe and secure. 4. Cable lock restrictors Cable window restrictors feature a length of strong plastic coated cable that is secured to the window and attaches to a lock on the window frame to limit the opening of a window in whatever direction is required. As the design is locked it is very secure and both the cable and lock component will require screw installation. 5. Sash jammers These window sash jammers are a great way of securing a window if you no longer have the key to lock it. They also can be installed as an additional home security measure if you are concerned that your lock could be bypassed by a thief. The jammer is secured to the window or door frame and has a lockable rotating projection that prevents the opening of the window. Need expert help with childproofing your windows? Contact our team today If you want to be confident that your windows are properly child-proofed and secured, our team of expert tradesmen are here to help. Simply call or email to arrange a contractor to install the child-safety fittings of your choice
Making your home more comfortable is a great investment this Spring!
Amidst all the upheavals of recent times, home has taken centre-stage as the place where we want ourselves and our loved ones to feel safe and secure. It is, therefore, no surprise that all over the country, people have been turning their attention to renovations and home improvements. Time spent indoors in 2020 translated into over 55 billion pounds spent on home repairs and renovation projects of all kinds with this trend likely to continue well into 2021. If your property needs more than a lick of paint, tackling your windows and doors could prove a prudent investment. After all, double glazing is known to provide an uplift in property value of at least ten percent. For homeowners who are considering installing double glazing, Spring makes a great time of year to take the plunge. Why Spring is the best time to install new windows and doors. Warmer weather makes the structural work needed to replace your windows and doors easier for you and the tradesmen working on your property. Increased daylight hours mean that your installation can be completed more quickly, without interruptions expected with challenging winter weather. With double-glazing in place this Spring you can look forward to a cooler summer and a warmer winter. The insulative benefit of double glazing works both ways. Your windows will prevent the loss of warm indoor air in the winter months but also keep out hot air in the summer months, for all-season thermal comfort. Getting new windows and doors in the Spring means that you will enjoy a reduction in your energy consumption throughout the year. The sooner you install your double glazing, the sooner you can start saving money on energy bills, well ahead of the colder months ahead. Have your property looking its best this Springtime with our outstanding window and door designs! We are pleased to provide one of the best inventory of window and door designs on the market, making it easy for you to select glazing and doors that will truly suit your property. In recent years window styles and apertures have diversified with classic designs like sash windows, cottage windows, and leaded designs being created to complement period and character properties. Composite doors are incredibly versatile and can be customized entirely with fittings that smarten up your property exterior. Classic uPVC designs also come in a range of styles and provide great value for money. Our window and door products offer year-round performance and protection. New windows and doors not only look great but will provide the security and thermal performance you will need long-term. All our windows and doors are manufactured and installed according to precision specifications with rated performance and all the leading certifications for their safety and security including FENSA. Have your new windows and doors installed by our reputable team As a window and door company that is passionate about local service and expertise, we are on hand to help you install your new windows or door this Spring. Getting the ball rolling is as easy as calling or emailing our helpful team! We will arrange a free, no-obligation visit to your property within our local installation area, where we can learn more about your plans and measure for new windows and doors if required. Contact us today.
