Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Lincolnshire
Thinking about getting replacement windows and doors
I am finally persuaded that the time is right to get double glazing replacement windows on the house (and probably the doors as well) and that now is as good a time as any to try to reduce our energy costs with energy saving windows.
My “other half” has been pointing out that the front windows don’t look so good any more having been filled more times than I care to remember and that she is also fed up with sitting in a draft which she is convinced would disappear if we had the windows double glazed.
Heat loss
I have been checking out via the internet and recognise now that any awful lot of our heat goes out through our windows and outside doors (probably more than they think – the have not seen my front windows!) and I reckon I could cut the heating bills down a lot by getting in some decent double glazing. If I am going to do it now then I may as well do it properly and get a high rated energy saving window system put in and save as much as possible over a regular basis. I know its never going to offer a short-term return but I also know it’s not just about the cost-saving either.
Get double glazing installed properly
For one thing – if I get it done properly its going to make the house look smarter and as she would say, “a bit more swish” but it should add value to the house, and in these times of uncertainty, you never know, plus, in my view, having it don will also make it easier to sell if I need to.
For another, replacement double glazing could stop me having to do the constant round of maintenance – (unless we opt for timber frames) – it’s a nice thought that I don’t have to give away a holiday every couple of years for the thrilling experience of sanding down, filling, and painting all of the window frames and doors and then re-doing the putty and getting rid of the moss.
So why do I keep saying about getting the double glazing done properly?
As I have been searching the internet I came across a lot of complaints about people who seem to have had cowboys install double glazing where the product was not up to the job, not installed properly and even where the local authority have turned up afterwards and told them that it does not comply with building regulations and that it has to be removed and done again! I did not know that double glazing installations had to comply with building regulations or say that to add a bay window may require planning permission!
So at least learn from what I was reading, and get yourself an “approved” double glazing supplier and double glazing installer who is FENSA approved. I won’t bore you with what it all stands for but if the guys you choose are FENSA members you know they have been checked out, the products meet with approvals and that they are able to sign off the building regulations and give you your final certificate.
So assuming we have that out of the way – what type of double glazing do I want?
We have currently got, what I would call, normal windows which do what you would expect – they are either right or left handed opening and they open outwards – away from the house. These are called casement windows. Yes you can get replacement double glazed casement windows.
The ones that you often see on older properties and on new houses that are designed to look like period properties often have those windows which open up and down and one goes in front of the other – these are sash windows (apparently) – and Yes – you can have double glazed sash windows.
Bay windows or bow windows can be double glazed and there are some really nice ways that these guys can take a plain flat window and replace it with a smart double glazed bay window which make the room seem much bigger to me and lighter.
Finally (and then my knowledge runs out) they offer tilt and turn windows which can open normally if you want but can simply tilt a little to give you ventilation and can sort of rotate so that you can clean them easily. These are also used sometimes where it’s not too safe to have windows opening outwards say onto a pavement area etc.
Searching for a Supplier in Lincolnshire
Do the fames make a difference?
The frames can make a massive difference to the look the feel and the cost.
From what I have read there are 4 main types
1 – UPVC / PVCU window frames
2 – Timber window frames
3 – Aluminium window frames
4 – Composite window frames
From what I can see the timber frames are the only ones that will need maintenance (like my existing window frames) but they are pretty nice and if I lived (which I don’t) in an area of conservation or perhaps a listed property, then I may have to have timber frames anyhow – they are pretty good as well for bespoke stuff where you have unusual sized windows – I do know that hardwood window frames are not by any means, normally the cheapest.
The last comment also applies to composite frames – they are usually made from timber frames inside but with an outer casing of aluminium or UPVC – which I guess means it gets around the maintenance problems. As far as I can see this method gives really good insulation and is good again where bespoke sizes are needed, but again, from what I have seen is expensive.
Aluminium frames are nothing like as commonly seen as they were at one time although you do still see them on business buildings quite a lot. You can still get them for domestic properties but, as the popularity went down, the price went up. They are strong and secure but not often welcomed in conservation areas
UPVC or PVC-u window frames are by far the most popular today and as a result, tend to be the least expensive. Strong and durable, they require almost no maintenance and have very good insulation properties. When first introduced they did only come in stark white but technology has move on so that you can get them in different shades now and wood grain finishes also.
Energy rated glass
So almost there – we have picked our supplier, and installer, I know what window style I want and what frame type is best suited to me needs and my budget. All that remains in to pick the glass – mostly the supplier will advise on this but check out the energy rating an A, B, or C rating is good – my own view is anything less than this and you will regret it later – the ratings go down to G but don’t waste your time looking down there – you may as well put ordinary windows back in.
Search for an approved supplier in Lincolnshire – We cover all the following areas:
Alford, Billinghay, Boston, Bourne, Caistor, Corringham, Cranwell, Crowland, Donington on Bain, Gainsborough, Goulceby, Grantham, Holbeach, Horncastle, Ingoldmells, Kirton, Lincoln, Louth, Mablethorpe, Market Deeping, Market Rasen, Metheringham, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding, Spilsby, Stamford, Stickney, Stragglethorpe, Weston and Woodhall Spa.
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