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Posts Tagged ‘uPVC Windows’

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.

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.

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.

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.

PVC Windows

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Our Range of PVC Windows are very competitively priced, of the highest standard and have many different designs available.

Probably the most difficult decision you will face after buying a home or when starting a home improvement project is deciding on the style of new windows and doors to install.

Of Course, everyone wants a secure and visually pleasing home and the correct windows and doors can go a long way to achieving this. Before starting any interior or exterior design project, you should outline the major products that you need. Our advice is to look around and decide which styles you like and what materials you think will be best suited for you, as well as considering the amount of maintenance that will be required.

Conservatory Windows

A variety of attractive Double Glazing Windows and doors are available from Conservatory Outlet. In the past windows and doors have been manufactured using wood but in the present day trends have indicated a shift towards PVC windows.

PVC Windows doors and conservatories provide a great finish and have many advantages over the traditional wooden frames. The PVC designs offers higher security, work more cost effectively and are available in designs such as Tilt and Turn, Casement and more.

Porch and double glazing Wakefield, Yorkshire – review

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Dear Matthew,

We write to congratulate you and your staff on the superb service, which we have received after our decision to involve West Yorkshire Windows in the installation of our porch and additions to our conservatory in Wakefield.

Following initial contact and a phone call from Matthew, we received nothing but top quality customer service and help with the planning. There was no high-pressure sales techniques and everyone was extremely professional. They even linked us to the planning permission site, which helped us out greatly.

From the installation of the porch to the addition of double glazing windows to our conservatory your staff excelled and you are to be praised on the quality of your product and desire to do a quality job. In addition we would like to thank the installers, Geoff and pete, who were polite and patient when dealing with our requirements.

Thank you and we would be pleased if you would use this letter as an example of the service your provide to your customers.

Yours Sincerely,
Mister Fisher

Yorkshire conservatories to trust

Monday, April 20th, 2009

When looking for new conservatories, upvc windows or upvc doors be careful! When using the internet to search as it may be difficult to find a trustworthy company.

Watch out!

There are a number of sites offering to put you in touch with local companies to match your needs. A lot of the time the suggestion is that you can get a quote from these companies online for the proposed work, but really the websites are trying to gain your personal information so that they can sell it on to these other companies – that’s right, plural!

This is very problematic. You will be contacted by sales staff, who will pressure you in to a meeting, without you being able to do any research beforehand. This will lead to a high pressured situation in which you’re sitting with a sales person who will put you on the spot there and then. We’ve heard these stories from customers, before they found us.

We feel that if you’re looking for a conservatory quote or a quote for other products such as: p shape conservatories to uPVC windows and uPVC doors, then it’s better to spend a bit of time researching local companies than using lead generation websites. The local companies you find are also a lot more likely to have showrooms near by where you can view the quality in person, instead of relying solely on the sales persons ‘chitter chatter’ – such as our Yorkshire showroom By doing just a little bit of research, you will gain a lifetime of happiness from a quality conservatory, orangery, or even new windows and doors.

Craig

Advice for getting double glazing quotes

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

If you’re currently in the market for double glazing, then we’ve compiled 32 top tips to help you through the process:

1. If you can’t afford to replace all your windows, choose the rooms that cost you the most money to heat.
2. Be aware that double glazed windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, this may affect the overall price dramatically.
3. Ask whether the supplier can offer energy rated windows.
4. Sometimes planning permission may be required, especially in areas of conservation and listed buildings.
5. Having an advert in the Yellow Pages does NOT mean the company is reputable.
6. Being the biggest advertiser does not mean they are the best choice.
7. Speak to friends and contacts and ask for recommendations.
8. Remember, companies in the UK can be closed and then re-open under a different name, so be careful.
9. 10% is the usual deposit for uPVC windows.
10. Larger deposits may be required for larger or unique jobs.
11. Ask the company if they offer any finance options, like buy now pay later.
12. Withhold the final payment until the work is 100% completed to your satisfaction.
13. Do not go for the cheapest quote.
14. Haggling too low may cause the less professional suppliers to sell you short later down the line.
15. Get the best that your budget can afford.
16. Ask the supplier how long the delivery and installation will be.
17. Try get the delivery date fixed into the contract.
18. Also ask for an estimated completion date once they are on-site.
19. Always pay deposits by credit card, as this will afford you some level of protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
20. If possible, pay with credit card for the entire project, this will give you a 30 day period to make any claims.
21. Double check any contracts before you sign.
22. Be sure of what you want BEFORE you speak to the salesman.
23. Be specific in your dealings with the sales person. A specific requirement and a specific quote is the only way to avoid problems later on.
24. Avoid national companies if you don’t want the hard sell.
25. Check for FENSA accreditation and make sure that all products carry the safety standard kite mark.
26. Find out how long they have been in business.
27. Check with Companies House to verify.
28. Ask them what guarantees they offer.
29. Are they insurance backed, lifetime or limited?
30. Ask which quality standards they use/are associated with.
31. Ask about public liability insurance.
32. Will the fitters and the company be covered if something should go wrong?

