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What does double glazing actually mean?
Double glazing is a system whereby air is trapped in between two panes of glass within a window frame in order to create a barrier of insulation against draughts and noise. In line with Building Regulations, the optimum gap is 16 mm as anything larger is less effective against sound. At Nolan uPVC all our windows have a 16mm gap as standard.
Why is uPVC such a popular material for windows, doors and conservatories?
It's strong and extremely hardwearing so can withstand the severest of weather conditions. uPVC is also low maintenance and easy clean requiring a once a year wipe over with a cloth. Plus it is less expensive than wood yet, through clever finishing techniques known as foils, can look just like the real thing.
What is a profile?
When researching double glazing companies you will probably come across the word "profile". This refers to the upvc system the glass is fitted into. At Nolan uPVC we use Profile 22 profiles which are high quality, multi chambered systems with snug weather proof seals that have been awarded BSI Kitemarks.
How do uPVC windows save energy and reduce heating bills?
Between 5 and 10 per cent of heat can be lost through poorly fitting single glazed windows. A further 15% through doors. In older properties this can be as high as 50 per cent. Research has shown that a single glazed window loses energy at a rate of -198 kWh/m2 per year. Assuming electricity costs around 11p per kWh, and that the average house has eight square metres of glass, then double glazing could save £167 per year.
How do uPVC windows and doors increase the value of a property?
We researched a number of estate agents in Wales. All agreed that good quality uPVC windows in keeping with a property's style make it easier to sell. Nowadays, double glazing is a key feature potential buyers look out for and is a benefit that can add value beyond what it cost to install.
In what ways do new uPVC windows and doors improve a property's security?
A third of all break-ins are through a back window. Two thirds are through a door. For a secure home, it's important to install windows and doors with design specifications that have passed both police backed schemes (for instance Secured by Design) and home contents insurance company tests.
Our doors are fitted with Safeware locks - an advanced Secured by Design approved, seven point locking system that, tested by the British Standards Institute, has been awarded PAS023 and 024 Kitemarks. In the UK only a handful of companies are good enough to have earned these Kitemarks.
In addition to high performance locks, fully galvanized steel reinforced frames help resist against forced entry and ensure every lock fastening is driven in firmly for extreme strength and rigidity.
At Nolan uPVC, we're so confident that our door locks will resist intruders that we will give you up to £500 if you suffer a burglary as a result of our lock failing*.
Will new uPVC windows and doors improve air quality?
Eventually yes as the easy clean surface resists build up from household pollutants including dust that can cause allergies.
How can new uPVC windows and doors make a property quieter?
In the same way that double glazed windows and doors make a property warmer and draught free so they insulate against noise. Good sealed units will achieve a considerable reduction in outside noise making your home even more comfortable.
What is Low E Glass?
This requirement of current Building Regulations stands for 'low emissivity glass'. It is a special, invisible coating that has reflective properties and makes the glass more energy efficient. It works by reflecting longer wavelength heat from radiators and room surfaces back into a building. Meanwhile it lets in warming short wavelength energy from the sun that is then reflected, by the coating, back into the room. Pilkington K glass is categorised as Low E and is fitted as standard on all Nolan uPVC's products.
What is FENSA?
FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) at the request of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in response to the current Building Regulations for England and Wales. It exists to ensure homeowners receive a certificate of compliance from installers on the thermal performance standards of replacement windows and doors. Nolan uPVC has FENSA approval.
What is Document L?
Document L is the Building Regulations compliance requirement for England and Wales that sets the standards of energy efficiency in buildings and applies to both new build and replacement windows and glazed doors. It specifies the use of a Low E glass as standard in double glazed units so they may have a low U value and be thermally efficient.
What is U-value?
U-value measures the rate at which heat is lost through a material such as a double glazed unit meaning frame and glass combined. The lower the U-value, the lower the amount of heat lost and the lower the amount of energy wasted. U-values are measured in Watts per square meter per degree of temperature difference (abbreviated as W/m²k).
As a guide, the U value of single clear glass is 5.4. With ordinary double glazing this is improved to 2.6. With Low-E glass (standard at Nolan uPVC) the U value is reduced to 1.8, and if Argon gas is used to fill the air gap (an optional extra at Nolan uPVC), the U value will reduce to 1.6.
How does uPVC double glazing help the environment?
The generation of the energy we use to heat, light and cool our buildings represents almost half of the carbon dioxide emissions in the UK.
Energy efficient buildings (that is those with features such as double glazing that help keep heat in) save fossil fuels for future generations and help to reduce pollution that damages the ozone layer.
How can the thermal performance of a double-glazed unit be improved?
All standard Nolan uPVC products comply with Document L (Building Regulations) so offer good thermal performance with a U value rating of 1.8. To improve energy efficiency further, customers have the option of upgrading the specification of a double-glazed unit by increasing the width of the unit's cavity to 24mm and/or replacing the air within it with Argon gas, which is an inert (meaning static) gas that has better thermal properties than dry air.
Is all double glazing the same?
No, there are many variables. There's the structure of the profiles, the thickness of the glass, the gap between the panes (16 mm at least), and whether the glass has heat reflecting properties. The beading is also important as internal beading (fitted on the inside) is more secure. There's the quality of the locks to consider (minimum 5 point locking system on doors is essential), whether you can see the seals (seals with low sight lines are best) and how weatherproof they are. And of course how well all of these are put together (manufactured).
Another variable and one which is important if you want double glazing to not only perform but last, is steel reinforcement. Many companies have recently opted out of using steel as it has become so expensive. This is not the case at Nolan uPVC where reinforced profiles make them more rigid and capable of retaining their shape and lines whatever the weather chooses to throw at it.
It pays to invest in better quality double glazing as this will have a direct impact on energy bills. Shop around and when comparing prices, check that the products have similar (like for like) specifications otherwise the comparison is pointless.
Are all double glazing companies the same?
No and unfortunately it is an industry with a reputation for cheap sales gimmicks and pushy, commission-based telesales staff so it pays to deal with a company you don't feel pressured by. One that you feel you can trust.
Companies also vary not just in the quality of the products but the installation (fitting). It's all very well having a well put together product but if the installation and finishing is poor then you'll feel let down and the double glazing simply won't perform. Frames should be perfectly square and level with a maximum number of screws and fixings. The sealing both inside and out should also be perfect. At Nolan uPVC all our installers undergo a three year training programme to ensure they meet exacting standards.
A good measure of credibility and quality is if it is FENSA registered and where products have Kitemarks and accreditation with bodies such as the British Standards Institute.
Another measurement is simply by asking former customers. If good and reliable, a company will get most of its business from recommendations and previous customers. At Nolan uPVC most (over 60%) of our business comes from these sources. Ask to see copies of testimonials and speak to customers if possible. |
