Leicester double glazing manufacturers and suplliers

What makes our double glazed upvc windows so good?

Double glazing is the name given to the modern glazing system where a window is formed by two panes of glass spaced several millimetres apart. This arrangement, when sealed, traps air in between the panes thereby forming an insulating layer.

A drying agent such as silica gel is added (out of sight) prior to the unit being sealed and this ensures that no moisture is present inside the finished unit. One of the first signs of failure of a double glazed unit is condensation on the inside of the unit between the two panes and this would indicate that replacement is required as the units are not servicable and cannot be repaired. Once a double glazed window is no longer air-tight, it's effectiveness decreases.

The replacement of standard windows with double glazing can halve heat loss and will also provide a marked reduction in outside noise and also internal condensation. It will generally have a beneficial effect on the look of your property as well as it's resale value. Additionally, the main entry point for an intruder is via the windows or doors. Modern UPVC double glazed windows provide an extra level of security due to their durability and the built in multi-point locking system..

Richard Bawden, Trade Partnerships Manager at the Energy Saving Trust (EST) stated in 2005: "Our homes are responsible for 28 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions and improving windows, especially replacements in the home, is an important step in combating energy loss."

Approximately 60% of heat loss from a home is through standard windows. The adoption of double glazing mitigates heat loss substantially and as a consequence homeowners will not need to spend as much money on heating bills - approximately 10 to 12% less. Using less energy to heat your home will be environmentally beneficial and help to reduce green house gas emissions.

Double Glazing Reduces Noise

How does double glazing reduce noise?

If your home is situated in a location that suffers from noise pollution, the use of double glazing is strongly recommended as this will greatly reduce outside noise. This works by creating an acoustic barrier between the first and second panes of glass that form the double glazed sealed unit. And air gap of 20mm or more between the panes of glass that form the double glazing with reduced noise levels to the greatest extent. Triple glazing reduces this noise still further

Timber framed windows can often be susceptible to rot and condensation and they will usually need regular maintenance in the form of painting, patching and re-filling. Un-plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) double glazing is very low maintenance and would only require minimal cleaning.

In some peoples eyes UPVC double glazing can be aesthetically unappealing. However, there are a large range of styles of double glazing. In addition to UPVC, there are aluminium or hardwood frames available. UPVC generally insulates better than aluminium for instance, but if you have an older style property an aluminium frame may be more aesthetically pleasing. Some restrictions are imposed upon double glazing installations and these are based on the age and location of the property and so it is advisable to check with your local planning office beforehand. In conservation areas the local authority will normally insist on timber frames being fitted so as to minimise the impact on the area as a whole.

Double glazing comes in a large number of sizes and styles, so it is virtually assured that you will be able to find a style to suit your property.

Aluminium framed double glazing has decreased in popularity with the advent of UPVC frames. Although aluminium frames are very strong, are virtually intruder proof and are not subject to warping or twisting, they have a relatively poor insulation performance when compared to UPVC (unless they are fitted with a thermal break). When one takes into account the fact that aluminium frames cost more than UPVC, it is easy to see why their popularity has waned. As is the case with UPVC, aluminium frames are available in a number of different colours and require very little maintenance, but they are less readily available so there is less choice between providers.

Timber frames are the most expensive choice but arguably they are aesthetically the most pleasing and if your home is a listed building, they are the only choice for replacement windows or doors. A wide variety of hardwoods are available as well as pine or cedar with a variety of stains. These type of frames are not as hard wearing as UPVC or aluminium and one must take into account the frame thickness as this will affect the structure strength. A softwood frame will have a substantially shorter life span than UPVC or aluminium and could be prone to warping. One should expect that after 5 years a timber frame will need to be re-painted.

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