uPVC Windows Guide

There are various reasons why you may be considering window glass replacement.  On one simple level you may have a broken window that needs to be repaired.  There is no doubt that you cannot live in a house with young family members without some windows coming under attack from time to time and while you can fit window screens for additional protection most homeowners with young families will accept a certain amount of window breakages.

However it may not be window glass repair that concerns you, but rather that you want to upgrade your old windows and have decided to install either new glass in your existing windows or to fit completely new window units.

You may wish to do this simply to impress the neighbors, but it is more likely because you are concerned about the fact that your home is not as energy efficient as it should be and your single glazed windows are probably partially to blame.

Upgrading your windows will not only help to insulate you home but will also make your home a much more appealing prospect for potential buyers, should you decide to put your property on the market for sale or for letting.

Windows are one of the main causes of heat loss in the home and amazingly homeowners often insulate attics and floors of their houses before they turn to their windows in an effort to make their home more comfortable.  Heat loss through windows is usually the direct cause of not having adequate glazing in your windows.  Admittedly window frames have to be up to their job also, but by having quality double glazing in your window units you are well on the way to having a well-insulated property.

Replacement windows cost is never going to be low and you would do best to resign yourself to having to outlay a reasonable amount of money if you are considering installing replacement windows in your home.  This is a much bigger job than simply replacing the glass in your existing windows, as the frames have to be removed from the house before new windows can be installed.

However the benefits that come from having improved windows by either window glass replacement or window unit replacement are great indeed.  You can expect your heating oil, your gas or your electricity bills to come tumbling down when you are able to leave your heating off for longer periods because your house is energy efficient and warmer.

If you are in the business of DIY and are comfortable with home improvement projects then it could be possible for you to purchase a window glass replacement kit and change the glass in your own windows.  This has the obvious advantage of saving you money on paying an installer to come and do the job for you.

However if you are not at ease with the idea of doing this work yourself you would be advised to get in professionals and there are many window replacement companies out there that would be happy to advise you and to carry out the work on your home.

If you need replacement glass for a window or windows in your home, you will want someone professional that will carry out the work at your property safely and efficiently.  Your home is your castle and the safety and security of your family and possessions mean a lot to you, so you do want to employ someone who is going to be professional in their dealings with you and come to your property and replace the broken or damaged glass immediately.

A professional window glazing firm should have in stock a large range of glazing products and should not have to stall fixing your window while they order glazing.  If in fact you have not had your windows damaged, but you are in fear of them getting damaged you could talk to a glazing or a window company about getting a product such as a security film placed on your glass to protect it from shattering.  This is a film of material that adheres to the window glazing and allows lights through but stops glass from shattering if it is struck.  Owners of properties that are in windy locations and that may suffer from flying debris are the type of people that might get such a product installed in their homes.

Some larger firms are contactable 24 hours a day and not only can you call them at any time, if they can carry out your repairs immediately – even if it the middle of the night, they will start to work on your problem straight away.  The bigger the company you are dealing with the more likely it is that they will have a representative operating close to your home, and the better the possibility of a fast response time.

Like most repair jobs, the devil is in the detail.  That is why it is unlikely that any two glass replacement jobs will be the same.  Window frames are different, glazing types are different and the styles, sizes and types of windows that glaziers have to deal with are usually vary greatly also.  That is why a glazier will usually have to call to your home first to assertain what type of glazing you need, what tools are required and whether or not there is any damage to the framework of the window.

A quality glazier will not be confined to only window glass replacement.  Apart from being able to tackle anything from uPVC windows to old timber sash windows, he or she will also be able to fix mirrors, glass partitions, glass doors, shower doors, glass tops for desks and most other jobs that require glazing of some description.

Most countries have standards for glazing quality and a professional with a competant glazing company will ensure that the glazing they install for you will be up to standard.  In addition to this there should obviously be a warranty available to cover the materials and workmanship of the glass repair and the company should have the necessary insurance and indemnification.

Speaking of insurance, it may be possible for you to claim back the cost of the glass repair from your insurance company if you are properly covered against such a situation.  This would obviously be subject to the terms of your insurance.  The glazing firm you hire to carry out the work should be able to help you with the details fo your claim.

