Here at Birmingham Glass Services we are committed to giving you all of the information you need so that you can be confident in choosing your replacement window provider.
Contact us at any time so that we can provide you with the information you need. Meanwhile, perhaps the answer to your question is detailed below.
Will new windows and doors help reduce fuel bills?
With energy prices soaring, you need a window and door system that insulates your home, helping to reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions.
Most people are familiar with the rainbow ‘energy label’ on white goods such as fridges and washing machines, these also apply to windows and doors. Ratings of +10 or above, which equates to an A* (Thermal Rating Register) or A+ (BFRC) are currently considered best in class, the ability to declare this level of performance is a must for today’s energy conscious consumer.
Heritage 2800 windows are A*/A+ rated and they achieve this using regular double glazing, so no need for those expensive glass configurations. Should a more complex glass type be of interest we also offer triple glazed window solutions, for those wishing to maximise their energy efficiency.
Are double glazed windows maintenance free?
In terms of decorating (painting) yes, but to keep them looking good and operating smoothly, a wipe over with warm soapy water and lubrication of hinges is recommended. However, do not use household cream cleaners (unless they are specifically for upvc) as these will scratch the surface and dullen the appearance. All cleaning products are available to purchase from our Trade Counter.
How long will it take to fit the windows?
That depends on how many windows and doors you are changing. However, as a good rule of thumb it would take approximately 3 days to change all of the windows in a 3 bedroom detached house.
Will the windows discolour in sunlight?
Our windows are guaranteed not to discolour and we guarantee all of our windows for 10 years.
Will I receive a Building Control Certificate to cover my installation work?
Yes we obtain our Building Control Certificates from Certass.
For installations that require Building Control registration via Certass you are also issued with an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) via QANW
What is a Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG)?
An Insurance Backed Guarantee is a policy of insurance which shall come into effect in the event that your installer ceases to trade and will provide you with the benefits of the guarantee issued by them; where they are no longer in a position to honour same.
What is meant by energy rated windows?
“A” rated windows are the most energy efficient windows available in the UK as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This is the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows and is recognised within the Building Regulations as a method to show compliance for your replacement window installation. Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-E ratings guide similar to that used on ‘white’ goods (such as fridges, freezers, washing machines etc…). This ratings label can be used by you to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of the windows you are looking to purchase. From October 2010 all of our window installations are “A” rated.
Who monitors the WER (Window Energy Rating ) scheme?
In Birmingham Glass’s case we are audited by B.S.I. (British Standards Institute). With whom we hold a Kitemark KM 566948.
How long are your windows guaranteed for?
White Profiles. 10 years with respect to colour stability, shape retention, impact strength retention and resistance against attack from salt laden atmosphere, cement mortars and certain other materials used in house construction.
Woodgrain on brown Profiles. 10 years with respect to adhesion of laminate, shape retention and impact strength retention.
Double Glazed Units. 10 years with respect to unit breaking down (seals / misting). Breakages are not covered by this guarantee.
What is condensation?
Condensation is water vapour suspended in the air. The most common sources of water vapour are cooking, drying clothes on radiators, washing up, house plants, moisture in newly built properties and extensions and simply from the breath we exhale.
Due to the thermal currents within a house, condensation can occur in a number of places, usually at cold spots, i.e, an unheated room or a conservatory without any form of adequate heating.
What causes condensation and how can I avoid it?
Condensation is a relatively new phenomenon resulting mainly from the changes in lifestyle and our desire to keep heating costs as low as possible.
Condensation is related to the way we heat, ventilate and insulate our homes. In days gone by most homes had one or two chimneys which allowed up to four air changes per hour. Doors and windows were generally less well fitting than they are today; this natural ventilation was the very process which prevented condensation.
To cope with increasing fuel costs there has been a trend to insulate by way of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing; however, it is a fact that energy efficient homes are more likely to suffer from condensation because anything that keeps warm air in will also keep fresh air out, thus creating the ideal conditions for condensation to form.
Before we can tackle the problem we have to understand exactly what condensation is and then find the best way to deal with it.
