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Archive for October, 2009

National Window Scrappage Scheme is it a trick or a treat? Witch is it?

Friday, October 30th, 2009

A National Double Glazing company is currently running a TV advert which seems to offer a “national” window scrappage scheme. The view of a local Double Glazing blogger brings into question the validity of this National Scheme.

Below is a response from a on his blog to valid a question from Emma who says she is looking for replacement double glazing:

“Hi Emma, The real Window Scrappage Scheme has been proposed to the Government through a petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website, but as yet there is no official scheme unless Government policy changes. You obviously saw a TV advert from Anglian Windows who have created their own marketing campaign on this subject.”

Under what seems to be a totally “unofficial” window scrappage scheme, potential customers are appearing to being offered “up to £2,000 off”, but as there is no retail price list, and the fact that “minimum order values apply”, it does just sound like a marketing gimmick, rather than a genuine subsidy”.

Am sure you all agree that a government backed  “Window Scrappage Scheme” would be a great treat to us all. If you agree why not sign up to the GGF petition to get the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme, to enable homeowners to install environmentally friendly energy efficient, energy saving windows.

So if you are considering replacing any windows, don’t be tricked into believing there is a government national window scrappage scheme, sadly at present there is not, but hopefully if enough people sign the Glass and Glazing Federation’s petition, then the government mind see the benefits for such a scheme.

Want to share your experience of the Window Scrappage Scheme or simply post your comments or questions online CLICK HERE To Post your Comments Online

If you want to show your support to Glass & Glazing Federations Window Scrappage Scheme – simply add your name to the Online Petition.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Energy Efficient Double Glazing, Energy Rated Windows, GGF, Glass & Glazing Federation, Replacement Windows, Window Scrappage Scheme | 1 Comment »

Double Glazing Helps Homeowners To Fight The Recession

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Thanks to the current economic climate homeowners are looking for more ways to make their homes more energy efficient. By improving the energy efficiency of their homes they are able to cut the costs of their gas and electricity bills considerably.

With the ever rising cost of gas and electricity and more people than ever struggling to pay their bills due to the recession homeowners are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with double glazing.

We have all known the benefits of double glazing for some time now but it seems that it is the recession which is kicking people into action and improving the efficiency of their homes.

Research has shown that customers are becoming more energy aware, they are turning lights off when they leave a room, turning down their thermostats and installing energy saving light bulbs. Many gas and electricity customers are also looking to swap energy provider to find the cheapest tariff available. And the next step in improving the energy efficiency of their homes is installing double glazing.

Research shows that up to 25% of the heat generated from a home is lost through inefficient windows. By installing double glazing the amount of heat lost is reduced considerably.

Greenway Home Improvement specialises in the installation of energy efficient Double Glazing in Wales including Double Glazing in Cardiff and Double Glazing in Bristol for more information on Double Glazing visit www.greenwayupvc.com or drop into their local showrooms in Pontypool & Raglan Garden Centre

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Posted in Double Glazing, Double Glazing Wales, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Windows | No Comments »

National Window Scrappage Scheme Launched | Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has petitioned the government to introduce a scrappage scheme, whereby householders are encouraged to scrap their old poorly insulated windows in return for a £1,000 grant towards the installation of new, professionally installed, energy efficient ones. The petition has been set up through the ePetition Scheme on the Official website of the Prime Minister’s Office at www.number10.gov.uk and is available at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/windowscrappage/

The benefits of this scheme for window manufacturers, suppliers and installers would be increased sales and a reversal in the downward trend in the number of installed windows and doors. Consumers would save £1,000 and enjoy a facelift to their homes, along with lower fuel bills and more energy efficient homes. And the government would benefit from reduced emissions from the existing housing stock, helping it to meet the necessary greenhouse gas emissions targets. The government would also reclaim some of the grant money in VAT.

“Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) have a huge role to play in improving the thermal performance of the existing housing stock,” Nigel Rees, Chief Executive of the GGF, explained. “EEWs can reduce emissions by 10% from dwellings nationally and reduce national domestic energy expenditure by 10%.

“The glass and window industry represents over 100,000 employees. Currently direct sell windows and doors fell by 12% in 2008 and a further 14% in 2009. The forecast is for a further 10% drop in 2010. In 2008 FENSA registered 880,831 installations made up of 3,292,437 windows and 761,054 doors. The GGF strongly believes that the proposals to incentivise the professional installation of new energy efficient windows are the only logical way forward.”

