Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Herefordshire
Is double glazing worth it?
With all of the publicity over the past few years about energy savings and how much heat is lost through windows, doors, walls and through the roof space, I guess that there is little doubt that installing quality double glazing will have some benefits.
All of the standard techniques such as loft insulation or cavity wall insulation where applicable can make a difference and should be applied wherever possible but I have little doubt that the installation of replacement double glazing, especially with a higher rated energy saving glass can make a considerable difference in terms of reducing your home heating bills.
In non-insulated properties, it is estimated that around 18-22% of heat is lost through windows and doors which in terms means higher than necessary heating bills plus increased carbon emissions.
To be honest, if it was solely about cost savings then I wouldn’t care too much about what it looks like but I also know that good quality double glazing / replacement windows and doors will off other advantages to me such as a more comfortable home, it will enhance the look and feel of my home and should give added value which may not only increase its value to me if I choose to sell but may also make it a more attractive purchase to a prospective buyer.
So how does my home lose energy so easily?
Some of the energy as heat will be lost through walls, roof, doors and windows.
Double glazed windows are, in simple terms – a frame with a double layer of glass with a sealed gap between them creating an insulating barrier. Quite often the gap is filled with Argon gas which is a good heat insulation agent and offers a noise barrier also.
Many companies offer specific energy saving double glazing where specific glass types are quoted and modifications in the spacer technology are shown to give even higher energy efficiency levels.
The efficiency ratings for each window type depends very much upon how well the heat is restricted from escaping through the window, what levels of sunlight may travel through the glass and the level of air leaks possible around the window.
Good quality double glazing suppliers will show (via a window energy rating scheme) just where their windows fit in on the accepted scale where an A rated is considered to be the most energy efficient and G rated the poorest. Just like other electrical products we may buy these days simply check the energy label to see how efficient your chosen replacement windows will be.
Looking for Double Glazing Installers in Herefordshire
Replacement double glazing, recognised benefits?
- Energy efficiency may be obtained from a variety of frame styles and window types
- Reduced energy usage
- Warmer house and quieter house
- Personal carbon footprint is reduced
- Fewer draughts
- Condensation is reduced
- Low maintenance (if not opted for wooden frames)
- Added value to the home
- Probably easier to sell the home
What cost?
The question is a little like how long is a piece of string, insomuch that it depends a great deal upon the number and type of replacement windows and doors needed, the window frames you select, and the rating level of energy saving glass you opt for.
UPVC replacement window Frames
The most popular and usually the most cost effective frames now are uPVC / UPVC / PVC-u frames – the popularity arises for several reasons
- Long lasting
- Durable
- Wide variety of attractive styles
- Can be recycled
- Good security protection (difficult to break)
- Virtually maintenance free
- Multiple colours inclusive of wood grain
- Usually the least expensive
Aluminium Frames
- Slim and long lasting
- Strong and have good security advantages
- Can be recycled
- Not commonly seen today so can be difficult to obtain
- Prices can be expensive
- Can have some problems with condensation
- Can be declined in conservation areas
- Low maintenance
Timber replacement window frames
- Timber frames can be expensive especially if bespoke.
- They tend to have a lower environmental impact.
- Wooden frames are often seen in conservation areas or on listed properties where it is deemed that original materials, such as timber, must be used.
- Easier to use where bespoke sizes are required
- Will require maintenance
- Can be recycled
- May be subject to adverse weather conditions over protracted periods
Composite replacement window frames
- Usually either timber on the inside and aluminium outside, or
- Timber internally and UPVC on the outside
- Designed to give benefits of timber insulation whilst virtually maintenance free
- High performance but tending toward expensive
- Not that common so you may need to shop around to find a local supplier
The different types of replacement windows in Herefordshire?
Double glazed Sash windows.
What we are used to seeing in period style properties – the ones that open upwards and downwards with one frame in front of the other. The originals had cords and weights had a habit of sticking, particularly during abrupt temperature changes – The new replacement sash windows have all the design features and charm of the sash window without any of the original problems.
Double glazed casement windows
It’s almost a certainty that we have all lived somewhere where the house had casement windows. The type of window that most of us are familiar with – they open outwards with either a left hand or right hand opening – simple and straightforward.
Tilt and Turn replacement windows
When a lot of us think of double glazing this is the type of window that springs to mind - a modern design which encompasses style with convenience and ease of use. And usually based upon the principals of the casement window
.
Ideal for cleaning and in areas where it is not a good idea to open outwards – perhaps directly onto a roadway or play area, and are highly efficient when it comes to getting out of a building in the event of fire or other such emergency.
Double glazed bay windows
A nice looking window style that can make a very dramatic style statement when added to your home .If its a feeling of space, light and additional design features to your home that you want to see then opt to have double glazed bay or bow windows installed. There are not expensive and add a complete new dimension to any room and a face lift to the house exterior.
Get a registered and approved supplier and installer
If you do not want to have to go down the route of checking planning requirements, building regulations and that the replacement windows that you have selected comply with the energy rating bands required then opt for an approved supplier and installer such as FENSA or Certass membership. FENSA will guarantee that both its installers and replacement window frames fully comply with building regulations whereas the Certass scheme registers and approves installers.
Search for an approved supplier in Herefordshire – We cover all the following areas:
Bishop's Frome, Docklow, Hatfield, Hereford, Kingsland, Kington, Kinnersley, Ledbury, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, St. Weonards, Symonds Yat, Weobley and Wormsley.
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