In many cases window glass repair has moved on from casual handymen replacing single glazed windows with timber frames and using putty to hold in the glass to professional glaziers having to deal with everyhting from uPVC windows to windows that have glazing such as ‘Low E2 glazing’ or ‘impact resistant glazing’.  So nowadays when there is a need for replacement glass homeowners are more likely to pick up the phone and call the professionals.

It is an unfortunate fact that the window glass we put in does not have the same ability to conserve energy as the walls of our home.  This is the reason that windows and doors in our homes are one of the main causes of heat loss.  While glass windows and doors are great at allowing natural light to enter into a residence, the price we pay for this light can be very high in terms of poor insulation and loss of heat from our homes.

The best way to ensure that windows are energy efficient is to install quality glazing, or window glass.  More importantly, it is better to have two if not more sheets of glass  (as in double or triple glazing), because the air or argon gas between the sheets creates an insulated layer, which in turn slows down the rate of heat transfer between the inside and the outside of the home in the winter.  Single paned glass windows are not efficient on any level and will cost homeowner money.

In terms of the u-factor of the windows, a window with a single pane of glass could have a u-factor of around 1.1 in comparison to a double glazed window which may have a U-factor of 0.4 or lower. The U-factor is a measurement of the value of the insulation of a window and the lower the U-factor of the glazing the better the window.

‘Low E-coating’ glazing is a specialised glazing that comprises a very thin film being applied to one of the glass panes.  The advantage of this coat is that it allows light to enter through the glass but it blocks harmful UV rays from entering and also locks heat from leaving the residence in the wintertime and from entering in the summer months.  The benefit of blocking UV rays is that they can be harmful to humans and also can result in fading and damage to furniture and furnishings.

In especially hot climatic conditions a glazing specialist may well recommend ‘low E2 glass’ which will efficiently stop solar gain in the home.  In colder locations the problem homeowners face is trying to keep heat in but conversely, in warmer climates the problem of solar gain in a home will mean that air conditioning has to be left running for longer periods to counteract the heat gain in the room and low E2 glass is designed to stop this happening.

There are many other types of specialised replacement glass available from good stockists or perhaps online.  Other examples include toughened glass which provides extra security in the home and impact resistant glasses, which may be more suitable in a location where flying particles are possibly going to hit and shatter a window.  Tinted glass will offer privacy and also protection from the glare of the sun if required.

While many homeowners, who may already have quality window units such as uPVC windows installed, are not easily going to engage in window glass replacement in their homes without very good reason, if the occasion arises that window glass repair has to be carried out on a window unit in the home, this may be an opportunity for a property owner to consider his or her options and perhaps compare the double glazing cost with the price of triple glazing or some pother specialist type of glass.  Depending on the location of a specific window, some of the above suggested glazing choices might just provide an excellent glazing solution.

Many people consider installing new double or triple glazed windows in their homes, but they are put of by what they consider to be the high costs involved in purchasing and installing these window units.  There is no doubt that glazing windows in your home is not the cheapest home improvement project that you will ever undertake, but it could in the longer term, be the most beneficial and possibly even the most cost effective.

Let us consider some of the advantages of double and triple glazing and why it is important to have the best windows in your home, relevant to your budget.

By replacing older single glazed windows such as sash windows that you have carried out window repairs on for a long time in order to keep them going and instead fitting triple or double glazed sash windows into your residence, you are going to increase the energy efficiency of your residence.  These replacement sash windows will have the effect of driving down the costs that you are presently incurring trying to keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summertime.  Close to 20% of heat loss from a home can occur through badly insulated house windows.  This is a very high figure and such losses are  becoming less and less sustainable with rising fuel costs.