Five hundred signatures are needed to take the petition to the next stage. Given the size of the industry, and the popularity of WERs, the GGF expects the petition to receive many more signatures than that.

For further information on uPVC Windows & Doors – Contact the Conservatory Outlet. Specialist suppliers of energy efficient Window, Doors and custom built Conservatories and Orangeries. Visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. As such the GGF is the recognised leading authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries. This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics.

The GGF provides information for homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in the UK. GGF members supply replacement windows, doors, conservatories and Energy Efficient Windows in all framing materials including Aluminium, PVC-U, Steel and Timber.

The GGF is a great promoter of energy efficient glazing and the GGF’ss Carbon Calculator enables homeowners and others to see how much money and carbon can be saved by installing new Energy Efficient Windows.

Architects and Specifiers are well supported with a range of literature and professional advisors to assist with all aspects of specification and related issues. GGF Members sign up to the Federation’s Code of Good Practice and are vetted before being accepted. A free conciliation service is provided for mediation between customers and supplying member companies when required.

For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk

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Posted in GGF, Glass & Glazing Federation | 5 Comments »

UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors – are they really worth it?

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Nobody likes to spend money when they do not have to and more so now than ever in the current credit crunch we are all looking to save money. One such expense which many people debate is whether to install replacement windows and doors or not. There are several considerations which you need to think about to determine if you need replacement windows.

One of the most important factors which you must consider is safety and all too often this is surprisingly overlooked. If there was a fire in your house often windows would be the only means of escape therefore particularly first floor and above windows should be easy to open. Often old wooden windows will have been painted so many times that they can no longer be opened and this is a serious safety risk.

Unfortunately it is a sign of the times that we live in that security needs to be a consideration. Locks on older windows and doors are often flimsy and can easily be broken. It is important not to only consider the main front and back door but consider all the external doors in your house such as French doors and patio doors.

It seems like every time we open a newspaper we read how gas and electricity prices are once again set to increase. Or how global warming is getting worse and it is all our responsibilities to do our bit to look after the planet. The windows and doors are one of the weakest spots in many homes in terms of energy efficiency it is predicted that between 25 and 40 percent if the heat in a home could be lost through inefficient windows and doors.

Many people do not realise that their windows and doors are actually inefficient but if any of the following factors sound familiar then the likelihood is that your windows could be improved. Is double glazing used in your windows? Are your windows more than 20years old? Do your windows suffer from condensation, and do you get little pools of water on your windowsills? Are the windows warped or rotting and can you feel drafts around your windows? Are your windows easy to open and can they be locked easily? These are just a few of the factors which indicate that your windows may need replacing.

By installing double glazed replacement windows and doors you will be able to solve all of the above issues. Double glazing improves the security, safety and efficiency of a home making it a very worthwhile investment that in the long run will save you money on your gas and electricity bills. Double glazing has also proven time and again to be very popular with potential house buyers and can therefore add value to your property and make it easier to sell.

For more information on UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors visit: www.greenwayupvc.com or freephone 0800 163 369.

Greenway Home Improvements – add value to your home with the name you know you can trust! Installing quality Double Glazing Windows & Doors throughout Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Hereford and Gloucester.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | 2 Comments »

Do you need new UPVC Windows & UPVC Doors?

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Autumn is fast approaching the leaves are falling off the trees, the air is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Before long it will be winter and it is important that we are all fully prepared. For many older people particularly the winter can be a scary time with the long dark nights and it is important that we all feel safe in our home. By checking the security of our homes now we can ensure that we have a safe and happy winter.

Your windows should let in fresh air, sunlight and not much else. Old fashioned timber framed windows often have flimsy locks. Ideally you should fit uPVC windows with multipoint mortice locks. But if your budget will not run to this then you should at least fit key operated locks to your existing windows. Again if the budget will allow fit double glazing rather than single glazing as it is much tougher and harder to break than single glazing. Double glazing will also help to lower you gas and electricity bills as it is far more energy efficient. uPVC windows are generally seen as the most secure windows available but they do actually vary in quality. Look out for uPVC windows that have multipoint locking systems and an internal beading system so the glass cannot be removed from the outside.

