Double Glazing in Chesterfield – Which Frames suit your home best?

Choosing frames is a very personal  choice and we install double glazing in uPVC soft wood and hard wood frames in Chesterfield. They all come with their good and bad points, like with anything in life.

This article is designed to educate you about your options so that you can make an informed decision because after all, this will be on be the biggest investments in your home.

OK, if you live in a conservation area you maybe limited to the type of frames you can have, in fact, you may well have no choice but to replace what is currently in your property already or get your frames refurbished. This often arises with hard wood frames in Grade 2 listed buildings and conservation areas and there are plenty of areas such as this, just on the verge of Chesterfield, within the Peak District National Park. We will not dwell on this subject too much as this is a big subject in its own right.

The most common type of frame by far when it comes to Double Glazing is uPVC – these are long lasting and only really require cleaning – i.e. there is very little maintenance needed. We have seen an increasing number of our customers opt for wooden windows these days as they like to maintain the traditional look of their houses. BUT, wooden windows (both hard wood and soft wood) are not only way more expensive (as they are hand made), but require much  more maintenance. The maintenance required is painting or varnishing them every few years to keep up their protective properties.

You will find that over time, your Double Glazing uPVC frames will discolour and degrade. 

You can often find specialised paints to re-paint the frames of your windows. Most suppliers nowadays guarantee against discolouring but not against minor dulling and fading.

When considering Double Glazing replacement, you can also opt for aluminium or steel frames; these are thin frames and long lasting but in and around Chesterfield, we rarely get asked for such an option.

The last option is Composite frames and these have an inner timber frame which is covered with aluminium or plastic. There is little maintenance required and the are kept weatherproof by the outer aluminium or plastic cover. Again, when quoting for double glazing in and around Chesterfield, we rarely get asked for this option.

Do you need ventilation?

Because replacement windows will be more airtight than the original single glazed frames, condensation can build up in your house due to the reduced ventilation.

If there is not a sufficient level of background ventilation in the room some replacement windows will have trickle vents incorporated into the frame that let in a small amount of controlled ventilation.

Condensation can sometimes occur on the outside of new low-e glazing. This is because low-e glass reflects heat back into the home and as a result the outside pane remains cool and condensation can build up in cold weather - this isn't a problem.

When to improve your Double Glazing

Most homes now have double glazing, but what some people do not realise is that double glazing (like anything else needs to be maintained and sometimes replaced if you have had double glazing for a number of years.

Mist or condensation inside glass

If there is moisture inside the panes of glass, it often means the sealant has broken, allowing new moisture in. This means it is usually time to replace your double glazing. "If it's steamed up and there's condensation, it's usually had it and the pane will need to be replaced," says Nick Lowe, of City Windows in Chester.

The hinges on my windows are too tight and it is hard to open the window

If you examine the hinge, you should see a small brass screw. This is the tensioning screw and if you loosen it slightly, it should solve the problem. If this does not work, your local glass shop or double glazing repair company (see local paper ads or Yellow Pages) can usually replace the hinge for you. The hinges on my windows are too loose and my windows fly wide open when opened.

There is a draught coming through my windows

First, check for a loose handle, slightly bent hinge or a hinge where a screw or rivet has become loose. If it is none of these you may need to replace your double glazing, although it is worthwhile to contact your local double glazing repair first to check if you can have the window repaired.

Double glazing can last for years and years, but like anything else is subject to 'wear and tear'. Before contracting a double glazing company to replace your windows, get a few quotes to ensure that you are getting the best deal, and only go with approved and registered double glazing installers, who offer a guarantee.