Professional, durable double glazing for your holiday home
A Great British holiday provides the opportunity to enjoy some of the nations most beautiful scenery, from the outstanding natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and northern uplands to the glorious sunshine and sandy beaches of the south coast! It’s not hard to see why we Brits love a staycation or weekend break and with ownership of a chalet or holiday home, getting away has never been easier. Challenges that can come with owning a new holiday property If you have purchased a classic chalet or holiday cottage you may find it is in need of renovation to deliver the comfort you will need to holiday in it all year round. Holiday homes in remote or coastal locations are idyllic but often come with a number of challenges that will need to be remedied including: Poor insulation Damaged, ageing single pane glazing Old heating systems In addition, a chalet or cottage by the sea or in an exposed open landscape will have to contend with harsh weather and salt air which can accelerate its deterioration. Because of these issues, property renovation is one of the first things you may find yourself having to do to and double glazing should be one of your first projects. The benefits of double glazing for your holiday home Installation of double glazed windows and doors on your cottage or chalet is a great investment and should over time add to the value of your holiday home. Old single-pane glazing seriously erodes the energy efficiency of any property and if you want to enjoy your second home all year round, draughty windows are no fun! The thermal efficiency of good glazing means that not only are you and your guests warm and toasty in the winter, but also double glazing helps your property remain cool in the summer. If you insulate the property or upgrade its heating, quality double glazing will help the building retain those benefits. For properties used for holiday lettings, double glazing keeps problems like condensation at bay meaning a more comfortable experience for everyone. Superb strengthened and treated glass can withstand the rigours of coastal weather or bleak winter gales. UV tinting can also minimize glare and excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. A lock-and-leave property also needs to be secure. With durable and resilient double glazed windows and doors, you will also benefit from robust locking mechanisms that provide confidence that the contents of your home are secure while you are away. Talk to us about getting your holiday home up to scratch with our high-quality double glazing, installed with outstanding service. As a national, insured and accredited supplier and installer of double glazed windows and doors, we are on hand to assist you with installing replacement windows in your holiday home. If you are seeking to install double glazed patio doors, heritage or custom glazing as part of your holiday cottage or chalet renovation we have the expertise and experience to help. Get the process started by simply calling or emailing our helpful team who can schedule a visit to your property. We can meet with you directly or work with a designated local contractor if needed.
Buying double glazing online?
In an age where just about everything can be found or acquired from the digital realm, it was only a matter of time before online double glazed window sales became available. Websites retailing double glazed windows are popping up everywhere, complete with glossy high-definition visuals, making the concept of replacing your property’s glazing seem as simple as a couple of taps on your smartphone or laptop. According to Which, installation of uPVC double glazed windows remains one of the most common home improvements in the UK. The costs of both frames and performance glazing make double glazing a substantial investment for your home, so it is no surprise that owners everywhere are looking for any savings possible while getting the windows they want. In this short article, we will take a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of buying double glazing online. We will also share why, in our humble opinion, it’s still well worth having your local double glazing tradesmen by your side at every stage of the way. Benefits of purchasing double glazed windows online By buying windows online you can acquire top of the range double glazing from online suppliers and distributors. ● Save money. Access to trade pricing means that you can potentially save hundreds of pounds on the cost of installing new windows in your home. These saving can either be pocketed or put towards the cost of a higher specification window or expert installation as we explore below. ● A wider range of styles and materials means you can source exactly what you want. If you want a particular type of opening or frame material that a local company is struggling to locate, you may have success searching for the windows online. ● Less sales pressure. Buying new windows is a big financial outlay and some people find the sales process intimidating. By purchasing online windows you don’t have to explain your decisions to anyone and you can buy when you are truly ready. ● Time to consider your options. Browse to your heart’s content and thoroughly research your double glazing choices before taking the plunge. Reputable double glazing online retailers ● Buying online is convenient as you can make your order whenever you are ready at any time, day or night. ● DIY experts can replace windows themselves. If you are confident about installing your replacement windows yourself, you may as well go all out and order the windows of your choice too! Buyer beware, don’t let these problems with ordering windows online get the better of you. 1. Mistakes happen. When you buy double glazed windows directly yourself, you take responsibility for the order you made, including the measurements, frames, glass and openings. If you make an error in what you have ordered the liability rests with you. 2. Windows may not be as expected. Even with the best of intentions and lots of descriptive information, you will not have been able to physically see your windows or frames until they turn up. Double glazing companies who sell in person will make the effort to supply you with samples to help you understand what your finished windows will look and performed. 3. Warranties can get complicated for online double glazing as installing them yourself may void the manufacturer’s warranty. An independent double glazing installer may not be accredited to install the specific windows you choose and so may not be able to professionally guarantee their workmanship. 4. Installation woes. DIY measuring may appear accurate but if you miss some of the key clearances and allowances for proper window installation you may end up with sub-optimal results. Rectification may turn out to be costly. Get expert installation for your online purchased windows If you are going to buy your double glazing online, why not talk to our tried and trusted tradesmen for any aspect of double glazing installation? Our helpful team can assist you in getting high-quality results from your online windows with impartial advice and assistance with all stages from measuring to final fit. To get help from your local, professional team of double glazed windows installers, simply reach out by phone or email and we will be pleased to send a member of our team to visit your property at a time of your convenience.
