Thursday, 21 October 2010

Energy Saving Windows

Replacement windows come in a range of styles and designs and there are particular features you should look out for to increase energy efficiency.
To find the right windows for your home, ask yourself these questions:
How energy efficient are the windows?
When choosing replacement windows, you can check its energy efficiency by looking at the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo and BFRC energy label. The higher the energy rating, the more energy efficient it is. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no obligation for window manufacturers to label their products, however by opting for a high rated window you know you will be buying the most efficient.

For a list of all windows and their frame material and energy rating, visit the BFRC website.
How many layers of glass do you need?
Double glazing has two layers of glass with a gap of around 16mm between them. There’s also the option of triple glazing, which has three layers of glass. Both A rated double and tripled-glazed windows are available.
What type of glass is best?
The most energy efficient glass for double glazing is low emissivity (Low-E) glass. This often has an unnoticeable coating of metal oxide, normally on one of the internal panes - next to the gap. It lets sunlight and heat in but cuts the amount of heat that can get out again.
What’s between the panes?
Very efficient windows might use gases like argon, xenon or krypton in the gap between the 2 sheets of glass.
What keeps the panes apart?
All double glazed windows have pane spacers set around the inside edges to keep the two panes of glass apart. For a more efficient window, look for pane spacers containing little or no metal – often known as “warm edge” spacers.
The BFRC window energy rating scheme checks all the components to ensure the final window achieves the energy efficient standard claimed. This means that you just need to look for the A-G ratings and remember A is best! Alternatively, just look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo which will only be found on glazing that is C rated or above.
Which frame suits your home?
The frame you choose will depend on your home and your personal taste. For all frame materials there are windows available in each energy rating.
  • uPVC frames are the most common type. They last a long time and can be recycled.
  • Wooden frames can have a lower environmental impact, but require maintenance. They are often used in conservation areas where the original windows were timber framed.
  • Aluminium or steel frames are slim and long-lasting. They can be recycled.
  • Composite frames have an inner timber frame covered with aluminium or plastic. This reduces the need for maintenance and keeps the frame weatherproof
Do you need ventilation?
Because replacement windows will be more airtight than the original single glazed frames, condensation can build up in your house due to the reduced ventilation.
If there is not a sufficient level of background ventilation in the room some replacement windows will have trickle vents incorporated into the frame that let in a small amount of controlled ventilation.
Condensation can sometimes occur on the outside of new low-e glazing. This is because low-e glass reflects heat back into the home and as a result the outside pane remains cool and condensation can build up in cold weather – this isn’t a problem.

Wednesday, 13 October 2010

October has followed on from a good September

So Autumn has well and truly arrived and with it a cracking start to October which followed a great September. It is this time of year when we do expect to be busy but after the iffy start to January and February I’m feeling buoyant.

Sales leads are now up on this time last year and our conversion rates into jobs are also up. I did renegotiate terms and prices with our current fabricators and have passed them on to our customers.

Our sales in Composite doors are on the up to after a great year last year and I think this is set to get bigger and to continue to grow in a rapidly expanding marketplace.

I’m feeling confident within the whole Double glazing industry after chatting with suppliers, colleagues, competitors, and friends so let’s keep the phones ringing and the sales coming in.

I think this is just what we all needed after the WER’s fiasco and how to be compliant which sent some confusion and anger throughout the industry, but seems to have settled down now.

Here’s to Winter and not forgetting Christmas is only just round the corner then after that comes the dreaded VAT hike!

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Why not choose a Heritage Composite door?

Our Heritage Composite door Collection offers the look and feel of a timber door without the inherent problems. No more painting, sanding or varnishing. No more cracking, bowing or twisting. Just an occasional wipe over with a damp cloth will restore it to its original finish.

Each door is manufactured with state of the art technology that meets all British standard tests. An exciting range of glass designs are available and the rich grained surface even has those unique, tiny characteristics left by the hand of a craftsman to give it that traditional timber feel.

Seven colour options are available including White/White, Blue/White, Red/White, Black/White, Green/White, Rosewood/White and Light Oak/White, the coloured option always facing outward.

