Noticing these signs? You probably need new windows

Are you thinking about updating your windows, but not sure if it's really necessary?

In some cases, you may be able to hold onto old windows. However, if you're experiencing serious issues with their structure or efficiency, it's a time to update to a new model because its most likely costing you money!

Photo Credit: Katy Silberger

We've noticed a dramatic increase in people replacing windows recently and we would like to let you know of our free service. If you want window quotes from installers based in the UK in your area use our website here and we'll find you the best quotes possible free of charge!

Check out these clear signs that it's time to replace your windows.

You Can Feel Draught in Your Home

Obvious, but means more than you think. Even the highest quality windows will allow a slight amount of air enter, but it should never be something you can feel or notice, your comfort shouldn't suffer!

Why? Because your windows will wear out over time and let more air in/out, resulting in you feeling a bit cold. For example, wooden windows can become warped from exposure to moisture in the air resulting in making the window too tight to function properly in some places, while creating gaps in other areas.
Also, another indication would be when the corners of the sashes and frames become loose and create gaps that allow air to penetrate the window

And while your first instinct may be to apply weather stripping, it's good to note that noticeable drafts often indicate an air leak caused by more than missing or damaged weather stripping. In fact, sealing and weather stripping should not be considered as anything more than just a temporary fix and should not be relied upon to perform properly.

The only solution to fixing these drafts is to replace your windows entirely. Trust me, it's worth doing it otherwise you're just going to pump wasted heat out the house, might as well just throw your money out the window!

You Have Some Difficulty Operating Your Windows (Shutting/Opening)

Again this is obvious, but people do tend to ignore this like it is no big deal! The windows that are most effected tend to be the bigger models. This is especially true for older double hung and single hung windows, which have issues with balance. When the balance fails, the window will no longer remain up when opened and can slam shut, posing a potential hazard.

Also be aware that wood and metal windows can also experience similar operating failures, if not properly cared for they can rot or rust so look after your windows like it's your baby!

There's Condensation Inside the Glass of Double- or Triple-Paned Windows

Photo Credit: David Dodge

If you have double or triple-paned windows and notice condensation or fog inside the glass, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window!

Why? Because condensation and fog between the glass panels can indicate seal failure. When the seal fails, moisture is able to enter the space between the panes of glass and as a result, air will condense on the glass. And when this happens, the insulated glass is no longer doing its job.

TOP TIP: Condensation in between the panes of glass will leave a white film which is caused by calcium deposited on the glass. If you see this white film, even if there is no visible condensation, it's a safe bet that the insulated glass unit has failed.

Your Electric/Gas Bill is Expensive

If your heating and cooling costs are high, it's likely that you have an inefficient furnace, or old windows that are simply not energy efficient, to keep your home at your desired temperature.

So, should you replace your windows?

Photo Credit: Ken Teegardin

According to Energy UK, "If your home has old and/or inefficient windows, it would  be more cost-effective to replace them than to try to improve their energy efficiency. New, energy-efficient windows eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs."

We've noticed a dramatic increase in people replacing windows recently and we would like to let you know of our free service. If you want window quotes from installers based in the UK in your area use our website here and we'll find you the best quotes possible free of charge!

http://windowquoter.co.uk/

Photo Credit: Evan

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Experts Assemble for Triple Glazing Question Experts Arena

Key influencers from the industry will assemble in the ‘Experts Arena’ at The Triple Glazing Question to give guests a chance to continue the debate and get further advice and opinions from the industry, stakeholders and press partners.

As part of the event at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Thursday 10 April, Triple Glazing Question stakeholders and press partners including AGC, Glass and Glazing Federation, Guardian and Pilkington will have information centres in the Expert Arena.

Those from the industry who have registered for the event can visit the Arena to ask advice on how they may be affected by the various issues raised by triple glazing; discuss ways that they might meet the challenges and how they can make the most of the opportunities it could bring.

As well as key stakeholders, other experts from the industry with information centres at the event include Aluplast, CENSolutions, Clear Thinking Software, Promac, Selecta, Spectus, Veka UK, and  Yale. There will also be a Press area where guests can speak to Glass and Glazing Products, The Glazine, Fenestration News, Glass News, Glass Times, Vision and Windows Active.

