 |
|
Home Fixer - Home Repair & Home Improvement |
|
|
Home Fixer - Home Repair & Home Improvement |
|
Why Double Glazing?
Why replace your single-glazed windows with double glazing ? For most, the precipitating factor for looking into double glazing is a need for new construction (or renovation) to conform to modern energy standards. Others decide to replace their windows as an energy saving measure. The main advantage that double glazing offers over traditional windows is insulation. Because nearly 25% of your heat is lost through your windows, well-made and well-fitted double glazing can reduce your heating costs by as much as half depending on the amount of glass in your home. Some of the things to consider when shopping for double glazing for your home are safety, energy conservation, style, type of frame, type of glass, cost and installation. Each of these are important in your choice. Most will affect the price that you pay - and all will affect your pleasure and comfort in your home for years to come. Safety Single pane windows are most often made of a single sheet of regular glass which shatters into long, sharp shards when hit. When shopping for double glazing, you have a choice of several different kinds of glass, each of which are safer on breaking than traditional window panes. If nothing else, the double thickness reduces the chances that both panes will be broken. Whether you use security glass, toughened glass or shatterproof glass, double glazing offers some measure of safety over single glazing. Security There's no doubt that double glazing makes it more difficult for a thief or intruder to break into your home by the simple expedient of breaking a window pane and reaching through the hole - but real security has more to do with the window frames and locking systems than with the glass itself. Be sure to choose windows with frames that can be securely locked from the inside. Energy Conservation Double glazing can reduce heat lost through windows by as much as 50%, thereby reducing your heating bills, keeping your house warmer and helping you do your bit in the conservation of natural resources. Especially in rooms with large windows, the difference in temperature in the room is easily noticeable. Sitting by a large, double-glazed picture window is far, far more comfortable on a chill winter night. Style and Design Double glazing is available in many different styles and types, and most people attempt to match the style of their old windows with the new if at all possible, especially when doing restoration work. A good, reputable contractor will work with you to find double glazing windows that suit your architecture and enhance your home's beauty. Frames The three main frame types are PVCu, aluminum and wood, and each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. In a nutshell - PVCu frames are best at energy conservation, aluminum frames are the sturdiest, and wooden frames are the most attractive - at least in the view of some. For more detailed information about the advantages of each, see the related articles. Type of Glass Safety glass, tempered glass, low-e glass, Pilkington K glass - there are many types of glass that are used in double glazing. Glass with energy coatings - the low-e and Pilkington K among them - add further insulating properties to your windows, and can certainly be worth that additional expense. Installation Shop for a contractor and supplier as carefully as you do for glass. Shoddily done work can negate all the advantages gained in choosing to replace your current windows with double glazing. Look into the company's history and check for any complaints against them, even ask for references from others for whom they have done work. Installing double glazing throughout your house is an expensive proposition - it only makes sense to know the people who will be doing the work. Matthew Anthony is a regular contributor to sites such as double glazing and window blinds.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Draught Proofing Your Home Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan One of the first steps in building a log home is deciding on a floorplan. Many people spends months, or even years, searching for the perfect plan. Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2 This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window glass repair. Let's talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window. Physiological Response to Window Coverings Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery relaxes and refreshes us, consciously and subconsciously. Therefore, a view of nature should never be completely covered up during the day. Which Type of Radiant Floor Heating is Best For Me? If you are looking to warm your floors with a radiant heat system, and have typed "radiant heat system" into a search engine, you might find yourself scratching your head at this point. There are dozens of products available to purchase, and there are even more companies telling you that their product is the best. Installing Vinyl Replacement Sliding Glass Doors Last week I told you how to remove your old sliding glass door in preparation for the installation of the vinyl replacement door. Let's go through the installation procedure for both the Retrofit style and replacement style frames. Refining Your Area Rug Choice As a Managing Partner of www.exquisiterugs. Building or Decorating Your Home Requires House Plans There are some things to consider when creating plans for your home. There are two situations that call for plans or blue prints, either you are building a new home or decorating your present home. Wallpaper Doesnt Just Cover...It Defines The Room Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an attractive home. The right wallpaper will add character to any room in the house, and will also allow a homeowner to cheaply and quickly change the look of their house. Pre-drawn House plans the Benefits and Styles Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects or home designers and then offered for sale, unlike those that are drawn for an individual, with input from the customer. While this method may be a great idea, there are definite benefits to purchasing pre-drawn house plans. Waterproofing Basement Walls Although representatives from waterproofing companies may guarantee results from their product or service, it is wise to keep in mind that there is no magic solution to waterproofing basement walls. In order to save costs on unneeded repairs, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to find the cause of the leak. Your Candles Are Killing You and Your Furniture - Substitute It! Even though most of the houses are well lighted with electric powered lights, we can't escape using candles at home. Whether it is for a romantic candlelit dinner, for festive season such as Deepavali or Christmas or as back up when electricity cuts off, we know that candles are useful for every household. Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom? A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my own bathroom? Why not! Today, the bathroom is much more than just a room for grooming and a place to read. Bathrooms can be a good place for home exercise equipment and a good music system or TV, for example. Old House Remodeling: Removing Old Tile and Glue When you live in old house like I do, remodeling is always a challenge and a surprise. I am currently involved in a major kitchen remodel. Log Homes - Is a Log Home In Your Future? Many people dream about a log home in their future but never get around to making their dream come true. Here's how to get past the hurdles and start living your dream. The Great American Dream Are you ready to starting building your dream home. House plan designs are abundant and easy to customize. Family Fun - Is Swimming In A Safe Pool Family fun is one of the most important things you can strive for to give your children some lasting memories they will always cherish; even into adulthood. Your children will always remember the times you spent together as a family on vacation or at home. The Benefits of Closet Dehumidifiers If your clothes are getting moist and musty, and stretched out or otherwise deformed as a result, the closet or cabinet they're hanging in is too humid.Most closet dehumidifiers are wireless and use salt, silica gel, or other material to absorb moisture out of the air. Fixing Old Wooden Chairs Fixing Old Wooden ChairsIF you have some old chairs that have broken or missing rungs or posts. Don't throw away the chairs, repair them. Rodent Proofing Your Home It's that time of year where rats and mice are apt to enter our homes. Lets talk a bit about their abilities and senses first.
|