All of our Heritage Collection doors come fitted with:
 » 2 hook and 3 deadbolt white wrap around lock PAS 23/24 Certification and Police preferred security specification.
» 45mm back set
» White powder coated Aluminium wrap around faceplate to two sides
» Adjustable top, bottom and centre keep system Lever-lever or lever-pad function (optional)
»3x 3 way adjustable hinge meets requirement of BS EN 1670:1998.
Door Leaf
Fibreglass (GRP Thermoset) through colour door facings nominal 2mm thickness with grained effect surface • No finishing required • Low maintenance: wipe down with soft cloth and warm water to clean • 44mm Thickness • Supplied fully finished with hardware and glazing pre-fitted (except handles supplied only) • High Density closed cell rigid polyurethane foam that is ODP ZERO.
Glazing
Through colour click fit glazing system with grained effect. Pre-finished to match door • Pre-glazed with 26mm thickness double-glazed • Glazed units incorporate toughened or laminate glass to BS6206 (Low E glass may be supplied but not required for compliance with Part L1 of the building regulations for England & Wales).
PVC Outer Frame
Offered in 70mm thickness • 70mm profile fitted with 1 bubble gasket and two brush seals (triple seal) • Supplied as welded goal post frame with 150 cill attached as standard other options available • Steel reinforced PVCu outer-frame • PVCu Highly UV stabilised BS1006 1978 • High impact resistant • Profile tested to BS476 Part 7 1971 have achieved a class 2 minimum surface spread of flame rating • Low coefficient of thermal conductivity has insulation properties of 0.035 W/M c three times better insulation than a timber alternative • High Impact resistance.
Lock and Hinge
White wrap around lock PAS 23/24 Certification and Police preferred security specification • 45mm back set • White powder coated aluminium wrap around faceplate to two edges • Adjustable top, bottom and centre keep system • Lever-lever or lever-pad function (optional) • 3D Challenger butt hinge x 3 allows for lateral +2mm –2mm, height +3mm and compression –0.75mm +0.75mm adjustment while the door is closed • Meets requirement of BS EN 1670:1998 • High security pin and locking screw • Other lock specifications available on request.
Threshold / Weather Bar
Low 14.5mm threshold PAS 23/24 certified • Part M compliant options available • 150 cill fitted as standard.


Friday, 1 October 2010

A few hints on buying Double glazing

Energy efficient Double glazing isn’t as expensive as you may think, and it also has many benefits, including cutting down on central heating costs and your carbon footprint.
A good double glazing installer will have experience in double-glazed windows and doors, French windows, bay windows and conservatories.
Helpful hints
·         Double glazing companies are often but not always less busy during summer, so you may be able to negotiate a good price for your double glazing project during the summer months.
·         For double glazing projects or double glazing repairs, obtain detailed quotations from at least three double glazing firms, outlining costs and timescales, and ask to see samples of their products.
·         Ensure your double glazing contract states when and what you will have to pay, and make sure you're happy with all the terms before you sign it.
·         Good double glazing companies will give guarantees for all the work carried out, but if the double glazing installer goes out of business you will have trouble claiming. To avoid this, you can use a guarantee scheme to insure the work and materials.
·         Some double glazing companies will be prepared to negotiate, so don't automatically accept the first price and it might be a good time to buy before the VAT hike in January.
·         Ask to see examples of work the double glazing company has carried out that's similar to your project - a good glazier will be able to show you examples of everything from French windows to bi-fold doors and conservatories.

Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Why not consider Bi-fold doors!!!

Bi-folding doors can create a whole new feel for your home, linking rooms together and seamlessly joining inside living with outside space. Versatile and aesthetically pleasing, bi-fold doors are the ideal replacement for existing patio or French doors to flood any room with natural light.
Amazingly flexible and versatile, bi-fold doors can be fully opened, partially opened or totally closed, depending on the amount of space required. Once fully opened, doors stack  neatly to one side creating valuable new space and open plan living. With easy access in summer and a wonderful view in winter, bi-fold doors add light and air all year round.
Bi-Fold doors add light and air all year round
The unique design of a bi-fold door means both cill and track are incorporated into the threshold, which results in a reduced frame height for improved aesthetics and a smoother operation of opening and closing.
Other key features and benefits include;
  • Slim line UPVC frame.
  • High performance weathering.
  • Broad range of door configurations.
  • Choose from 2 to 7 door panels.
  • Internally beaded.
Doors are at the heart of your home’s security, and we design our products to ensure the visitors to your home are only the welcome ones.
  • Incorporating traditional keys with a modern locking system provides a superior level of security, giving you the best possible protection and peace of mind.
  • Hardware components fixed to continuous lengths of reinforcement, further improving the sash stability and operation.
  • Available in various colours to suit your home.
  • Double perimeter weather seals on all sashes gives improved weather performance, making them draught free and energy efficient.