• By replacing older single glazed windows and instead fitting double or triple glazed windows into your residence, you are going to increase the energy efficiency of your residence.  This will have the effect of driving down the costs that you are presently incurring trying to keep your home warm in the winter and cooler during the summer.
  Installing energy efficient double glazing windows will also reduce your carbon footprint.  As well as being good for the planet, this could have further positive implications on your finances, if carbon taxes are introduced in the future.
• One of the main by products of having properly sealed windows and quality replacement glass in our homes is the fact that we are more comfortable.  Window glass replacement will help create a well sealed home which will have less draughts and cold spots in colder weather and will be cooler in the summer.  At the end of the day, you and your family’s personal comfort is what all of this is about.
• Properly insulated windows will cut down the amount of noise and air pollution that gets into your residence.  Many homeowners living close to a motorway will testify that good glazing helps them to live in a quieter atmosphere.
• Double glazed windows work by placing two sheets of window glass or glazing in a framed unit with a gap of about 16mm between them.  This gap is sealed and either is a vacuum or there is a gas in the space, which effectively forms a barrier of insulation.  Triple glazing windows simply use three sheets of glazing instead of two.
• Not all double glazed windows are of the same quality.  A double glazing window comprises various components including frames, glazing seals and spacers.  The ability of the window to act as an efficient insulating unit will be dependant on the quality of each of the components.
• The combination of all of the window components will result in a window unit with a certain energy rating.  This is a measure of the quality of glazed windows in energy efficiency terms and is a very useful indicator for a buyer as to which windows are going to be better at doing their job.  Window ratings range from A-rated windows, which are the most energy efficient down to a much lower G-rating for lesser quality products.
• In Britain A non-profit body called The Energy Saving Trust will recommend to purchasers windows that are rated C or higher.  If you see window with The Energy Saving Trust logo, then you know that the windows are up to their job.

Glazing windows possibly used to be a luxury that you enjoyed if you had the financial means to replace your existing windows.  Some homeowners installed secondary double glazing in the past and this is satill an option, but nt neccessarily a very effective one.  Given that the window glazing market has become much more competitively priced, that energy costs are rising, and that there are also DIY double glazing options open to homeowners if they are interested in DIY imporvements, many people give serious consideration to getting a double glazing quote and to having the best windows in their homes that they can afford.

Double glazing your windows is one of the most successful ways of improving the energy efficiency of your windows and therefore your home.  You can get in professionals to do the work for you, or if you have some home imporvement talents, you can carry out DIY double glazing on your  windows.

In this article we will try to explain window glazing briefly and as un-scientifically as possible.  This can be a bit difficult when you start to talk about such things as ‘spacers’, ‘solar heat gain coefficients’, ‘low emissivity glass’ ‘secondary double glazing‘ and the many other terms that arise when we talk about double or triple glazed windows and doors.  However we will attempt to keep the terminology to a minimum and see if we can break down glazing for your windows into some basic and understandable points.

•    Multiple glazing is the assembly of various panes of glazing into one unit.  This could comprise two panes of glazing windows (double glazing), or three panes of window glass (triple glazing), and so on.  If we are talking about double glazing, then between the two sheets of glazing will be present a gas or a vacuum.  This gas or vacuum will be thermally efficient and will also have properties that assist in insulating your home against sound pollution.
•    The glass in a window unit is necessary, not surprisingly, in order to allow in light and allow the homeowner to see out of the property.  This may sound obvious, but in terms of insulating a building properly, it would actually make more sense to leave out windows altogether, because they are one of the highest contributors to heat loss in a building.  The thickness of each glazing sheet can range from a high of circa 10mm down to 3mm and are usually all of the same thickness.
•    Different and specialized types of glazing can be used when carrying out window glass replacement or installing new windows.  These can include low-emissivity glass, which has the ability to reflect radiation from the heat of the sun, tinted glass, which can help to reduce heat build up in the room and coated glass, which is a glass with a coating on it, which can improve the insulation of heat and noise in the home.
•    Spacers are the strip of metal or foam that you see between the panes of glass when you look at a double glazed window.  These spacers keep the panes of glazing apart and create a seal which traps the gas between the panes, or helps to seal and create the vacuum.  These spacers are used whether you are dealing with timber, aluminum or uPVC windows.
•    The manufacturers of double glazed house windows will most often carry a warranty for ten to about twenty years and this lifespan can be effected by various  factors, including whether the units are installed in the Northern or Southern Hemispheres. Typical reasons for homeowners changing window units or having to get them repaired would include seal failure and desiccant saturation. Desiccant is present in the spacers and its function is to remove the moisture from the sealed area that has formed during the manufacture of the window and also it stops moisture formation inside the gas or vacuum area.

