What is Double Glazing?

Text adapted from www.doubleglazing.gb.net

Double glazing tends to be an all purpose term used today for uPVC replacement windows.  Double glazing comprises of a high tech sealed unit comprising of two panes of safety glass with a special heat reflective coating on the inside pane which reflects the heat back into the room, multipoint locking systems and robust uPVC double glazing frames. The most recognizable form of double glazing is uPVC double glazing.

Why choose Double Glazing?

• New Double Glazing Increases Value, replacing older windows and doors with new double glazing improves the look of your home and increases the ease of selling your home.
• Double Glazing Insulation is far superior to traditional single glazed windows plus they are also draught-proof. Both these factors mean that double glazing reduces the amount of heat that can escape (by approximately 10 – 12%), potentially reducing the need for as much heating and cutting your fuel bills.
• Double Glazing Window Security unfortunately we are all at risk of burglary but modern double glazing windows and doors are equipped with a range of security features, including special locks which can help to foil burglars.
• Double Glazing Noise Reduction your home can be made quieter as double glazing reduces the amount of noise which enters the house from aircraft, passing traffic and people.
• Double Glazing Maintenance Reduction one of the biggest benefits of double glazing is the reduction in maintenance, there is no need to repaint or vanish as you do with wood, all that is needed is a wipe over with a damp cloth.

Elements to consider

• choose a style that matches your type of property and enhances its appearance. 
• make sure you have enough windows that actually open. Simple designs with very few openings are cheaper, but may turn out to be impractical and ultimately a bad investment.
• Always ask your supplier how long before the installation takes place and once there how long will the installation team expect to be on site.
• Although rare, planning permission may sometimes be required to fit double glazing. This is especially true in the case of 'listed' buildings and properties located in 'conservation areas'. If you are converting a flat window into a bow or bay window, you may also need planning permission. If you are in any doubt its worth checking by calling your local authority.
• With UPVC windows, it's reasonable to ask your supplier if the windows are fully welded or if window components are mechanically fixed. Mechanical fixing is generally considered to be a more economic method of manufacture, but it's possible that with wear and tear, particularly on doors, that the mechanical (screw) fixing will come apart, weakening the frames and reducing performance. For this reason, it might be worth asking for a price for welded construction with the possible exception of woodgrain style UPVC frames, which can look neater if a mechanical fixing is used.
• Try to obtain at least two or three estimates and make sure you visit a showroom.
• Be prepared to pay a deposit, most companies will ask for 10% unless your work is bespoke in anyway.  Its worth withholding a percentage of the final cost until the work has been completed entirely to your satisfaction, but be realistic, always pay for work that has been completed as it establishes a good relationship with your installer.
• With regard to guarantees there are two different types, one covers the work that has been completed and most double glazing companies will guarantee their frames and sealed units for a minimum of ten years, but check first.  The other type is an insurance backed guarantee and these only become effective should the company go into liquidation.  Its also worth checking if they are a member of a trade body that provides guarantees for their members work as they may offer cover if the company does go into liquidation free of charge.
• There are a wide variety of locks and security features that can be fitted to your window as well as fire escape features.  Discuss these and the price of them with your installer to make sure you get a product that matches your needs.
• Confirm that your supplier will make good around the new frames once they have been fitted. Most will expect to do this as part of the overall installation, but it is worth checking that this is part of the service.