Double Glazing Design Issues
Double glazing can appear to be a very generic product, but with an expansive inventory of made to measure designs, you will be surprised at just how unique contemporary double glazed windows and doors can be. Before you let your imagination run wild, let’s take a look at 4 key design issues that property owners need to consider when installing new windows. The uPVC profile A uPVC profile is the basic structural component of uPVC windows. It is made from extructed Un-plasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride which forms a hollowed and compartmentalised frame structure that is reinforced with metal and capable of supporting the glazing and housing handles and locks. It is a key determinant of how your window will finally look and function. Unfortunately not all uPVC profiles or systems are the same. Thin, low-density profiles provide poor structural support, can crack, warp, and have a shortened lifespan, no matter how great the windows look. Ensure that your windows are built on high-quality profiles so that double glazing that will perform optimally for the long-term. Looks matter Though you do not usually require planning permission to install new double glazed windows, you may encounter issues if your property is a leasehold, part of a conservation area or has active covenants or article 4 directives that place conditions on the type of external changes that can be made. Thankfully we are experienced in undertaking successful double glazing installations in neighbourhoods or properties where the design has to be sympathetic to the building’s design and surroundings. For owners of period properties, double glazing is a much-desired upgrade to chilly single pane glass. The great news is that you can choose from a range of tasteful and sympathetic window designs with classic apertures and openings that will remain in keeping with your property’s style. Set your sights on correct sightlines If you live in a period property you may be used to glazing that has a well-balanced appearance with panes and openings of equal size. This is at odds with a lot of modern windows that have larger panes with a smaller pane that opens. Installing modern windows on a period property can therefore disrupt the sightlines of the building. You may need to install specialist low sightline double glazing, a specialist product, to get the aesthetics you require. Child safety If your double glazed windows are installed in a family home, rental or holiday property that may be occupied by children, it is prudent to ensure that your window installation is child safe. The Royal Society for the Prevention from Accidents suggests that up to 4,000 children are injured annually as a result of falls from windows. This makes practical ‘child-safe’ measures for securing your windows vital. Aside from good quality handles and locks, integrated window restrictors can be useful as they limit how far the window can open. This means that you can enjoy good ventilation without a wide-open window on an upper floor. Talk to us about what can be achieved with your new double glazing install. As a fully registered and reputable double glazing company we have proven expertise in installing double glazed windows that are both beautiful and high performing. Our designers and tradesmen have not just the technical skill but the ‘real world’ experience to assist you in installing windows that will meet all your requirements. Call or email us today to get started.
Glass Types For Double Glazed Windows & Doors
High-performance glass makes all the difference to the level of thermal comfort and noise insulation you experience with your windows. The standard annealed glass that is used in double glazing is already a performance product. But there are many types of specialist glass that can also be used in double glazing. This means that it has never been easier to customize your double glazing and improve the functionality, longevity and safety profile of your windows. In this guide, we will take a look at 6 common glass types used widely in double glazed windows and doors. Decorative glass Panels of this etched, frosted or textured glass are ideal for areas of your home where privacy is preferred, such as bathrooms or front door panels. Coloured and painted panes can also be used for a more traditional, ‘stained-glass’ effect which can be used for accents alongside clear window panes. Self-cleaning glass Self-cleaning glass has undergone a number of treatments to not only breakdown dirt that clings to your panes but ensures that it is washed away in the next downpour. Titanium dioxide is used as a specialist coating that works with sunlight to accelerate the breakdown of large dirt particles. Additional hydrophilic treatments increase the attractiveness of water to the window meaning that surface dirt is more likely to be rinsed off by the rain. Tinted glass This glass has a very thin metallic coating on it that, like sunglasses, filters the light that can enter your indoor space. This may be desirable if you have artwork, upholstery or furnishings that you do not want to be faded or simply to reduce glare at certain times of the day. This coating can interfere with cellular phone signals and WiFi, so you should ensure that poor digital connectivity won’t be a problem before you have it installed. Acoustic glass If you have a property by a busy road or train line, acoustic glass can help your indoor spaces be quieter. Standard double glazing with annealed glass already can reduce outside noise by up to 75%, but