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Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Yorkshire

We have all heard of the horror stories that often seem to have followed someone having double glazing replacement windows installed. With over 22,000 double glazing related cases reported to the Office of Fair Trading last year, evenly spread across the UK, it is clearly a sensible option, wherever you are, to find an approved supplier.

Benefits of using an approved supplier

What is an approved double glazing replacement window supplier?

There are, in my opinion, several levels, which is why it is a good idea to seek help in finding an approved “supplier” which incidentally frequently means the installation company to many of us –

The first point is to ensure that the product supplied is the right product for you and that it conforms within the regulations which set standards such as minimum energy saving levels – so first level is if the product is approved and does it meet with the British Fenestration Rating Council standards?

The second level is that the installer is approved to supply and install that particular product – I wouldn’t want to discover half way through an installation that my installer had never seen the product and has had no product training.

The third level which is what most of us are more concerned about (which eliminates much of points 1 and 2) is if they are FENSA members and / or members of the GGF Glass and Glazing Federation?

Both of these two organisations offer a level of security and comfort to the buyer and most of the better known companies with a reputation to protect will be members of FENSA – when we get our certificates (upon inspection and installation completion), which until recently was a requirement of the HIPS regulations: that certificate was issued by FENSA – Albeit that most of these are self assessment schemes it is the best interests of the supplies to remain members especially as it is government and local authority approved.

The second is GGF the Glass and Glazing Federation, which if you are particularly nervous also offers such things as deposit indemnity schemes.

Difficulties of finding a good Supplier in Yorkshire

Much of the difficulty lays in the complexity of the various levels as shown above, and to be confident of asking all of the right questions, getting honest answers and being brave enough to question some of the answers if not fully satisfied – lets be honest with ourselves – few of us are going to ask for written evidence.

Even I have been “Caught” – and I don’t think for one moment, deliberately – I had double glazing replacement windows installed ten years ago – 80% of the job was completed when the company failed to turn up – they had gone bust – the product was good and I had verified it, the company had good references so I was happy – I was not in a position to check nor would I have probably been blunt enough to check their financial status.

MOST OF US WOULD PREFER SOMEONE TO DO ALL THIS FOR US.

Having sorted who will do the job now lets quickly look at what we are buying into.

Advantages of Double Glazing and the benefits of replacing the windows

Double glazing has been around a long time now and most of us have a pretty good idea of what the benefits are, but in summary:

1. Reduced energy bills.
2. Lower carbon footprint.
3. More comfortable home.
4. Peace and quite.
5. Low maintenance no need to constantly re-paint.
6. Reduced condensation.
7. Easier to sell the home.

Materials used

There are many types of glass that can be used from plain float glass to leaded glass of high energy saving glass but these are pertinent to the style you select – the real differences in materials used is predominantly in the frames which are mainly

1. Aluminium
2. Hard wood or soft wood
3. uPVC / PVCu / UPVC

Aluminium window frames

Not a commonplace option now for the domestic home and often difficult to source unless you are looking for the industrial versions. Whilst being pretty strong and intruder proof, they are quite expensive, have a tendency to suffer from condensation more easily than other types and will frequently be declined in conservation areas

Wooden window frames

May be an obvious choice for the traditionalist and certainly was until recently, the natural choice for period style properties, but since the UPVC styles are now also able to offer quality Woodgrain finishes it is not the automatic choice any longer. There is no doubt that wooden frames can look very impressive but they do tend to be expensive and will require maintenance and will be prone to adverse weather conditions such as prolong sun. Check on the types of joints used and the age and quality of the timbers used – cheaper materials may be prone to warp or split

uPVC / PVCu / UPVC window frames

One of the best advantages of this material is that it is a highly insulate material which, during its lengthy lifetime will require little or no maintenance. UPVC never rots, flakes, rusts or fades.

As it is the most popular material used in double glazing it has also become the least expensive option which over the course of a complete house installation can be quite an advantage.

uPVC frames, PVCu frames or UPVC frames are the most durable and often come with lengthy guarantee periods.

Most of us are used to seeing it in white but as the technology has increased it can also now be acquired in Woodgrain finishes such as Mahogany and Oak.

uPVC frames, PVCu frames or UPVC frames are very trustworthy in terms of security being difficult to break or damage

The main types of double glazing replacement windows will tend to fall within the following categories

Casement windows

These open like doors – either left-hand or right-hand opening. They usually open away from the house.

They give unobstructed views (opened or closed), and allow significant amounts of light in to the room.

With such a large level of glass it is sometimes a popular option to see these windows with some of the leaded patterned glass simply to break the monotony.

Sash windows

Sash windows or sliding sash windows have been around for centuries and are mostly seen in period homes, such as Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian houses.

The modern double glazed sash windows will tend to avoid the traditional pitfalls which were centred on sticking and rattling plus the traditional requirements of weights and cords have gone.

Tilt and turn windows

These are a fairly modern invention, are very popular in double glazing replacement window installations and were designed for very practical reasons.

They are a great benefit where it is not safe to open the windows outwardly such as perhaps a ground floor opening onto a pavement.

They often have a dual function handle which allows the “tilt” for secure ventilation, the “turn” for cleaning, and excellent ratings for fire egress.

Energy saving from double glazing

All of our homes lose heat (energy) through the windows, doors, and double glazing is an effective way of reducing this energy loss and subsequently also reducing our heating bills.

The windows will vary in their energy efficiency dependent upon the energy rating of your chosen double glazing replacement windows. Rather like the rating we now get on fridges etc approved suppliers will often offer energy rated windows with an A-rated window being the most efficient.

It is almost impossible to estimated what you will save on your energy bills as it will vary from house to house dependent upon – the number of windows, the age of the property, the condition of the roof, if the doors are double glazed, does it have cavity wall insulation, sufficient loft insulation, and draft-proofing etc

Search for an approved supplier in Yorkshire – We cover all the following areas:

Aberford, Batley, Bingley, Birkenshaw, Boston Spa, Bradford, Brighouse, Burley in Wharfedale, Calverley, Castleford, Cleckheaton, Cowling, Darrington, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Elland, Halifax, Haworth, Hebden Bridge, Heckmondwike, Holmfirth, Horsforth, Huddersfield, Ilkley, Keighley, Leeds, Liversedge, Meltham, Mirfield, Morley, Normanton, Ossett, Otley, Oxenhope, Pontefract, Pudsey, Shipley, Slaithwaite, Sowerby Bridge, Thornton, Todmorden, Wakefield, Wetherby, Yeadon.

You can also find out more about these products by visiting our partner website for further information on Double Glazing Window

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