Monday, 27 September 2010

Its not all work and no play (a day at the races).

So after a really busy week, finally Saturday came round and with it the opportunity to relax with a day at Chester Races.

Thankfully when I opened the curtains on Saturday morning, I was very relieved to see the sun had made an appearance as ordered...unlike my usual Saturday for Golf when the heavens open all day!!

So along came midday and time for the off, a short walk down to some friends where we were welcomed with a glass of pink...very summery, and a promising start to the afternoon...which set the tone for the rest of the day.

The taxi dropped us off outside the racecourse, and upon arrival into the paddock area it’s time to get the bets on and the Champagne ordered!!! Surrounded by the usual glamour (not just the Mrs!) with all the ladies dressed to impress and the guy’s in their Whistle and Flute’s, a bar full of Champagne, what more could you ask for...maybe a few winners.

And as it so happened we managed to win four out of the seven races, so it was off for a slap up meal to celebrate and round the evening off nicely.

This has to be one of the big plus points of living in and around Chester.  The day was a great success and much fun was had...roll on next year’s racing season.


Left to right: Our friends Rachel and Steve, Me and Sarah (the Mrs).

Thursday, 23 September 2010

Winters on it's way and Double Glazing will cut heat loss

If you have found yourself shivering in your home, it may be time to think about improving your windows.
They are very good at letting in light, but are unfortunately also very good at letting out heat.
About a quarter of all the heat lost from your house escapes through the windows. But this can be dramatically reduced by fitting double glazing. This is done by replacing the one pane of glass with twin panes.
Because the inner pane is relatively warm a double glazed window dramatically reduces cold down-draughts, and also suffers much less from condensation than a single glazed one.
Two methods are commonly used for double glazing windows. In the first new frames are fitted with sealed unit double glazing consisting of two panes of glass.
In the second, existing single glazed windows are fitted with secondary glazing which is a second separate pane of glass or other clear sheet of material installed in the room side of the window.
You can install sealed units in some existing single glazed window frames, but it is generally quicker and better in the long run to replace the entire window rather than to reglaze an old frame.
The simplest form of secondary glazing involves fixing a second pane of glass over each individual sash or casement of the window, or covering the whole of the window opening.
Most commonly the second pane is fixed to the window frame itself.
You can use glass, clear rigid plastic sheeting or renewable plastic film to create fixed secondary glazing.
However, if the first two materials are fixed to the window frame rather than to individual sashes or casements, they can prevent the window from being opened for ventilation, or more importantly, from being used in an emergency as a fire escape.

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Why choosing the right Double Glazing company is important.

Like all major industries and trades, double glazing is governed by guidelines that protect consumers from being taken to the cleaners by unscrupulous operators.

Work should, where possible, be undertaken by an installer registered under a Competent Persons Scheme such as FENSA, CERTASS or the British Standards Institution (Kitemark).
Installers who are not registered with a Competent Persons Scheme will need to involve the Building Control department of their local council to approve and issue the necessary certificates.

The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) to ensure the quality of work provided by glaziers across the UK is of an adequate standard and fully guaranteed.

Under FENSA guidelines, installers are required to offer customers a guarantee or warranty to cover the cost of rectifying work after installation.

This must in turn be backed by an independent insurance policy in case the firm goes under and all deposits taken prior to work beginning must be protected by a deposit indemnity scheme.

If you are in doubt of an installer’s credentials, walk away.

You will find that most double glazing specialists will offer a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee on their work which covers you in the event of faulty craftsmanship. Some even offer 15-year guarantees which cover specific products such as gas-filled units.
Offers can vary in the type of work that is covered. Again, a detailed read of the small print is essential before committing.

Claire Lynam, head of communications and alliances at the BSI recommends only buying products that have been Kitemark approved.

“We would suggest using a Kitemark product and opting for a Kitemark-approved installer when entering into an agreement,” she says. “BSI-approved glaziers are re-assessed annually and inspectors visit them to look at the work being done to vouch for its quality.”

Key points
  • Reputable installers should always be fully accredited under a Competent Persons Scheme
  • Ask to see their guarantee documents before agreeing to any work
  • Check to see whether the guarantee is insurance-backed

Monday, 20 September 2010

Wet Wet Wet!!!