These are some of the basic points that come to the fore when you are considering window glazing or replacement glass for your home.  Many homeowners face the choice of replacing their windows at some stage after they have exhausted the idea of carrying out window repairs to their existing window units.  Consider getting a double glazing quote for your home as double glazing windows are now the most popular choice with homeowners, as they provide excellent energy efficient units at a competitive price.

If you have decided to install double glazing in your home, then congratulations.  You have made a good decision and will most likely reap the benefits over the coming years.  However in order to make the most of your decision you have to first select quality window units and proper replacement glass for your home.  Then you have to find a window or glazing installer from the many double glazing installers that are out there looking for your business.

This is not necessarily the most difficult thing to do, once you take your time at the process and carry out plenty of research.  When it comes to selecting an installer that you would be happy to install your windows, it will certainly help if you have some basic knowledge of what double glazing windows are about and of the installation process also.

The reason that double glazing is so popular worldwide is that it helps a home to become energy efficient if double glazed windows are used in conjunction with other actions, such as attic insulating, etc.  double glazed uPVC windows are especially popular, as they allow you to improve the thermal capacity of the home at a fairly reasonable price.  A PVC window also helps to improve the security of a property and is reasonably maintenance free.  The fact that they are available in a very large selection of styles and colours makes them attractive to homeowners also.

When it comes to window glazing one of the most important things to understand when talking to installers is the ‘U-Factor’ of the window units.  This is a measure of the ability of the window to prevent heat loss and it is a measure of the entire window unit and not just the glazing.  Other terms to be aware of are the ‘Solar Heat Gain Coefficient’ which judges how well the window is able to prevent the suns heat from entering the home, ‘Air Leakage’, which tells you how much air can leak through particular windows and ‘Design Pressure’ which is a measurement of the ability of the windows to stand up to wind pressure.

These are all pretty technical terms and are explained very basically here.  However, even by knowing this amount of information, you will be able to make comparisons between the different window units and glazing that are on offer and also between the different double glazing installation services on offer.  If a double glazing installer is unwilling or unable to discuss the above measurements with you as they pertain to the windows he is selling, he either does not know his windows very well, or the windows are not very good.

It is probably wisest to purchase from a company that is in business for a lengthy period of time.  This may cut down your list quite a bit, as double glazing fitting companies go out of business quite regularly after only a few years, but this is precisely the reason you want an established company.  There is not much point in getting excellent guarantees with regard to maintenance and service if the company is not around to honour its commitments to you.

Getting quotations does not cost you anything and will help you to further narrow your list of potential double glazing fitters.  When you have narrowed down your list in this way you can go into more detail with the remaining companies on the list, visit their websites If they have one, look at the testimonials they have received and even contact homeowners in your area that have had work carried out by these companies.

Good double glazing installers may be difficult to find at first sight.  However the more enquiries that you make and research that you carry out, one or two names will keep cropping up as being honourable, trustworthy companies that are in business for the long haul and that homeowners have been satisfied to use.

Most everyone is aware of the substantial benefits that can be achieved when double glazing is installed into a home.  Not only does it increase the energy efficiency of the property, but in doing so, it automatically makes the home a more comfortable place to reside by making it warmer and less prone to draughts and sound pollution.  Unfortunately replacing your old windows is sometimes not as easy an option as one might suppose.  There may be physical pitfalls to replacing your old windows or possibly you are being quoted very high uPVC window prices that are simply too high.  If this is the case with your property, you could consider installing secondary double glazing as a reasonable alternative.

Firstly what is secondary glazing?  It is a window glazing unit that is placed directly over your existing window frame, thereby insulating your window unit and creating a pocket of air between the two sheets of glazing.