If you follow all of the above, you should have a safe and pleasant Double Glazing experience, also, at the end of the research process, use the double glazing company checklist below for extra peace of mind:

Ask yourself: Has the Double Glazing Company given:

1. Full and honest information.
2. Samples
3. Installations locally to look at
4. Recommendations.
5. The small print
6. Acceptable levels of deposits and payment terms
7. Full drawings and specification (if you don’t have them prepared first).
8. Time to think!

PVCu windows – the benefits

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

PVCu windows come in a variety of different styles and are available with a choice of additional features and colour finishes. One of the most important decisions you will have to make when selecting windows for your home is which type of window you wish to purchase. There are primarily two main types of window available. These are sliding sash windows and casement windows. Casement windows are without doubt more popular when it comes to uPVC windows and are ordinarily hinged on the side and open inwards or outwards. Sliding Sash windows are more traditional and have an up and down slide mechanism that allows you to lock the window at the top.

The basic structure of a PVCu window is a frame that has a membrane running between two sheets of double glazed glass. The material used to make PVCu windows is a hardwearing durable vinyl that is low maintenance and can be constructed cost efficiently using advanced manufacturing technologies. The strength of both the glass and the vinyl material help increase the security on your home as PVCu windows are more complicated to break into than traditional timber framed single-glazed windows. All PVCu windows from the Conservatory Outlet come equipped with multi-point locking mechanisms to tighten security further.

There are various advantages to be gained by installing PVCu windows. The main advantage is that they provide better insulation and can reduce energy bills dramatically once installed. The reason for this is that they are designed with superb weather seals and energy efficient glass that helps to keep heat in and condensation out. Most windows also come with a special locking system that allows you to lock the window even when it is half-open in order to allow for better air circulation. They are also extremely easy to maintain and can be kept looking clean and tidy simply by wiping them down with soap and water.

High quality PVCu windows that are correctly fitted can not only add value to your home but additionally make it more aesthetically pleasing, but like any other major home improvement project choosing the right company to complete the work can be daunting. It is therefore important that you employ an experienced company that can provide you with the right advice and direction and leave you with a product that you are 100% satisfied with. Conservatory Outlet are a highly qualified and proficient company that have one of the finest collections of PVC windows around. For more information about PVCu window, PVCu windows, double glazing windows, and PVCu double-glazing you can visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Top 10 double glazing companies

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

The Top 10 Double Glazing Companies in the UK

Here is our list of the very best uPVC double glazing, windows, doors and conservatory companies in the UK:

  1. West Yorkshire Windows – based in Yorkshire.  They have appeared on Carol Vordermann’s Better Homes TV show, among many accolades.
  2. Orion Windows – with double glazing showrooms in Harrogate and York, they’re the leading double glazing company in North Yorkshire.  Their Harrogate conservatories showroom is probably the best in the world.
  3. Visual Effect – conservatory supplier in West Yorkshire.  This company is run by two really nice blokes, and they are renowned for top quality pvcu conservatories.
  4. Prime Windows – based in Dinnington, South Yorkshire.  A really lovely upvc conservatory and double glazing showroom – well worth a visit!!!
  5. Evalast Windows – if you’re interested in pvcu double glazing in the Cumbria area, then Evalast Windows are the best windows in the area!
  6. The Conservatory Outlet Lancashire - visit the showroom in Preston, where they’re sure to do you a cracking deal.
  7. Cheshire Conservatory Outlet – double glazing in cheshire.
  8. Conservatory TV – not a company, but great double glazing videos, information and advice!
  9. Kings Conservatory village in Leeds (on the northern ring road).
  10. Conservatory Outlet – dealers throughout the UK.

Hope this helps you find a great double glazing company!

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