Double Glazed Windows
in Shropshire
For Suppliers of Quality Double Glazing in Shropshire

Double Glazing Replacement Windows – Finding an approved supplier in Shropshire

The merits of Double Glazing

Most of us have a basic understanding, in that Double glazing is a fairly modern glazed window type whereby there are two glass panes spaced several millimetres apart. This arrangement, when sealed, traps air in between the panes thereby forming an insulating layer which today is often occupied by clear Argon gas which improves the insulation.

Sometimes drying agents are added prior to the sealing of the unit as are special spacers or “super spacers” which all help to ensure that no moisture exists within the unit and that it also enhances the insulation regarding noise pollution.

If a double glazed unit has started to fail or has not been constructed correctly is condensation between the two panes. This would normally require replacement.

It is estimated that replacing “normal” windows with double glazed units can reduce the heat loss as much as 50% as well as restricting much of the noise entering from outside and reducing the possibility of internal condensation. If the option is taken up to go for high energy rated windows – measured under the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) scheme then the additional insulation properties present are likely to generated even more heat loss savings. This scheme is similar to the energy labelling schemes seen on domestic white goods today, where in this case an “A” rated window is the best energy rating and a “G” rated is the least effective.

The windows themselves tend to be more secure than traditional single pain windows and offer higher levels of security to the home owner. As well as being harder to break or remove it is common practice for each window to have modern security locks and fixings (multi-point locking systems) and with say “tilt and turn windows” space may be opened at the top for ventilation without there being any opportunity to enter the property via the window.

It is often recognised that careful selection of replacement double glazed windows can make a substantial difference to the overall look of a property and can enhance the elegance and design features of a home as well as increasing its re-sale valuation. Certainly most estate agents are likely to agree that a property that is well maintained and has a good energy rating with taste full double glazing is likely to attract more interest than one without these benefits.

Even with the energy rated glass installations, most double glazing manufacturers will offer the standard ranges of window types that you will find in traditional properties such as sash windows, casement windows and bay / bow windows as well as the more modern innovations such as tilt and turn windows which are so often associated now with double glazing installations. 

Once the type of window is selected, (and the age and type of property may well dictate the appropriate window type); then the item which will now make the biggest impact, in my view, is the style of window frame.

Types of windows in Shropshire

Timber / hardwood windows may be an insistence from local authorities if your home is in a conservation area or perhaps a listed building; and they can be exceptionally elegant, but do please remember that lovely as they are, timber frames will require maintenance – the usual sanding, filling, painting. 

Timber framed windows can often be susceptible to rot and condensation and they will usually need regular maintenance in the form of painting, patching and re-filling. Albeit probably the most aesthetically pleasing of the double glazing formats timber framed windows or hardwood windows can be expensive. It should be noted however that they will certainly come into their own if bespoke sizes are required but again, expect the price to increase accordingly. There are a number of hardwoods available but my research shows me that they do not tend to be as hard wearing as UPVC or aluminium frames. Look also at the thickness of the frames and remember that if you reduce the price by opting for a softwood then it is likely to have a substantially shorter durability than the other types of replacement window frames.

Un-plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC or PVU-u) double glazing is virtually maintenance free (just a wipe over with a damp cloth) and it is one of the best insulators and although some still regard it as unappealing, it is by far the most popular choice today and is regarded my many as the most cost-effective solution.

Long lasting and very durable the technology has moved on since first introduced. Commonly still visualised usually as white it is possible today to obtain UPVC double glazing in different colours and wood grain finishes  

Aluminium window frames are not as common as they were in the 1960’s and 1970’s and this is mainly occurred since the introduction of the UPVC / PVC-u window frames. A significant benefit of aluminium frames is that they are very strong and almost intruder proof which is the main reason that the one place you still see them today is on commercial properties where security is of major importance. They do not however have the best reputation for insulation and certainly were known at one time to have a condensation problem. They are more expensive the UPVC window frames, and since the popularity decreased, that are less easily available than other styles

Double glazing today is offered in such a large number of sizes and styles; it is very likely that you will be able to find a style to compliment your property, tastes and budget.

Search for an approved double glazing supplier in Shropshire – We cover all the following areas:

Alveley, Bishop's Castle, Bridgnorth, Broseley, Chirbury, Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer, Ellesmere, Iron Bridge, Kemberton, Ludlow, Lydbury North, Madeley, Market Drayton, Newcastle, Newport, Norbury, Oswestry, Shifnal, Shrewsbury, Telford, Wem, Whitchurch, Whittington and Wroxeter.

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