The Triple Glazing Question was launched by Edgetech UK at the beginning of the year. The event is an open discussion about what it means to systems companies, fabricators, installers, glass manufacturers and hardware companies. During the discussion and in the Experts Arena, people from the industry will have an opportunity to have their say as well as hear what others think.

The industry has the opportunity to have their voices heard at The Triple Glazing Question. Ordering tickets couldn’t be easier. Log onto www.tripleglazingq.co.uk to book free places at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Thursday 10 April.

The Triple Glazing Question, a Quanex Building Products seminar, is open to everyone. There are 500 tickets and they’re available on a first come first served basis.

The debate has already begun on the discussion website www.tripleglazingq.co.uk. There polls being asked on the website, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to gauge the mood of the industry and its already shaping up to be a lively debate.

Information gotten from and credit to: http://www.tripleglazingq.co.uk/experts-assemble-for-triple-glazing-question-experts-arena/

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Triple Glazing contributes to energy efficiency

Triple glazing in upvc windows has always had a reputation for being very good at blocking outside noise, hence you'll see it in many homes sited next to busy roads or under airport flight paths.

But with more and more emphasis being put on energy conservation and lowering energy bills, triple glazing shouldn't be ignored as a major contributor.

What's interesting is we're actually seeing examples where installations may include a mixture of triple and double glazing.

Especially on large windows on north facing walls whilst sunnier, warmer south facing aspects can manage with the cheaper traditional double glazed unit.

So if you're keen to reduce your energy usage to a minimum, whilst making your home as warm and as comfortable as possible, then you should be asking your preferred double glazing companies about triple glazing or at least triple glazing on the coldest faces of your home.

How triple glazing works: Like the name suggests, triple glazing features 3 panes of glass, each separated by am insulating air gap, within a upvc (or hardwood) frame. Because of the overall thickness of the glass layers, it may not be possible to have triple glazing in slimline frames, however, your preferred double glazing company will be able to advise you further on what's possible.

Whilst some experts reckon that modern double glazing with gas filled cavities and a-rated glass is as effective as traditional triple glazing, adding those options to a normal double glazed unit may make it nearer the triple glazed price.

Finally, because the triple glazing refers to the glass pane, you'll find some companies will offer triple glazing on conservatories too. The ultimate escape from the world outside, yet still with the energy efficiency and insulating properties of a triple glazed construction.

*This article first appeared in our weekly homeowner newsletter dated 23 May 2011. Click here to read the full newsletter.

Triple Glazing - Worth the Money?

Triple glazing is more prevalent in places like Scandinavia than in the UK due to the colder climate – although with the weather we’ve had recently maybe that’s in for a change!

Triple glazing is, as the name suggests, where the glass within a window frame is made up of 3 rather than 2 panes of glass. The extra glass/space layer does increase the insulation of your home whilst also reducing its solar gain in the Summer, which means that in terms of heat and energy efficiency, triple glazing will always out-perform double glazing.

But is it worth the additional cost? Prices for triple glazing can be anywhere between 20 and 40% higher than double glazing for the same window.

Get instant, free online quotes for glazing from Window Quoter.

The last few weeks excepted, typical UK weather wouldn’t normally warrant the extra cost unless you live in the very far north – but there are still significant benefits which make triple glazing worth considering. These include lower fuel costs and lower carbon usage, which can actually go some way towards paying the difference in price between double and triple glazed installations – particularly if your house has large expanses of windows.

The value of triple glazing also hugely increases if you home is next to a busy road or you live in an area of high noise levels, such as near an airport, then the additional sound insulation you get with triple glazing may well be worth it.

Triple glazing in such circumstances can increase your property's value and may give your property the edge over similar properties in the same street should you need to place it on the market.

Also, if you’re planning a large expanse of glass ‘walling’, then choosing the triple glaze option may make life more comfortable all year round.

You may find it harder to find a supplier of triple glazing than double glazing but it’s always worth asking, especially if you think your circumstances really make triple glazing the best option. You can use Window Quoter to get free online quotes for all kinds of glazing, in minutes.