There are various reasons why this glazing may be preferable to installing replacement double glazed windows.  The main reason is selected would be that the homeowners are not allowed to change their existing windows to something such as uPVC windows, due to a planning restriction, which may have the home listed as a protected structure. Buildings are listed for a very good reason, in order to protect and preserve our architectural heritage.  However it can be very frustrating and uncomfortable for a family to have to live in a cold, energy inefficient home, all because they cannot install replacement sash windows or other types of replacement units to replace their windows that are allowing a lot of air leakage.

It is in cases such as these that secondary double glazing becomes appropriate as an insulation barrier inside the timber sash windows.  It is also considerable cheaper than replacing all of your window units and some people elect to carry out this glazing on some rooms of the home, that are in particular need of extra insulation.

If you are a home improvement enthusiast, DIY secondary double glazing is easier to carry out than replacing your windows.  You can purchase secondary double glazing kits from window suppliers and follow the detailed instruction in order to achieve the best results.

It should be said that by installing secondary glazing windows you will not have a sealed pocket of air between the two panes of glazing.  This is not as effective a method of insulation as proper double glazing windows by a long shot, but is a reasonable second option.  With this method you also have the advantage of being able to remover the secondary glazing, which allows you to maintain, clean and open your windows.

In the United Kingdom, secondary glazing can be very popular, as there are many buildings that have restrictions placed on them with regard to window replacement.  ‘Secondary double glazing UK’ is a popular search term on the internet and one which will help narrow down your search if you are looking for a supplier of this type of product.  If you have a particular type of window that you wish to get quoted for, why not search under ‘secondary double glazing sash windows’, ‘double glazing window installers ‘or some other term which will help put you in the right direction.

Double glazed sash windows are installed in various properties due to their durability and the lure of windows that are maintenance free. There are many homeowners who want to replace their sash windows due to weathering, deterioration or for a change in style. After carrying endless window repairs to old timber sash windows, or perhaps trying such ventures as installing secondary double glazing, many property owners may opt to replace their old sash windows with newer versions, but there are those homeowners who choose standard casement windows instead.

Unfortunately what many homeowners fail to realise is that changing to a different style of window and window glazing could in fact reduce the level of security afforded to a property, prevent adequate ventilation and change the whole aesthetics of a home.

Providers of replacement sash windows believe that people looking to change or replace their sash windows should look at other ranges of sashes such as double glazing sash windows rather than changing to a completely different design. With so many different styles of sash window double glazing now available a home can be transformed without jeopardising the look and safety aspects that are so crucial for a property.

Sash windows are available with various features, available in wood or upvc and can be installed in stunning shapes and sizes. Although associated with grand homes, sash windows look just as good in modern properties and town houses due to the advancements in style and structure.

The charm that sash windows hold over other types of window is due to how they are manufactured and installed. Safety features play a big part in sash window functionality and double glazed sash windows are popular due to their strength, durability and of course practicality. Window locks, cam catches and limit stops are all features that make sash windows safe and secure in homes where they were originally part of the fabric.

They say ‘A Change Is As Good As A Rest’, and this is most definitely the case when it comes to refurbishment. However, understanding a building and knowing what is best for the occupants is the first stage before any construction work is undertaken. Fire egress requirements for a building that has sash windows can be put in jeopardy if they are removed and replaced with non sash windows double glazing.  Having a means of escape ensures that occupants are safe and a property is to the required standard.

Before changing any sash windows, it is worth looking at the vast range of styles that are available to ensure a property is up to standard. Whether a homeowner wants uPVC windows or traditional timber,  double glazed timber or upvc sash windows , with authentic features such as brass sash window locks, can be developed to match the period, style and functionality of any property.  Get quotes from recognised double glazed window installers who shouls be able to help you with your individual requirements with regard to glazing windows.

This blog post was written by Bygone Collection, specialists within the manufacturing and installation of all double glazed sash windows. The aforementioned products are supplied by Bygone Collection and for the full range styles they offer visit their website.

All of the research stacks up to tell us that having double glazing is the way of the future in window insulation.  In fact you could get triple window glazing, but given that it is dearer and that we are really talking about upgrading from old timber single glazed windows to a better quality window product, we can stick with double glazing windows here.  If you have come around to deciding to get double glazing for your home, then a double glazing quote is a necessity before you commit yourself to any purchase.