noise reduction glass goes even further by using finely interspersed layers of PVB within the glass to absorb excess decibels! Laminated glass This type of toughened or security glass is ideal for patio doors, french windows or front door panels. It consists of layers of glass that are fused together with PVB. This glass can withstand impacts but also does not shatter but holds its structure if it is broken. Fire-resistant glass This glass is rated for its ability to withstand the heat and direct flames of fire for a prolonged period (up to three hours in some cases). It is also less likely to explode, creating dangerous shrapnel. Using fire-resistant glass may assist your double glazing in meeting certain aspects of building regulations, especially if your glazing is in an area that could cause a fire to spread from one building to another. Talk to us about market-leading solutions for your property’s double glazing. As one of the countries leading independent double glazing suppliers and installers, we are pleased to provide our customers with a whole of market access to the very best windows and doors available. Our craftsmanship, service and attention to detail mean that we are the ideal choice of double glazing company for specialist glass installations. Talk to us about your requirements and we will be delighted to show you how we can help. All advice and measuring up for new windows and doors is free. Call or email today!
New windows – Ensure that they are compliant with UK Building Regulations
Did you know that your new double glazed windows and doors must comply with UK Building Regulations? Since 2002 replacement windows and doors have been subject to UK Building Regulations, and all newly completed double glazing installations must comply with current legislation and standards laid out in the Building Act 1984. This means that as ‘controlled fittings’ your new windows and doors will have to be certified or signed off as having met key requirements and standards. What are the Building Regulations for double glazed windows? The Building Regulations specify standards of materials and installation of new double glazing in 4 key areas: Thermal Performance Double glazing is, of course, installed for its exceptional thermal performance. Building regulations safeguard the energy efficiency of your windows and doors and ensure that meet minimum requirements for the amount of heat that is lost through the glass and frame. This is known as the U-value and must be specified for the windows you install. Safety The type and quality of glass used in key areas and structures like French doors or windows must also be demonstrably compliant. This will protect you and visitors to your property from injury due to falling, collision and impacts with glass. Specialist safety glazing is needed if you have an extensively glazed door or large unobstructed openable area. Ventilation Ventilation is critical for the entire property so your windows and doors must support a level of ventilation that is consistent with each room’s size and use. Kitchens and bathrooms will generate a lot of steam and so your window installation will need to ensure that it can escape adequately. Means of escape Means of escape is part of the fire safety of your windows. When replacing windows, the new windows must, at a minimum, provide an equivalent means of escape as the windows that were in place previously. On the first floor of a property, escape windows should be a priority. Only one egress window per room is needed and building regs outline the width and height, clear openable area and cill height needed. Are there any other aspects of my double glazing installation that will be considered? General fire safety is vital. Aside from means of escape, windows should not provide an opportunity for fire to spread within a property or between properties. The fire resistance of the glazing and frame will be scrutinised in line with guidance in this area. Building access guidance directs that the threshold of an entrance door should be kept level and not increasethe difficulty for people with disabilities in accessing the building. How will my new windows and doors be approved? Getting properly installed, quality windows and doors signed off for building regulations is a straightforward process. You have options: Use an approved installer, registered with a competent person scheme like FENSA. Approved installers have demonstrable expertise in sourcing, manufacturing and installing double glazing in line with Building Regulations. They are therefore able to provide you with certification that their work meets the necessary standards. They will be listed on a database of registered installers. Get approval for completed work via an approved Buildings Inspector or the Local Authority. This method is used if you have completed the installation yourself or used and unregistered contractor. Once the windows or doors are inspected, compliant work will be certified. Either way, your completed double glazing should have a certificate of compliance that you should retain as evidence that your windows have been properly installed. Confidence that your new glazing is of high quality and installed expertly! As accredited double glazing professionals we complete all work to the highest standards using only the best quality glazing and frames for every installation. Our local team of tradesmen are on-hand to provide you with all the advice you need and free measuring to get your new window installation underway. Contact us by phone or email today to get started.