Monday is here and the sun was shining and I was out fitting today so we could get a job finished that we started on Friday, and all in all it’s been a good start to the week but the weekend was so wet and miserable.
So as usual on Saturday I set off to Conwy Golf club to tackle one of Wales finest links.  As I’m driving down the A55 towards the North Wales coast the sky suddenly starts to look grey and dismal, but I was determined not to let it spoil my enjoyment....or so I thought!!
As I spanked my ball off the first tee with my trusty 3 iron it soon became very obvious it was going to be a wet day, and by the time I’m marking a bogey 5 on my card on the 2nd tee it’s seriously throwing it down, Cats, Dogs and all.
After a wet 4 hour walk and and not much luck on the Links I found refuge within the clubhouse and a nice pint of beer.  And it was in the 19th that I was reminded that I was doing it again on Sunday.  This thought didn’t fill me full of joy and yes Sunday was worse than Saturday and I did get wet, very wet.
So it’s back to pricing up work in the morning and then blogging about the Double Glazing industry in the afternoon.  But please please let the sun shine....like it does for our friends down in the south!!

Thursday, 16 September 2010

Fire Escape Windows and Building regulations

Recently the query arose regarding clarification of the word “dwelling” and in particular where egress fire escape windows need to be fitted.

Firstly, the definition of dwelling” is a unit of residential accommodation which has either single person or family occupancy but with no more than six people. The word dwelling does not include flats or apartments.

Flats / Apartments are categorized as being a “building other than a dwelling house”. Therefore, it is important to note that should you have a development / project where windows are being fitted to flats / apartments then it is Building Regulation B, Volume 2 which applies in this instance and not Volume 1.

Where are Egress Windows required?

Ground floor dwellings

All habitable rooms (not kitchens) which open directly into a hall way which lead to the main entrance door do not require egress windows, however egress windows may be fitted if the client should want them. In this case the window must comply with the egress specification stated in the approved document. Egress windows will be required however for any “inner” rooms where egress is not directly to the main exit door.

Upper Floor Levels no more than 4.5m Above ground level:
All habitable rooms (not kitchens) within the upper storey of a dwelling which has only one stairwell must have egress windows fitted in compliance with the Building Regulation unless that stairwell is protected in which case no egress window will be required.  Using an Egress window that is over 4.5m above ground level is not viable as it is unlikely that if a fire should occur that the occupants will jump through and out of the building at such a height. Therefore the Part B approved document states: -

“The dwelling may either have a fire protected stairwell or the top storey of the dwelling is separated from the lower storeys using fire resistant construction materials and provide an alternative escape route leading to the main door.  If the dwelling has more than one stairwell which are separate then this is deemed as an alternative means of escape and therefore the ruling above for floor levels above 4.5m need not apply.”
What is the specification for an Egress fire escape window?

As stated in the Building Regulations, any window which is provided for emergency egress should have an unobstructed clear opening area of at least 0.33m2 and must have a MINIMUM dimension of 450mm high and 450mm wide. The bottom edge of the opening window should be no more than 1100mm above the floor level. The window should also be in such a position within the dwelling that the person escaping is able  to reach a place free from danger (i.e away from the fire).

Tuesday, 14 September 2010

A conservatory really can add value to your home.

Part of the beauty of kicking back and relaxing in your new conservatory with a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down is the contentment you feel knowing that every pound put into your new development will be repaid with interest when you sell your home.

As a conservatory is simply an extra room in the house, it fits neatly into the tried-and-tested housing market formula of more space = more cash.

Getting the best value out of any development to your home relies on striking a balance between keeping costs down to maximise your resale value and not skimping on a cheaper offer by a questionable builder that could shave thousands off the value of your home.

In terms of resale value, a conservatory sits alongside new kitchens, double glazing and parking space on the list of shrewd home improvement investments.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), adding a conservatory to your home can add between 4% and 5% to its value, which in the current market place is surely a bonus.

An attractive conservatory can also be a real deal-clincher to prospective buyers.Even if a conservatory is not on a buyer’s ‘must-have’ list, it can be an eye-catching prospect that could turn a potential sale in a definite one.

Monday, 13 September 2010

No pockets in shrouds..

More than a third of over-50s households are in need of DIY home improvements, according to a new survey by Saga.