If you have not yet been sold on the idea of double glazing for your property, let us briefly outline the advantages of this glazing over single glazed windows.  Double glazing has been proven to absolutely provide better insulation for the home.  In fact by installing quality double glazed uPVC windows for example, you will be able to cut your fuel consumption bills and save money.   In addition to this, having double glazed house windows will help you to keep any future carbon tax charges to a minimum.  Windows which are double glazed will improve greatly the security of your home and the glazing can have specific additional functions, such as being able to reflect rays, assist in suppressing sound, etc.

The best way to keep the cost down is to shop around and get double glazing quotes.  While it will not be easy to get cheap uPVC windows that are of good quality, you could certainly be able to get a manufacturer or supplier to give you a very keen quote by bargaining.  This would be the same for any product, but while you can visit many shops in order to price compare for such items as milk and eggs, there may not be too many suppliers of double glazing in your immediate locality.

Therefore the ultimate quote to get is a double glazing online quote. On the internet, from the comfort of your armchair, you can peruse the world of double glazing manufacturers, compare the quality and prices of their products, look at shipping costs, get double glazing online quotes and even visit forums where you can get any queries you may have regarding double glazing answered.

Most of these manufacturers have a built in ‘double glazing quote calculator’ on their websites and you can use this easy to operate tool to get a quote without having to deal with a salesperson until you are ready to.

It is advisable to get more than one quote for your windows, and these should be quotes regarding the same quantity and specifications, so that you can make accurate comparisons.  Get the manufacturers to gives you samples of their produce and more importantly, request from them testimonials form satisfied customers in your area.  Follow up these people to ensure that they were truly happy with the companies work.

If you follow these points when you are getting a double glazing quote, it will help ensure that you get a keen quote from trustworthy and reputable manufacturers and double glazing windows installers.  This approach applies to getting quotes for double glazed sash windows, casements windows or any other window type and you can even consider the possibility of secondary double glazing if you wish.  Do not get rush into making any decision as you intend to have your new double glazing installed in your home for a long time to come.

Most of us are sold on the idea of double glazing.  The benefits of having double glazed windows in your home have been well documented and are truly enormous.  However what price should you pay for double glazing in your home?  It is one thing if you are building a new residence and are ordering timber or uPVC windows, then you have the luxury of getting it correct from the start.  If however, you already have single window glazing and are considering the option of having the glazing replaced, or even having the entire window units changed to for example, double glazed sash windows, you may have to ask, is the double glazing cost too high?

The main benefit of having double glazing is that it increases dramatically the thermal efficiency of your home.  It is not the only thing you need to get in order to have a warm, snug residence, but if you get double glazed windows along with other things such as attic insulation and well sealed doors, then you are well on your way to improving the insulation of your home and lowering your fuel costs.

In addition to fuel consumption, having double glazing improves the sound insulation of the property, both by stopping sound pollution from entering the home and by helping to keep your in-house conversations more private. The security of your home will be improved also as double glazing doors and windows are much more difficult to break through than if they are singles glazed.

So these are some of the benefits.  Are they worth spending money on?  Undoubtedly they are and the only question is how much should you have to spend in order to get double glazing for your home.  This is a very hard question to answer and it really has to be up to you as an individual homeowner as to how much you are willing to pay.  How high are your fuel bills presently?  How much house break-ins are committed in your neighbourhood each year?  Are you located close to a source of constant or annoying noise pollution?  All of these are questions you should answer and then you may be able to put a price on the cost of double glazing.

The following are some tips to keep in mind when you are looking for quotes for double glazing.

· When double glazing window installers and salespeople call to you, listen to their sales talk, but do not commit to anything.  Prices quoted often fall rapidly when the customer does not jump immediately in.
· Be sure to carry out plenty of online research.  Search under such terms as ‘ cheap uPVC windows ‘ , ‘bargain double glazed windows’ and ‘ double glazed uPVC windows and doors ‘ .   Not only do you not have to listen to any annoying sales talk, (at least until you have narrowed down your list), but you also have a huge range of double glazing companies displaying their wares and willing to give you a double glazing online quote.  You can use this knowledge to drive a hard bargain when you do get to talk to a sales rep.
· Pay close attention to the labels on the double glazed windows that give you information with regard to energy ratings, U-factors and other useful facts.  It is advisable to purchase glazing that has good insulation qualities and remember that double glazing prices vary enormously and that the cheapest quote you get is not always the best.

