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Posts Tagged ‘Replacement Windows’

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 »

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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Energy Efficient Window Guide

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Poor quality windows are a major source of heat loss. This is costing you money, especially with winter looming around the corner. They can also reduce comfort and the amount of effective living space as well as being an eye-sore.

Energy efficient windows will help to minimise heating and lighting costs, as well as reduce CO2 emissions – helping to protect the environment and work towards a greener future.

After a certain amount of time the windows will pay for themselves due to the money saved on bills.

Energy Ratings

Assessed by the BRFC, the rating system is a clear and effective method of calculating the energy performance of the whole window. This includes the frame material, the frame design, the glass type and all the other components that make up the window.

The rating system is similar to that applied to white goods (such as fridges). Windows are rated using an A to G scale on the basis of their total energy efficiency, with A being the most energy efficient.

Reducing Heat Loss

Uncontrolled air flow trough a window loses heat and creates draughts.

Windows with compression seals reduce this air flow, help to provide good ventilation when desired and have a better resistance to draughts than the sliding seals on vertical sliding windows.

Be sure to use a reputable installer, as poor installation will nullify the efficiency of the windows. If a window is installed incorrectly then it will not save you as much money as it should.

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Windows with a low U-Value offer a greater efficiency in heat retention. Many factors effect this including the type of glazing material, the number of glazing layers, the type of gas used as insulation (often argon), the size of the cavity between the panels, and the type of frame used.

Glazing

Advances in glazing technology allows special glass to be used, which helps control heat loss through a window. The glazing (low-e) has special surface coatings which reflect heat back through the window, the percentage of heat reflected depends on the energy efficiency of the window – normally ranging between 40 and 70%.

This glass is now standard for most homes in the UK.

The number of glass layers, space and gas-type between the panes also help to resist heat flow. Air spaces that are narrow offer greater heat resistance.

Highly energy efficient windows are manufactured with inert gases (argon or krypton) between the panes because these gases transfer less heat than air.

Frames

Window frames are available in a wide variety of materials, the main two being wood and uPVC. UPVC is the standard for most homes as it doesn’t rot or warp like it’s wood counterpart. The use of foam insulation in uPVC windows also helps to make the frame more energy efficient to completely eradicate the possibility of a draught.

Energy Efficient Windows carry the BFRC label with a rating from A-G. Select the window with the highest rating for the maximum energy efficiency.

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Energy Rated Windows from Conservatory Outlet

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Conservatory Outlet offer a fantastic range of Double Glazing products. Energy efficient windows are one of these products in extremely high demand.

However, you may be wondering what energy efficient windows are and how they work. In response to this we’ve tried to provide you with a small guide to energy efficient windows:

How can I measure the energy efficiency of my windows?
The level of insulation offered by any given window is calculated from a combination of the insulation of the frame and that of the glass used. Other factors include frame size and air leakage, which also taken in to consideration, making it quite a difficult calculation to understand.

replacement-windows

This has lead to the government introducing the Window Energy Ratings scheme. By using the same rating system that is used for white goods, such as fridges and washing machines, it is now possible to rate windows from any given supplier. The finished window is independently tested and awarded a rating from A to G.

Those achieving a C-rating or above demonstrate they have been designed, manufactured and tested to provide a good level of overall thermal efficiency.

So what is the difference between C-Rated and A-Rated?
An A-rated ThemaglassMAX window will not lose any heat whatsoever from your home. The design is obviously a little more complex than that, but the principle is true.
By installing energy rated windows you will be helping to improve the overall performance of your home, which will not only reduce your heating bills and CO2 emissions, but it could also help improve the value of your property as well.

For further information of our great range of Energy Efficient Windows and A Rated Windows please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or phone on 0800 915 8844.

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Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Looking to improve your home in Yorkshire?

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

In the current economic climate if you are trying to sell your house making it stand out from the crowd can be a really big advantage. One way of improving the curb appeal of your home and making it stand out is by replacing the windows and doors. Replacement windows and doors can significantly enhance the look of a property and give it a new lease of life. If you decide to replace your windows and doors you should definitely consider double glazing as it can significantly lower your gas and electricity bills. Put simply double glazing is double glass windows.

Replacement Windows Double Glazing Windows Sash Windows

Double glazed windows are made by having two panes of glass with a gap of several millimetres between them. The gap creates a pocket of air between the two panes of glass and this forms a highly efficient insulation layer which helps to keep the heat within your house. Replacing standard single pained windows with highly efficient double glazing can reduce the heat lost from your home by as much as half. Helping to save you money on your gas and electricity bills whilst doing your bit to save the planet.

As well as the benefits discussed above double glazed windows and doors will also greatly improve the security of your home. As it is highly durable, strong and benefits from multi-point locking system. You will also notice that once you have fitted double glazing your home will become considerable quieter as it helps to reduce outside noise. If you are thinking of remodelling your home then double glazing is definitely worth thinking about. As it can help to decrease your gas and electricity bills by as much as 10-12% a month making a considerably saving this can help towards paying for your new windows and doors. Possibly one of the most popular benefits is it is very low maintenance.

When double glazing was first introduced in the UK you may remember it was commonly fitted with a wooden surround. However it is now much more common for it now to be fitted with a UPVC surround. UPVC Double glazing is available in a variety of sizes, styles, designs and colours. You can now even get UPVC windows and doors which are made to look like wood but you benefit from all the advantages of UPVC. You get to choose from a variety of finishes to make sure that find the UPVC windows and doors which suit your home. However if you can’t find what you are looking for in UPVC then double glazing is also available with aluminium and hardwood surrounds.

Deciding to have new double glazing installed is only the beginning. There are so many window and door manufacturers and fitters to choose from it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. The internet can help, there is loads of information on the different types of double glazing and the styles available to you. Once you have chosen a style which you feel will suit your home it is worth shopping around. Get a minimum of three quotes of different suppliers – three great companies you may wish to contact in Yorkshire are the Conservatory, Window & Door Outlet in Mirfield, Orion Windows in York and Harrogate and West Yorkshire Windows based in Leeds and Wakefield. Of course you need to consider your budget but the cheapest quote is not always the best quote. Consider the quality of the product and how much experience the supplier has they should be able to offer you advice and suggestions which you might not of thought of yourself.

Looking for A Yorkshire Windows & Double Glazing Company. Visit West Yorkshire Windows, Orion Windows or the Conservatory, Window & Door Outlet for the latest offers and special discounts on Replacement Windows installed throughout Yorkshire.

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