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Double glazed windows are better than single glazed generally because they are more energy efficient. The clue’s in the name – double glazed windows have two panes of glass while single glazed windows only have one. In double glazed windows, there is a space between the two glass panes. This space is filled with inert gas or a tight vacuum, which helps to provide an extra level of insulation. That means that heat won’t escape your home easily, nor will it creep in, so you can keep your home at a more comfortable temperature.

The extra pane of glass also helps to increase your home’s security. Single glazing is pretty easy to smash through, whereas it will take much more effort to smash double glazing and will create more noise, so burglars might be put off.

Another reason why double glazed windows are better than single glazed ones is that they help to reduce noise. Of course, if you live by a busy road you’ll still hear some traffic noise, but it can be significantly reduced buy double glazing. In the same way that the inert gas in the middle of the two panes keeps heat in and the cold out, it also helps keep noise out.

With double glazing, you’ll also notice much less condensation. With single glazing, it’s common to see condensation on the inside of the windows, especially when the heating is on. This is because the outside of the window is cold, but the inside is warm. With double glazing, the insulation between the two panes stops there being such a difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the window.

You don’t have to, especially if you’re on a budget. If you’re only replacing some, it’s a good idea to get all the windows on one side of your property replaced at the same time, so they all look the same. Be aware, obviously, huge savings could be had by having a number of windows replaced at the same time.

Coloured double glazing windows are more expensive than white ones, in general. uPVC is the cheapest material to use for double glazing, and white is the standard colour. But there are endless possibilities in terms of colours you can have, and they do come at additional cost.

Some people choose to have coloured double glazing that matches or opposes the colour of the exterior of their house. Another popular option is a woodgrain effect, which from a distance looks just like more expensive timber windows. The best thing about a wood effect is that you can have the stylish look of wooden windows without the maintenance, and they should last longer.

While coloured double glazing is more expensive than white ones, it doesn’t have to break the bank. The best thing to do is get in touch with a range of window companies and ask them to come round to give you a quote. They should be able to offer you brochures or links to websites of different brands of windows that offer coloured frames. From there, you can decide on the installers you liked most and the brand you preferred.

It’s worth bearing in mind that it’s not always best to go with the cheapest coloured windows. While there lots of good, inexpensive options out there, sometimes very cheap windows won’t be good quality and may not last as long as other slightly more expensive brands. Speak to your installer about guarantees that may come with the windows and how long they would expect them to last before making your final decision.

The energy efficiency of windows is measured using ratings, varying from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient. This scheme is run by the British Fenestration Council (BFRC). To comply with Building Regulations you’ll need windows of energy efficiency at least level C.

No matter how big or small a building is, it can only be as good as it’s foundation - and that’s a fact! It all starts from the footing and when it isn’t deep enough, unlike badly installed gutters or gapped hardwood flooring, can make the whole building collapse to the ground. Just like any code recommendations, the depth of the footings of your porch is a parameter that must be complied with and adjusted to suit your local code requirements.

As a rule of thumb, you should always dig below the frost line when excavating your footings. At this depth level, the moisture present in the soil will be frozen. Ultimately, this will help the ground to act as a barrier to insulate the soil below the footing from freezing during the cold months. As a result, in regions where the weather is almost always very cold the depth of your footings is expected to be at least 48 inches. But in areas featuring a warm climate, you may be allowed to install your footings on grade.

In addition, it’s compulsory that your footings must be installed at a minimum depth of 12 inches below unsettled soil. However, if you’re constructing the structure into a steep hill’s side or by the side of a retaining wall, it’s required that you maintain the least distance to grade both vertically and laterally. In the event whereby you need to achieve a good lateral barrier, you’ll need to have your foundation dug a lot deeper compared to if it’s on a flat surface. For a more accurate and updated information, you can consult your local building inspection department to get familiar with the requirements in your area.

1. Using a rubber mallet and a strong pallet knife, remove the beading around the window. You might think they’re part of the frame, but they’re actually separate on the inside of the frame and can be taken out by using pallet knife to prize them out. Start with one of the longest beads first and leave the top bead until last.
2. Give the glass a little tap to loosen it if it doesn’t come out straight away, then the whole unit should slide out easily. Just make sure it falls towards you and not back out onto the ground below!
3. Clear any debris that has found its way into the frame with a brush. Add spacers at the bottom of the frame – these could be pieces of plastic.
4. Get your new sealed unit (make sure you measure the glass before you buy one so you know which size to get) and carefully take it out of the packaging. Look for the British Standard mark – that shows you the bottom of the glass.
5. Lift the glass into the frame, starting with the bottom first, and make sure that it fits square in the frame before taking the spacers out.
6. Use a little washing up liquid to spread along the beads to make it easier when you slide them back into the frame. If they simply push and clip back in, you can use something like a block of wood to help you push them in correctly. Put them back in reverse order to how you took them out.

Are you about to replace your old windows and wondering just how much it’ll cost to have a new one fitted? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place! The question is a very straight forward one, however a direct answer can not be provided as determining window prices for a replacement project can be a very tricky challenge. With a plethora of influencing factors that can play a key role in the price of both materials and labour to be used, it could be extremely hard for a window installer to provide a cost estimate without paying you a visit beforehand.

The factors that can go a long way in determining the price of your new window includes the size of the window, frame material, style chosen, your location, rates charged by the window installer (these rates can be different from an installer to an installer, so it’ll probably be in your best interest to compare quotes to identify the most competitive price) as well as the type of glass required.

Generally, for a small flat featuring four windows, the average cost for new windows would be between the range of £2,100 to £2,300. This range provided covers the cost of double glazed uPVC casement windows as well as the installation price. In the same tone, a home with up to 8 windows will have an average cost for window replacement between the range of £4,400 to £4,600, wile also taking into account the installation price. Whereas a house comprising 10 windows could begin at an average cost of window replacement between the the range of £5,200 to £5,500, and a 15 window home will be between the range of £8,400 to £8,600. it should be noted that the aforementioned figures only include the standard number of windows with a uPVC frame and the installation cost.

Are you about to purchase a double glazed unit and wondering how to go about the replacement project? If yes, then you’re at the right place. Firstly, it’s advisable to hire the services of a reliable professional who can guarantee the best results for help especially if you lack proper training and experience in the field. However, we’ve put together this step by step guide to provide you with a detailed information about the double glazed unit replacement process. Let’s get started!

The tools and materials you require for the project includes tape measure, hammers, nail punch, scraper, spacing blocks, non-hardening butyl putty, high-security glazing tape rolls and beading tacks.

• Work out the glass size required. Simply use the tape measure to measure from frame edge to frame edge while also taking note of the thickness.

• When about to order, inform the glass merchant that the measurement provided are frame-tight. This will make him reduce the dimension a little bit, mostly by 5mm for clearance.

• Remove the beading and ensure to support the glass while doing so. If the glass units are fitted in wooden windows, you may need to cut the putty-based compound they’re normally sealed with to remove the glass.

• Lay out the beading in the window’s shape to make for easier refitting later on.

• If you’re working on wooden frames, wipe out all traces of excess installation compound using a scraper and clean the rebate with a soft brush.

• Trial fit the double glazed windows to ensure they’d slide into the frame without being forced.

• Plastic frame windows are usually in between a pair of gaskets, you should replace this with a hight security glazing tape. While for a wooden frame, simply apply strips of flexible non-setting butyl putty or high-security glazing tape on either sides of the glass.

• Install and centralize the glass in the frame.

• Press the nail wooden beading or plastic beading back into place.