So if you want to keep your double glazing costs to a minimum, don’t be afraid to get a double glazing quote and then haggle and carry out plenty of research into the glazing of your choice.   You also have the option of DIY double glazing or installing secondary double glazing as an alternative. The double glazing cost for your replacement sash windows may not come cheap to give one example, but when you consider the enormous gains to be made by having properly insulated windows, you may well decide to take that leap of faith.

There is no doubt that uPVC windows are now the most popular type of window above all other windows on the market today.  If that is a fact, then the question has to be asked why it is so.  In this article we will outline five reasons why homeowners are choosing uPVC double glazing above a timber or aluminum window or any other window type that is available on the market.  By the time you have finished this market, we hope that you will have an understanding of why double glazed uPVC windows are leading the world in window production.

1. Energy efficiency:  Nowadays the sight of a monthly fuel bill arriving through your mailbox is enough to cause tremors of fear in many people.  Fuel cost are rising constantly and on top of that there is continual talk of ‘polluter paying principles’ and ‘carbon taxes’.  It is very important for all of us to have houses that are as energy efficient as possible.  Older type wooden window frames simply do not have the proper ‘U-factor’ capacity to seal your residence properly.  The ‘U-factor’ is a measurement of the rate of transfer of heat through a material.  Quality double glazed uPVC or vinyl windows with a low ‘U-factor’ are highly energy efficient and these windows will assist you greatly in slashing fuel costs in your home.

2. Range of styles and colours available:  There used to be a standard joke regarding a PVC window that it was available in two colours – white or white!  While that joke may have had a certain ring of truth to it about ten years or so ago, things have changed dramatically in the production of these products since.  They are now freely available from most established window manufacturers and double glazing window installers in a large variety of styles and colours.  One of the most popular choices by homeowners presently are the wood-grain finish windows, which can look like light or dark timbers and are very hard to distinguish from real timber at any distance.

3. Home Security:  Not that long ago security in the home was not top of a homeowners agenda – in fact many people were quite comfortable with leaving keys in their doors at night, or leaving their front door unlocked.  All of this has changed unfortunately and homeowners require now that their doors and windows are secure at night- time and when they are away from their property. uPVC double glazing doors are very strong and durable and quality windows have excellent uPVC window handles and window locks built into the framework of the window unit, which gives them added strength.  In addition to this double glazing is much more difficult to break through than older windows with single glazing, so most homeowners are going for the more secure option.

4. Window maintenance: One of the main advantages of uPVC as a material is that it requires very little maintenance from the time it is installed in your home as a window frame, until the time that you decide to change your windows again.  A uPVC double glazing window requires cleaning, as any window does, but other than that there is very little maintenance needs to be carried out.  On the other hand, if you want timber windows to last, they need regular re-painting and maintenance and even this may not be enough to stop them warping and leaking if you are living in a damp climate.

5. Re-sale value of your property:  Many homeowners are not thinking about selling their property when they install their uPVC windows.  However there may come a time when for work reasons you want to change location, or maybe you simply will want to downsize, and this is when you will be glad if your have installed uPVC double glazing windows.  Over seventy five percent of people questioned in a survey, when asked to rate the important points they looked for when they were purchasing or renting a home, put the fact of the home having uPVC windows as one of the main factors.  Having uPVC double glazed windows installed in your home will help you to sell or rent it and will help you to obtain a better price.

These are five of the top reasons why homeowners are continuing to make the change to uPVC double glazing windows.  Some homeowners who have construction or home improvement consider the options of fitting cheap uPVC windows themselves.  These windows are not cheap in the sense that they are of inferior quality, but if you are willing to install DIY double glazing in you can make considerable savings.  So if you are considering changing your windows, or if you are in the process of planning or building a new residence, get a double glazing quote and weigh up the uPVC double glazing cost against the many benefits that these windows could bring to you and your home.