Choosing the best double glazing installers near me
3rd September 2021 - By Jason Clemmit
Choosing the best double glazing installers near me
At Certified Competent, we make it easy to find local tradespeople throughout the UK who have been reviewed by other homeowners near you. Double glazing plays an important part in keeping your home safe, secure and thermally efficient, so you want to make sure that you’re getting the right advice for you and your home. Choosing a Certified Competent installer gives you complete peace of mind.
What is double glazing?
Double glazed windows have two panes of glass, hence the name double glazing. Double glazing helps keep homes at optimum temperatures in three ways:
1. It prevents heat loss through the window
2. It reduces draughts around the window and the frame
3. It works as insulation
The external pane is separated from the internal pane with a spacer bar. Together this becomes an insulated glass unit (IGU) and it’s designed to keep warmth from escaping and cold from coming into your home. With less heat able to leave the room through the window pane, the room stays warmer for longer.
The glazed units can have frames made from PVCu (also known as uPVC), aluminium and timber, plus there are composite frames. The complete unit is called double glazing.
What does double glazing do?
Having double glazing installed in your home provides you with a number of benefits. It offers insulation and enhances the look of your home. Modern double glazing adds additional security to your property through locking and security technology. It also improves energy efficiency and can also help to reduce outside noise, especially if you live on a busy street with lots of traffic.
Will double glazing help lower my energy bill?
Double glazing reduces heat loss from your home by insulating your property. The less heat you lose from your home, whether that be from cold spots or draughts, the more you save on your heating bills! The amount you save will depend on other insulation measures in your home.
What’s the energy rating of double glazing?
Energy ratings for windows can be measured in two ways, either U values or through the Window Energy Rating scheme.
Window Energy Ratings (WER) have been calculated to show how energy-efficient your windows are. The rating system is based on a scale of E to A++, with A++ windows being the most energy-efficient. The scheme is similar to the rainbow scheme on fridges and washing machines.
Currently, Building Regulations require new windows to conform to a minimum of a C rating, which is the equivalent to 1.6 U value or 1.6W/m2K
All of the installers that we have listed on our site offer energy rated double glazing in your area.
I already have double glazing – does it need replacing?
If you already have double glazing installed, check for signs of poor-performing glazing.
Holding your hand in front of various points of a window frame can help you to check for any draughts or cold spots. You can also carry out a visual check for any tell-tale signs, including cracks or warping of the window frame.
If window seals are at the end of their life, they may show discolouration, or if your insulated glass unit has failed, you may have misting or condensation inside the glazed unit. If you spot any of these problems, then it’s time that you look up double glazing installers near you.
Older double glazing may not be as energy efficient, so it’s worth looking at replacing it if you aren’t getting the energy efficiency you want. Double glazed windows should last for many years to come, thanks to the impressive durability and efficiency qualities they provide.
Is double glazing better than secondary glazing?
Simply put, yes, it is. Secondary glazing works in a similar way to double glazing and is mostly used for heritage and listed buildings. On these types of buildings the glazing is normally thermally inefficient single glazing and draughty, ill-fitting frames that provide little security. By having secondary glazing installed all these performance elements can be improved.
Double glazing is an affordable choice for your home and in most cases, pays for itself in energy savings over their lifespan in your home.
Does my double glazing need to be white?
White is the most common colour for modern windows on houses, but most installers will be able to offer you a range of colours to match or complement the rest of your home. Colour choices have increased in recent years, so whether you’re looking for sleek black to traditional oak, you will be able to choose the perfect look for your home. Different colour PVCu foils or aluminium powder coating offer the same performance of your double glazing and the frames will be just as hard-wearing and efficient, no matter what the finish!
Bespoke double glazing
In the UK, nearly all windows are bespoke sizes and styles, designed and manufactured to order. Extra-large or unusual shapes can be created and your Certified Competent installer will advise you on any technical considerations that could affect the design.
Double glazing security
As well as the many benefits, including thermal and energy efficiency and noise reduction, double glazing can also increase the security of your home in a number of ways.
All of the installers that we suggest will supply you with impressive security standard double glazing for complete peace of mind that your home is safe and secure. This is thanks to all the windows meeting PAS 24 standards, which in essence means that the production of your windows is being monitored by a UKAS accredited certification body to ensure compliance with PAS 24:2016 enhanced security performance requirements for door sets and windows in the UK.
Double glazing maintenance
When choosing your double glazing, PVCu, aluminium and timber are almost maintenance free. This is because there is no risk of rotting, swelling, or shrinking and there’s no need to reapply any paint or coatings. Occasionally wiping them clean will keep them looking as good as new!
Choose the best double glazing installer near you with Certified Competent
At Certified Competent, we can help you make the best choices for your home improvement projects. Use our free directory to find trusted, reliable double glazing installers near you. Every company is Certified Competent by a Government-approved certification body. All you need to do is search for a company by entering your post code, choose your competent company, have a read of their profile and get in touch with them to discuss your requirements.