Find a Window Installer you can trust in Pudsey.

uPVC is unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It is a favourite amongst homeowners and manufacturers for its cheap production cost and excellent benefits. uPVC is used for window frames, conservatories and doors. In fact, uPVC can be three times cheaper than wooden frames and is also the most energy efficient option.As well as this, uPVC is now available in a range of colours other than the typically seen bright white finish. It can also be recycled, is durable and resistant to changing weather conditions.

By replacing the single glazed windows in your home you stand to make savings of around £170 each year. It’s not just the financial gain that makes double glazing attractive though and you can also save up to 680kg of carbon emissions annually. Over 20 years this is a saving of around £3,400 and 13,600kg of CO2.

• Thick gloves
• A hammer
• A broom
• A vacuum cleaner
• Thick-soled shoes
• Safety goggles

1. Put your gloves on and use the hammer to remove the rest of the glass. Make sure you hit the glass away from you.
2. Using the broom, sweep away any loose glass from the area, making sure you do both inside and outside.
3. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any small pieces of glass that you might not have been able to see.

The energy efficiency of windows is measured using ratings, varying from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. This scheme is run by the British Fenestration Council (BFRC). To comply with Building Regulations you’ll need windows of energy efficiency at least level C.

Just like every other thing in your house, your double glazed windows have an expected lifespan attached to it as it gradually becomes less functional and less efficient over time. Although there are actually top quality windows which are able to last a very long time, but the fact still remains that nothing can stand the test of time or last forever. Even the best quality double glazed windows will eventually need to be replaced at some point. So exactly how long do double glazing windows last before need a replacement?

To make it brief, most double glazing window units are typically expected to last an average of 20 years. This number of years can, however, vary within the range of 10 to 35 years based on the several factors such as the type, quality of materials as well as installation and where the windows are located.

The reason for the depreciation in double glazing windows is, over time, the windows may be subjected to some wear, tear as well as all kinds of minor damages which includes gas filled insulated glazing unit slowly and gradually leaking. According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, the evaporation of 25 percent of gas will ultimately minimize the windows’ thermal performance. And when this occurs, fitting a secondary glazing measure or replacing the windows should be put into consideration.

Another factor leading to the gradual depreciation in double glazing windows over time has to do with condensation. When the window collects between the layers of glass due to the failure of the seal of the perimeter and the saturation of the desiccant, can only be solved by IGU replacement.

And finally, the ravages of time also has a way of taking its toll on double glazing windows. This can happen in so many ways such that the window becomes a lot less efficient and later needing to be replaced.

Coloured double glazing windows are more expensive than white ones, in general. uPVC is the cheapest material to use for double glazing, and white is the standard colour. But there are endless possibilities in terms of colours you can have, and they do come at additional cost.

Some people choose to have coloured double glazing that matches or opposes the colour of the exterior of their house. Another popular option is a woodgrain effect, which from a distance looks just like more expensive timber windows. The best thing about a wood effect is that you can have the stylish look of wooden windows without the maintenance, and they should last longer.

While coloured double glazing is more expensive than white ones, it doesn’t have to break the bank. The best thing to do is get in touch with a range of window companies and ask them to come round to give you a quote. They should be able to offer you brochures or links to websites of different brands of windows that offer coloured frames. From there, you can decide on the installers you liked most and the brand you preferred.

It’s worth bearing in mind that it’s not always best to go with the cheapest coloured windows. While there lots of good, inexpensive options out there, sometimes very cheap windows won’t be good quality and may not last as long as other slightly more expensive brands. Speak to your installer about guarantees that may come with the windows and how long they would expect them to last before making your final decision.

Double glazing is made up of two layers of glass, with a layer of argon gas in between. This type of glass can be used in Aluminium windows. The gas is a poor insulator, helping heat to stay in your home and making your windows more efficient. As well as trapping the argon gas, the second layer of glass reduces the amount of noise that enters your property, and helps to make your windows stronger and more secure.

• The glass has smashed from an impact such as a stone hitting it from a lawnmower
• You have been broken into and suspects used the window to gain entry
• The glass has blown (lost its airtightness) from constant water build-up around the seals, which is common in bathrooms
• Extreme weather or pressure changes have caused a crack

1. Including the beading (the plastic and rubber seals around the windows that can be removed), measure the width of the window frame.
2. Do the same for the height of the window, making sure you include the beading.
3. Then, take 10mm off each measurement, and you have the approximate size of your glass.