Listen To Your Replacement Window Salesman Next Time!
I know we don’t like salespeople calling us at home - but you might like what you hear these days!
Double & triple-glazed replacement windows are really looking like one of the most effective ways for your home and business to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
It’s all very simple really – stop heat escaping from your home and reap the rewards – both environmentally and financially.
Why Triple Glazing?
Well, double glazing works by trapping a layer of gas in between 2 panes of glass and so stopping the air from your home escaping into the outside world.
Now, the atmosphere likes to balance itself out if it can so the cold air will be wanting to creep into your home anyway it can, and as a result will make your home cooler.
This double-pane approach will make this movement of air very difficult, and so keep you home on average warmer than a single glazed room.
This transfer of heat across a surface (the glass panel – from outside to inside) is called the ‘U Value’ and the lower the better in terms of energy loss from your home.
Single panes of glass have a value of around 5.8, with curtains pulled it drops down the 3.6! And if you add secondary glazing you could drop as low as 2.9.
However, if you switch to air-filled double glazing - this figure can get as low as 1.7 – and all the way to Argon-filled triple glazing can drop your U value right down to 1.4 – that’s 75% more efficient at retaining heat.
Fitting The Windows:
Obviously, the first thing to do is decide what type of replacement windows you want – maybe have taken photo’s of neighbours windows for reference.
Then make sure you contact an agent that is a member of a recommended guild of association – like the Glass & Glazing Federation in the UK, like Everest Windows; or the Master Builders Association in the US, like Penguin Windows.
This way you can make sure that not only have the installers passed certain certification and are up-to-date with all current regulations – but that you will be getting a 100% effective Guarantee for the works carried out, something that you can pass on to the next owner of your home.
You can of course fit new windows and doors yourself, but you must fulfill certain criteria that you will have to find out for yourself first. For example, to change any external windows or doors in your home you will need to apply to your local building regulations office for approval, as there are minimum requirements for the performance of the material used and thermal qualities!
And of course, if you fit them yourself you will have no guarantee of any kind. The work and it’s lifespan are totally resting on your choices and your handiwork!
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