Your doors are the other major weak spot in your home. Ideally your front door should have a five lever mortice deadlock. Also any glazing within the doors should be double glazed, both these features come as standard on most good quality uPVC doors. Consider installing a spy hole and a security chain so you are able to see who is outside your home before you let them in. Letter boxes should be no closer to the lock than 400mm and an internal cover plate is also a good idea. It is easy to only focus on the front and back doors but you also need to think about patio doors and French doors too. Research shows that patio doors are actually one of the favourite methods for many burglars entering your home. Anti lift devices and extra locks are available for patio doors which can help to make them more secure.

There is nothing worse than not feeling safe in our own homes and by taking some precautions now you can be safe in the knowledge that you have taken precautions to improve the security of your home.

For more information on Double Glazing Windows, Replacement Windows & Doors visit: www.greenwayupvc.com or freephone 0800 163 369.

Greenway Home Improvements – add value to your home with the name you know you can trust! Installing quality Double Glazing Windows & Doors throughout Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Hereford and Gloucester.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | 2 Comments »

The real facts about UPVC Windows and Doors

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Durability of UPVC
• UPVC windows are tough, durable and made from a material which the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has given a service life of at least 35 years.

• UPVC windows and doors are low maintenance so they do not need to be painted and maintained over their lifetime like windows made from alternative materials such as timber. This reduces the requirement for working at height.

• With advanced design and styling, including a wide range of natural colours and textures, UPVC windows  and doors can be specified to perfectly complement every housing type from traditional to modern.

• Over 80% of home owners and tenants prefer UPVC to any other option.

UPVC is Safe & Secure
• UPVC complies with all the latest health & safety and security requirements including, when specified, compliance with Secured by Design, the UK Police initiative supporting the principles of ‘designing out crime’ by use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a range of applications.

• The UPVC industry leads the way when it comes to continuous improvement of security, health and safety measures integrated into its windows and doors and advanced locking mechanisms meaning high levels of safety and security.

UPVC is Environmentally Sound
• UPVC manufacturing processes go beyond the strictest UK and EU legislation through a Voluntary Commitment by the PVC industry to sustainability.

• UPVC windows and doors are low maintenance through out their service life compared to alternatives. This avoids the ongoing environmental damage associated with the cleaning chemicals, solvents and paints needed to protect and maintain windows and doors made from other materials.

• Good environmental life cycle performance.

Versatility of UPVC
• UPVC is an inherently tough material yet it can be processed to accommodate virtually any design requirement allowing aesthetic integration with all building styles and locations.

• A virtually limitless choice of designs and the ability to tailor the UPVC installation to specifier and architects needs mean UPVC also offers great versatility in all types of housing project.

• Advanced locking mechanisms mean high levels of safety and security, whilst a range of tilt and turn options bring the benefit of fresh air ventilation whilst acting as a robust deterrent to opportunist theft.

Economical & Energy Efficient of UPVC Windows
• UPVC windows and doors provide exceptional cost effectiveness especially energy savings from heating your homes.

• The Northern Consortium of Housing Authorities in the UK carries out regular surveys of the cost of window systems and this shows UPVC’s continuing economic benefit both in capital and maintenance costs – typically around 30% compared with softwood alternatives.

• The British Fenestration Rating Council www.bfrc.org rate windows of different materials on their energy efficiency and is recognised within the industry as a key marker on energy efficiency

• Continuous development has led to considerable improvements in thermal efficiency – with significant savings on home heating costs, reductions in energy loss and a commitment to sustainability.

UPVC is Sustainable
• UPVC is the world’s most researched polymer with numerous life cycle analyses conducted in the UK and the EU indicating the material is as sustainable as any other option.

• The major ingredient of UPVC is common salt – an abundant natural resource. UPVC window products are fully recyclable at the end of their life.

UPVC is Recyclable
• UPVC windows are being recycled at the end of their service life in to other useful products.

• The industry has developed highly successful recycling systems for UPVC, including construction materials and has targets to recycle increasing quantities of UPVC every year across Europe

• In the UK the Recovinyl Scheme has developed an infrastructure of 130 collectors and 30 recyclers of UPVC construction materials to recycle products at the end of their service lives.

• A study by the Government funded Waste and Resource Allocation Programme (WRAP) suggests that some alternative materials are practically impossible to recycle efficiently, due to the paints, solvents and putties used to install and protect them during their service lives.

• In 2007, the UK recycled 42,162 tonnes of post-consumer PVC, which includes windows and doors and also flexible products such as flooring and cable.