The group found that 34 per cent of homeowners over the age of 50 need to carry out some form of repair work on their property.

Some 16 per cent of respondents said they need to fix their roofing, while 13 per cent named drainage and guttering as a necessary DIY project.

A further eight per cent said their central heating needs mending.Over-50s households in London are most in need of property repairs, with 42 per cent claiming their homes require work.

By carrying out DIY home improvements, older homeowners could make their properties more energy efficient.

Indeed, fixing faulty central heating and replacing old boilers and installing Double glazing could help them reduce their heating bills dramatically.

Roof repairs could also result in savings by preventing heat from escaping.

Friday, 10 September 2010

Connaught buyout saves 2,500 jobs

Around 2,500 jobs at collapsed firm Connaught were rescued today after administrators struck a deal to sell the bulk of its social housing division.


The £28 million deal with construction firm Morgan Sindall comes two days after the appointment of KPMG as administrators for the main company, and its subsidiaries Connaught Partnerships and Connaught Technical Solutions.

Morgan Sindall said its affordable housing division, Lovell Partnerships, had reached an agreement to acquire "the majority" of the ongoing contracts and assets of Connaught's social housing business.

John Morgan, executive chairman of Morgan Sindall, said: "Our focus now will be to ensure a smooth handover of the contracts and to minimise disruption to essential maintenance services."

Leeds-based Connaught Partnerships, which was the largest division placed into administration, employs 4,400 staff across the UK, so while the deal will be a relief to many, some jobs remain at risk of redundancy.

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Property expert calls for all homes to Install Double Glazing

Property expert George Clarke has called for UK homeowners to take a holistic approach to making their homes more energy efficient, describing double glazing as a key component to reducing emissions and cutting fuel bills.


In an interview with The Telegraph Clarke, presenter of Channel 4's The Home Show and The Restoration Man said double glazing, especially when combined with loft and cavity insulation, will make a real difference to both the environment and household fuel bills.

"When you look at the potential energy savings, every house in the country ought to be double glazed," he said.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the typical house loses around 18% of its heat through the windows. Replacing single glazing with Energy Saving Recommended double glazed windows would lead to a reduction of around 720 kilograms of carbon dioxide every year, as well as an annual saving of £135.

"People aren't going to change their habits just to save the environment," Clarke said. "They need to see the benefits for themselves."

He added: "There is a perception that eco-designed homes are new builds, with a lot of hi-tech modern features. But all homes need to become eco-homes if we are to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Kyoto Protocol.

"Just think how much energy and money – when it comes to fuel bills – can be saved with roof insulation and double glazing alone."

As part of an effort to comply with the Kyoto bill, which aims to cut greenhouse gas levels worldwide, the government recently announced its Warm Homes, Greener Homes strategy, under which it hopes emissions from the country's homes, should be reduced by 29% by 2020.

Safety Glass. Be in the know..

I thought I would write a few words on being complient when using safety Glass. One of the most common issues Fensa inspectors pick up on is where and when safety Glass should be used. So here we go and I hope it clears up a few grey area's.

Under Document N – Part N1 – Glazing – Protection Against Impact all domestic installations must comply with the requirement for safety glass.

What is Safety Glass

Safety glass is defined as “If broken on impact, break in a way which is unlikely to cause injury, or Resist impact without breaking, or Be shielded or protected from impact”. This means that the glass must be either toughed or laminated.

When is Safety Glass Required

Part N1 specifies the areas where safety glazing is required to be installed and is supported by detailed British Standard documentation.

1) Safety glass is required on all windows below 800mm from floor level
2) 300mm either side of a door
3) doors below 1500mm


Wednesday, 8 September 2010

WER's - It seems the goal posts have been moved....Yet again!!

Windows that have not been formally energy rated under the WER scheme, or have not received a formal U-value, can still comply with the building regulations come October 1.

In a letter which we received this week and also sent to all its members, Fensa offered two ways that installers could prove that their products achieve a U-value of 1.6W/m2K, which does not require costly formal processes.

In the lead up to October 1, when the new regulations are due to come into force, the BFRC had been promoting the Window Energy Rating scheme (WERs) as the preferred method of proving compliance with the building regulations – the government announced that windows with a WER of at least a C (up to a possible A) will comply. The alternative is the U-value method, which has received far less publicity, but in both cases, expensive formal testing, calculations and registration was required.