Common Double Glazing Problems and How to Repair Them
If you have older double glazed windows you may be experiencing some wear and tear as they begin to show their age. Though double glazing is well-known for its reliability and longevity, there are some common problems that property owners may encounter. Read on for 4 common double glazing problems and advice on easy troubleshooting and repairs. Why are my double glazed windows misty? If you have misting or even frank moisture within the space between the two panes of your double glazing the most likely reason is that your double glazed window is ‘blown’. This is when the seal of the glazing which keeps the air or inert gas within the cavity between the panes, fails, allowing air to escape and moisture to get inside. It’s worth tackling this problem promptly as the loss of the seal on the glazing indicates the failure of the insulating effect of the window and its thermal performance is compromised. A short term fix can be to reseal the window but the most reliable solution is to replace the window altogether. Why have I got condensation on the inside of my double glazed window? Properly performing double glazing glass is warm enough on the inside to prevent room temperature moisture in the air condensing on the panes in significant amounts. Even in a room that is steamy after a shower or cooking, light condensation on the windows quickly dissipates. Persistent condensation is usually indicative of a problem with the ventilation of the room rather than the window itself that will need to be addressed to stop it happening. Trickle vents within modern double glazed windows can assist in improving your home’s ventilation without the need to open the window. What can I do to repair stiff double glazed windows that don’t open easily? Stiff windows are usually a sign that it’s time to do some basic maintenance on your hinges. As the years and seasons pass, dirt, dust and moisture can build up on the metal hinges that support your frame. Debris are the biggest impediment to smooth movement of your windows, so your first step is to clean away build-up around the hinges and tracks. Lubrication of joints and hinges also goes a long way to remedying stiff movement. Get out the WD40 and apply some targeted sprays to moving parts. Can double glazed window handles and locks be repaired? The locking of your double glazed windows and doors is a security issue for your home and if locks fail your property becomes vulnerable to forced entry. Also, if you have children, you need to be able to lock the windows, especially if they are at height. Thankfully it is easy to call out specialist double glazing tradesmen and locksmiths who can undertake professional and secure replacement of handles and locks. Alternatively, if you have a window that does not lock, you can purchase a cabled window restrictor or sash jammer that can be drilled into the window frame to provide an alternate means of securing the window. Is it time to replace your double glazed windows? Sometimes quick fixes and hacks just aren’t going to improve the performance of older windows. Draughty chipped or cracked windows which are no longer doing the job of keeping the warmth in will need to be replaced. The good news is that the design and engineering of double glazed windows and doors have vastly improved in recent decades, meaning that you will be benefiting from superb thermal performance, robust security and an amazing portfolio of styles and openings. This makes new double glazed windows a sound investment for any property and one from which you are likely to receive great returns through reduced energy bills. Call our helpful team who are on hand to assist you if you would like to know more about installing great new windows for your home!
Are you thinking of replacing the windows in your leasehold flat?