Condensation is merely the air’s natural moisture content settling on cool surfaces. The amount of moisture in the air is called relative humidity. If the humidity level rises about 70%, mould and mildew will be encouraged to grow.
How do I know if I have condensation?
Condensation will take many forms, the most common being steamed windows and puddles of water on the windowsills. In extreme cases dark spots of mould will appear around the windows, wall coverings and mastic seals throughout the house.
If you have a non-condensing tumble dryer make sure it is properly vented to the outside of your home. Remember, tumble dryers can create 16 pints of water vapour during one cycle.
Condensation forming on the room side surface of a sealed unit indicates high water content present and that the temperature of the room side glass surface is inadequate.
Condensation within the airspace of the sealed unit indicates the unit has broken down.
How can double glazing help with condensation?
Sealed unit replacement windows act as an insulator which will reduce heat loss. Under normal circumstances this would be conducted from the inside of the room to the outside. Please remember that sealed units act as an insulator and are not a source of heat, therefore all rooms should be adequately heated, especially conservatories. The likelihood of condensation forming on a warm surface is therefore reduced.
Condensation can be controlled by providing natural ventilation to change air on a regular basis and by maintaining an even temperature. This is achieved through ventilating units which are controlled by a humidistat, an airbrick or by opening a window. Please remember that the airbrick must be open to achieve good results. Another effective way of controlling condensation would be to install a dehumidifier, however this cost can be avoided if the problem is one of ventilation, by installing an airbrick and thereby creating ventilation.
Double Glazing cannot cause Condensation
By acting as a heat barrier and providing an inner pane which is considerably warmer than the outer pane, the likelihood of condensation is reduced.
Replacement windows cannot produce condensation.
Double glazing will act as an insulator if there is sufficient heat within the house in the beginning. It is therefore wise to attempt to control the amount of water vapour displaced within the household and to provide controlled ventilation to dispel the moisture before a problem arises.
How to increase the insulation of your house and substantially reduce your energy bill?
Deceuninck PVC windows and doors provide a perfect balance between energy efficiency and comfortable living. This high-quality energy-efficient PVC window and door solution improves the quality of life in many ways. uPVC windows and doors offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties, high security and an original colour palette. And remember that around 40% of heat loss in the home occurs through standard, single pane windows and doors. Double glazed windows and doors substantially reduce heat loss. You will soon recoup the cost of the double-glazing in the money saved from heating bills.
Double glazing that reduces your carbon footprint
Deceuninck offers a wide range of energy-efficient uPVC windows to add style and value to your home. A low maintenance, colour-fast, long-lasting PVC window gives your home or building an elegant look that will last for years. No more painting or staining, simply wipe clean and your PVCu window will look as good as new. Plus, PVC is the best insulating material for windows. Double glazing windows will make your home more energy efficient.
Sustainable innovation: highest insulation at lowest material use. And 100% recyclable
PVC is a low maintenance, very durable material. Windows installed today are expected to last 50+ years. PVC windows are the best value in insulation, and can save a household up to 50,000 litre of heating fuel (*) Deceuninck has focused its innovation efforts into the highest possible insulation at the lowest use of material. The recently launched Zendow#neo, with glass fibre reinforced profiles, allow passive-house standards insulation at 40% less weight. The Diksmuide recycling unit offers the technology to fully recycle our glass fibre reinforced PVC.
I am looking for colour-fast PVC doors?
Low maintenance, colour fast, long-lasting uPVC doors give your home an elegant look that will last for years. No more painting or staining; simply wipe clean and your PVC door will look as good as new. And Deceuninck is the colour expert. Our doors are available in a wide range of door colours. PVC in combination with Deceuninck’s colouring technologies ensures colourfastness for the life of the product.
Home Improvements - how can i let the outside in?
Patio doors have a sliding action. Some patio doors have more complex opening arrangements than the simple sliding windows and doors. For example some can tilt for ventilation, and hinge outwards. Deceuninck offers exterior sliding doors, where the doors open outward, otherwise known as the bi-folding door. This has the benefit of providing a full-width clear opening to the terrace or garden. Deceuninck’s sliding vinyl windows are renowned for their quick installation and easy maintenance.
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