Advantages of UPVC Windows
• UPVC windows are available in many colours, depending on the manufacturer, with many offering a variety of colours, from white to green and also offering wood-effect models.y energy efficient.

• In the fifty years since PVC was first introduced for windows and doors, the material has benefited from continuous improvements in manufacturing as well as advanced engineering and profile design.

• The BRE “Green Guide To Specification”, updated in 2008, UPVC windows have been awarded an ‘A’ rating for domestic windows and an ‘A+’ rating for commercial windows, proving the environmental credentials of PVC windows. www.thegreenguide.org.uk.

For more information on UPVC Windows and Doors visit:  www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or find out more on UPVC at www.pvcaware.org. The PVCaware.org campaign is an initiative from the British Plastics Federation’s Windows Group to promote awareness of the versatility of PVC as a material and also of PVC-U windows.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Windows | No Comments »

uPVC Windows & Doors | How Safe is Your Home? Do you need Replacement Windows and Doors?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Autumn is fast approaching the leaves are falling off the trees, the air is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Before long it will be winter and it is important that we are all fully prepared. For many older people particularly the winter can be a scary time with the long dark nights and it is important that we all feel safe in our home. By checking the security of our homes now we can ensure that we have a safe and happy winter.

Your windows should let in fresh air, sunlight and not much else. Old fashioned timber framed windows often have flimsy locks. Ideally you should fit uPVC window with multipoint mortice locks. But if your budget will not run to this then you should at least fit key operated locks to your existing windows. Again if the budget will allow fit double glazing rather than single glazing as it is much tougher and harder to break than single glazing. Double glazing will also help to lower you gas and electricity bills as it is far more energy efficient. uPVC windows are generally seen as the most secure windows available but they do actually vary in quality. Look out for uPVC window that have multipoint locking systems and an internal beading system so the glass cannot be removed from the outside.

Your doors are the other major weak spot in your home. Ideally your front door should have a five lever mortice deadlock. Also any glazing within the doors should be double glazed, both these features come as standard on most good quality uPVC doors. Consider installing a spy hole and a security chain so you are able to see who is outside your home before you let them in. Letter boxes should be no closer to the lock than 400mm and an internal cover plate is also a good idea. It is easy to only focus on the front and back doors but you also need to think about patio doors and French doors too. Research shows that patio doors are actually one of the favourite methods for many burglars entering your home. Anti lift devices and extra locks are available for patio doors which can help to make them more secure.

There is nothing worse than not feeling safe in our own homes and by taking some precautions now you can be safe in the knowledge that you have taken precautions to improve the security of your home.

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Posted in Double Glazing, Replacement Windows, Windows, uPVC Doors, uPVC Windows | No Comments »

Prepare for the Winter with Double Glazing Windows and Doors

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Unfortunately the summer is coming to an abrupt end. The temperature has started to dip and even when the sun shines, it tends not to be warm enough to sit outside without a few layers on. Now is the time that we need to start preparing ourselves for the winter ahead: pack away the barbecue, fold up the sun loungers and give the garden a tidy. Then think about the house. With the weather forecasters predicting a cold winter it is important to be ready for it.

There is no better time to think about the energy efficiency of your home. If your boiler is old, it may be time to have it serviced. But no matter how good your boiler is, if your home is not energy efficient a lot of heat produced will be lost. This will cost you a lot of money and is also bad for the environment. One of the main factors in regards to energy efficiency is heat lost through the windows and doors. Therefore it is recommended that you install energy efficient windows and uPVC doors. These will help to severely reduce the amount of heat lost from your home. Replacement windows and doors in PVC are also very low maintenance and can help add value to your property if you decide to sell in the future.

sash-windows

Many people complain of being stuck inside during the winter and not being able to benefit from the pleasures of their gardens. Adding a conservatory to your home allows you to enjoy your garden whatever the weather outside. Conservatories had a reputation of being too cold to sit in during the winter months however, thanks to uPVC windows, uPVC doors and double glazing technologies they are now far better at retaining heat and can be used comfortably throughout the year.

The winter can be a hard time for many of us. But by acting now and taking some precautions you can make it a much more enjoyable time.

For more information and the latest offers on double glazing windows and doors request a Free Quote online, contact your local Conservatory Outlet dealer, or call free on 0800 915 8844 to arrange a free home consultation at a time that suits you.

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Posted in Double Glazing | No Comments »