If your leasehold property struggles to stay warm or sound-insulated because of antiquated single pane frames or sash windows, you have every reason to start investigating whether they can be upgraded to double glazing. Double glazing has a host of benefits including: Outstanding thermal efficiency Savings on the cost of heating or cooling your home A noticeable reduction in the generation of condensation A significant enhancement of your existing home security Double glazed windows and doors are also the ideal property renovation to partner an upgrade to your home heating or insulation as windows can be the location of up to a third of the heat exchange in your home. It’s clear that double glazing will be a lasting improvement for your property but as a leaseholder, you need to be clear about where you stand legally in undertaking this renovation yourself. Do I need consent to install double glazing in my leasehold flat? This will all come down to the terms and conditions outlined in your property lease. the lease will specify whether or not: You are responsible for the windows You have to notify the freeholder of your intention to replace the windows Any clauses or covenants which specify or restrict how the windows are to be replaced (for example restrictions on structural alterations, erection of scaffolding, or nuances on leaseholder responsibility for window frames versus panes) If your lease clearly permits you to install double glazing, you can go right ahead and install, but it may be prudent to gain explicit permission from the freeholder before commencing works. Before you act on installing new double-glazed windows in your leasehold ensure you get sound legal advice. Reading and understanding the nuances of your lease can be difficult so it is prudent to seek legal advice on the scope of your rights and responsibilities. You can also formally contact the freeholder or their intermediaries (usually a management company) to formally gain consent for replacing your windows and pay any consent fees. Professional advice can also ensure that your replacement double glazing is a suitable fit for the property and does not contravene any prohibitions on changing the exterior or structure of the property. If your lease has only a few unexpired years, it may be prudent to seek an extension at this time so you gain the benefit and enjoyment of your upgraded windows. Be a good neighbour and get everyone on board! If it is likely that your window replacement will cause a disturbance in the communal areas of your building, or you will have to erect scaffolding, it is wise to inform your neighbours, clearly stating how long you expect them to be affected. Double glazing companies like ours will be able to provide you with a full and comprehensive quote for your window replacement (including erection of scaffolding) which can include time scales to help you. Want to know what can be achieved with double glazing for your leasehold? Talk to us! As one of the UK’s leading double glazing firms, we are on hand to provide you with all the technical advice needed to replace or upgrade your leasehold property windows. We are also experienced in managing the logistics of working in leasehold apartment buildings, often at height. Contact our helpful team today, and we will be on hand to visit your property, measure up for new windows and doors and sit down with you to provide all the advice and expertise needed to select and install appropriate replacement windows and doors. Call or email today.
Green Homes Grant Scheme For Double Glazing in England
Have you applied for the Green Homes Grant to double glaze your property? As part of the national drive to make our homes, communities, and nation greener, the UK Government has initiated the Green Homes Grant scheme to partner homeowners and landlords in making energy-saving improvements to their properties. Starting September 2020, property owners can log-on to the Simple Energy Advice website to receive a personalized plan for how they can make their property more energy-efficient. Not only with participants receive impartial and independent advice on these prudent home improvements, but they also can apply for funding to implement key improvements like double glazing, which will make homes warmer and energy bills lower. Up to £5000 is available to cover two-thirds of the cost of recommended improvements. Lower-income households may be eligible for up to £10,000 to offset upgrade costs. Double glazing is an essential property upgrade if energy savings are a priority for your home! Double glazing is designed and engineered to be one of the most effective means of preventing heat loss from your home. The two panes of glass, separated by inert gas provides an insulating layer that retains heat within your home. In warmer months, you will also find that your indoor temperature is better regulated as the barrier prevents warm air from entering your home too. Condensation and damp, and their associated costs are kept at bay as the double glazed window panes are warm and less likely to attract and condense moisture. The efficiency of these windows will show up on your energy bills with savings that over time, will offset the cost of having your new windows installed. Use your Green Homes Grant vouchers to install safe and secure double glazing on properties of any kind. HM Government expects families to save up to £600 per year on energy bills through improvements to their homes. Double glazing perfectly complements and enhances the benefits of other green improvements like cavity wall insulation or low-carbon heating. Not only does our high-quality double and triple-glazing make a warmer home through winter, but it will also mean you have more secure windows with less noise pollution from outside too. Talk to us about how you can save money on beautiful double glazing with superb performance before the March 2021 deadline If you want to get new windows installed on your property with the Green Homes Grant Scheme, you will have to be quick. Your voucher must be redeemed by the 31st March 2020, with full completion of work within the time provided. If you are not sure where to start our helpful team is on hand to provide all the information and advice you need to participate in the program as well as promptly measuring your property and preparing a clear and comprehensive quote for your new windows. We are trusted local tradespeople who will carry out your work with excellence and attention to detail. Our company carries numerous industry accreditations that reflect our high standards and passion for good service. We will be delighted to supply you with references and a portfolio of our previous work. The Green Homes Grant presents an amazing opportunity to invest in high-performance glazing that will save energy in your home for years to come. Call or email us to get your upgrade underway!