However, installers were told last week that Fensa inspectors would require no formal evidence of compliance if their timber (70mm depth min) or uPVC windows were constructed using soft coat low-e glass, warm edge spacer (16mm min), and 90% argon gas, “ie, there will be no need to provide further evidence to the consumer or to the Fensa inspector, providing there is no evidence to suggest that our assumption is incorrect”.

The letter also gave details of an online U-value calculator that can determine the whole window U-value. Available from mid-September, the calculator will store the details on a database alongside results from other authorised calculators. “These details will be passed to our inspectors when you, at the point of registration, indicate that the installation conforms to a particular calculation held in our database,” the letter explained. It will cost £199 a year to use, for an unlimited number of calculations.

Giles Willson, a director of the BFRC, was quoted as saying “The standard unit as per the press release two weeks ago installed in timber and five-chamber PVC-U systems will achieve a 1.6 U-value. This is not the only solution to achieve compliance – ie, I know some three-chamber systems will achieve the 1.6 with this spec unit, and other systems will achieve 1.6 without soft coat or gas or warm edge spacer bars.

“This is a spec which will work and is proven making life for compliance easier for large sectors of the market. The fact a more cost effective solution may be available by using WER or U-value calculation is down to the manufacturer.”

Seems to me like another money making scheme aimed at prising money out of us not so Cash Rich REPUTABLE companies already struggling under this recession.

Friday, 3 September 2010

Why it's best to buy local.

I recently read an article in the “Which” magazine regarding the sales tactics adopted by some of the bigger nationwide companies in the Double Glazing Industry. And it prompted me to think “Do people actually get taken in by these sales tactics?”


Well obviously they do, because these companies are all still trading and going strong for that point. But why?


I certainly wouldn’t think I was getting a bargain just because a company was willing to reduce their price by almost 50% if I signed on the dotted line there and then. What would be going through my mind is that fact that they were blatantly willing to rip me off in the first place. Why do these companies feel the need to adopt this method of selling, which only gives the industry a bad name? Why like the rest of us, can they not just submit their best price in the first instance!!

 
I don’t think I will ever get an answer, and I don’t suppose things will ever change. But I guess if most of us smaller local companies are pricing and selling our products with integrity, we can only hope that the consumers will see through the others and realise its best to buy and support local companies.

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

A Greener reason for choosing uPVC Windows, Doors and Conservatories

More people choose uPVC windows than any other framing material. Some 85% of homes in the UK are estimated to have them.


For years many have chosen uPVC window frames because they are great to look at, affordable and never need painting. Today, however, with climate change issues in mind, it also makes good sense to choose uPVC windows and doors.

There are more A energy rated uPVC windows than other framing material. And uPVC windows score top marks in the BRE Green Guide for sustainability and they are recyclable.

Although little known, uPVC from old windows can now be used to make new windows as well as other items. Plus uPVC can be recycled not once, but up to 10 times.

Design-wise, uPVC is by far the most versatile framing material. Frame designs can equally suit traditional-style buildings, modern architecture and low-energy consuming homes. And they always look good – no peeling paint, no rusty bits, no paint on windows and there are loads of styles to choose from.

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Summers Over....my first blog!!

So the summer is nearly over and in a few days the kids go back to school....except as usual we haven’t had a summer!! June was good, but July and August have once again been a complete wash out.

Will this trend continue for years to come...probably! So if last year was anything to go by, then we’ve got a cold winter to look forward to.


Which is why now is a good time to think about changing your windows and doors to energy efficient uPVC. Installing energy efficient glazing is an effective way of reducing your energy bills and keeping your home warmer and quieter.


The benefits of having double glazing installed, according to the www.energysavingtrust.org.uk are:


“The benefits of double glazing


  • Smaller energy bills: replacing all single glazed windows with energy efficient glazing could save you around £130 per year on your energy bills.
  • A smaller carbon footprint: by using less fuel, you’ll generate less of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that leads to global warming.
  • A more comfortable home: energy efficient glazing reduces heat loss through windows and means fewer draughts and cold spots.
  • Peace and quiet: as well as keeping the heat in, energy efficient windows insulate your home against unwanted outside noise.
  • Reduced condensation: energy efficient glazing reduces condensation build-up on the inside of windows.”
So don’t wait for the cold winter months to set in, think about making the changes now. 

Visit http://www.heritagewindows.net/ to view our range of products.