Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Gloucestershire
Are all double glazing installations the same?
I have recently been asked if all double glazing installations are the same, and to me clearly they are not, but it seems a good opportunity to point out some of the differences.
We should begin with the differences in window frames
There are fundamentally 4 main different types of materials from which double glazing windows are constructed;
Wooden frames
Wooden window frames are the most tradition material to use and are still popular especially for those who enjoy property maintenance and DIY. The material is good to work with and is especially useful for making bespoke frames if you have odd sized windows and is a pretty good insulator unless you allow it to have the maintenance neglected and then it can deteriorate quite quickly – and there you have one of its possible disadvantages – it does require maintenance just like traditional timber framed windows, and good quality hard wood frames can be a bit on the pricey side. Some will try to reduce the costs by going for softwoods but you really need to know what you are buying here as soft wood can be prone to warping, splitting and opening of the joints.
UPVC frames
These are immensely popular for two main reasons – one is that it is pretty good at what it does and is a good insulator and the second reason is that as it gained in popularity the price came down so it can be very cost effective (depends of course upon who you buy it from and the glass that you use). It is strong and durable but can be limited in colour although most major suppliers have a least introduced some quite effective wood grain finishes. Maintenance free
Aluminium frames
Certainly no longer as popular as it was 40 years again and dipped a lot in its use once UPVC was introduced as a synthetic alternative, it is very strong and slim but can be a little prone to condensation. Because of its excellent security attributes it is still used in commercial applications but harder to find today for the domestic markets. Since its popularity decline it has become more expensive the UPVC
Maintenance free
Composite window frames
Not talked about often but these are used and like timber frames are especially of use where bespoke systems may be required which of course, is usually reflected within the price. Normally there are two levels to a composite window frame – the inner core usually made from timber as it is a good insulator and the exterior sleeve being made from Aluminium so that it is Maintenance free again
As with all of the frames, if your property is within a conservation area or perhaps may be a listed building, then do check with the local authority prior to work commencement – it some areas as described only traditional timber frames are allowable.
The type of glass that you use can also make a big difference and this is one area that because of newer regulations is one way in which double glazing can become a more “regular sized application”.
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) which is a part of the Glass and Glazing Federation introduced a rating scheme to measure and advise upon Energy Efficient Windows – under this scheme windows that have been put forward for testing and registration and are given a rating measure between A to G – where A is the highest (most efficient) energy saving window and G is the least effective. As a further endorsement any replacement window that has between an A to C rated window may carry the “Energy saving Recommended” logo issued by the Energy Saving Trust. The system runs a bit like the labels we now get on white goods where we can see its energy rating and make a more informed choice.
There is further information on the label which also tells you about the window’s ability to:
- Conserve heat
- Resist condensation
- Reduce draughts and keep wind out
- Reduce outside noise levels from entering the property
Most of the major double glazing suppliers do offer standard types of windows in keeping with traditional designs so in this way many are similar. Common window types offered are:
Sash windows
Casement windows
Bay and Bow windows
Tilt and Turn windows – a modern invention but based around traditional styling
One area where the installers and suppliers can differ significantly is if they are approved or not
Approved installers and suppliers in Gloucestershire
I would certainly recommend that you deal with an approved supplier and that the quality of the product is also verified. The ones I tend to trust are those that are FENSA members.
If the installers are members then I do not need to worry about things like building regulations etc as they are allowed to self certificate, and if the replacement window supplier is a member then the product is covered.
Remember, anyone can place an advert and anyone can misuse a logo of a recognised trade body – if you are not using a well known national company then do not take someone’s word for it – either go on to the FENSA website or phone them and ask about the company you are thinking of using.
If you think that people are a bit over critical about “rogue traders” in this industry you may be surprised to know that around 22,000 cases were report last year to the OFT and I do not wish to be amongst them.
I trust that you will see that there can be some big differences but by following the simple steps and understanding a few basic differences there is no reason as to why you can not get a really nice double glazing installation and be delighted with the results
Search for an approved supplier in Gloucestershire – We cover all the following areas:
Amberley, Apperley, Berkeley, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bream, Bredon, Brockworth, Chalford, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Chipping Sodbury, Churchdown, Cinderford, Cirencester, Dursley, Dymock, Fairford, Forthampton, Gloucester, Hawling, Kemble, Lechlade-on-Thames, Lydney, Minchinhampton, Moreton-in-Marsh, Nailsworth, Newent, Newnham, Northleach, Painswick, Quenington, Somerford Keynes, Staunton, Stonehouse, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, Tetbury , Tewkesbury, Toddington and Wotton-under-Edge
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