Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Wiltshire
Why have double glazing or energy efficient replacement windows?
There are several advantages to having double glazed replacement windows and energy efficient window replacements, inclusive of lower heating bills, a smaller personal carbon footprint, a warmer and quieter home and added value to the property.
So how do houses lose energy?
A proportion of energy in the form of heat will normally be lost through walls, roof, doors and windows. Clearly it is a good idea to fulfil the basics such as having cavity wall insulation and loft insulation (where appropriate) and draught exclusion but one area is also to have energy efficient replacement windows. Typically around 18%-25% of heat may be lost through a standard window.
Double glazed windows are pretty much as they sound – having a double layer of glass with a sealed gap between them creating an insulating barrier. Many companies now also offer specific energy saving double glazing where specific glass types are quoted and modifications in the spacer technology are shown to give even higher energy efficiency levels.
The level of efficiency depends very much upon how the heat is stopped from passing through the window, levels of sunlight may travel through the glass and the level of air leaks possible around the window.
Most quality suppliers will demonstrate (via a window energy rating scheme) just where their windows fit in on the accepted scale where an A rated is considered to be the most energy efficient and G rated the poorest. Just like other electrical products we may buy these days simply check the energy label to see how efficient your chosen replacement windows will be.
It is not normally regarded today to be necessary to opt for triple glazing and the newer technology based double glazing windows are equally effective and weigh considerably less.
So what are the overall benefits of replacement double glazing?
- Energy efficiency may be obtained today in a wide variety of frame types and window styles
- Reduced energy
- Reduced personal carbon footprint
- Warmer house
- Quieter house
- Fewer draughts
- Reduced condensation
- Low maintenance (if not opted for wooden frames)
- Added value to the home
- Probably easier to sell the home
The cost of the replacement double glazing will depend very much upon the number of windows and doors to be replaced, the type of frame you have selected, the style of window, and the installer / supplier.
Having decided to opt for a decent energy rating, one of the major choices you will need to make is the choice of frame – but in every frame type you should find you can still fit your selected energy saving level glass type.
UPVC replacement window Frames
The most popular frames now are uPVC / UPVC / PVC-u which are all basically the same thing – these are popular for several reasons
- Virtually maintenance free
- Durable
- Can be recycled
- Good security protection (difficult to break)
- Multiple styles
- Multiple colours inclusive of wood grain
- Long lasting
- Usually the least expensive
Wooden replacement window frames
- Wooden frames are often more expensive the UPVC replacement windows
- They can have a lower environmental impact.
- Wooden frames are often seen in conservation areas or on listed properties where it is deemed that original materials, such as timber, must be used.
- Easier to use where bespoke sizes are required
- Will require maintenance
- Can be recycled
Aluminium Frames
- Slim and long lasting
- Strong and have good security advantages
- Can be recycled
- Not as commonly seen today which has pushed prices up
- Can have some problems with condensation
- Can be declined in conservation areas
- Low maintenance
Are there different types of replacement windows in Wiltshire?
In order to reflect the differences that there are today in houses the double glazing industry has designed window types and styles to not only reflect your tastes and preferences but also to fully complement the style and design features of your home.
As far as design is concerned, much of the point is that the installation will enhance the look and feel of your home and certainly not clash with it, so the window types on offer totally reflect the types of windows that you will find in properties inclusive of those that are period or period style properties.
Double glazed Sash windows.
Look at many period homes and you will find sash windows – the ones that open upwards and downwards with one frame in front of the other. The originals had cords and weights to help them operate plus they rattled a good deal and had a tendency to stick, particularly during abrupt temperature changes – The new replacement sash windows have all the design features and charm of the sash window without any of the original problems.
Double glazed casement windows
These are probably the standard type of window that most of us are familiar with – they open outwards with either a left hand or right hand opening – simple and straightforward
Tilt and Turn replacement windows
When a lot of us think of double glazing this is the type of window that springs to mind - a modern design which encompasses style with convenience and ease of use.
Ideal for cleaning and in areas where it is not a good idea to open outwards – perhaps directly onto a roadway or play area, and are highly efficient when it comes to getting out of a building in the event of fire or other such emergency.
Double glazed bay windows
If you are looking to add a feeling of space, light and additional design features to your home then a lot of us opt to have double glazed bay or bow windows installed. There are not expensive and add a complete new dimension to any room and a face lift to the house exterior.
Maintenance
After double glazing has been installed you may find, especially with low energy replacement windows that you get a small degree of condensation on the outside of the window. This is because of the heat reflection qualities of the glass and is expected – simply wipe away if you prefer.
If you do not want to have to go down the route of checking planning requirements, building regulations and that the replacement windows that you have selected comply with the energy rating bands required then I would certainly opt for an approved supplier and installer such as FENSA or Certass membership. FENSA will guarantee that both its installers and replacement window frames fully comply with building regulations whereas the Certass scheme registers and approves installers.
The average double glazing installation is expected to last for at least 20 years so it is as well to get t right first time both in terms of style and energy rating.
Search for an approved supplier in Wiltshire – We cover all the following areas:
Amesbury, Avebury, Biddestone, Bradford on Avon, Broughton Gifford, Calne, Chippenham, Chiseldon, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Durrington, Highworth, Lacock, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Monkton Farleigh, Pewsey, Pickwick, Potterne, Salisbury, Swindon, Tidworth, Trowbridge, Warminster, West Kington, Westbury, Wilton, Winsley and Wootton Bassett.
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