Upvc Double Glazing Facts

There are many different types of glass, profile, and fixtures and fittings available.

There are different designs, colours, and most importantly...quality.

It is vital that customers are aware of all these facts in order to make an informed choice on their prospective purchase.

Profile

The most important consideration you need to make is the choice of profile (the frame).

There are 2 qualities of frame available to the consumer, one that is manufactured using completely new ingredients (known as "virgin polymers"), and one that incorporates recycled ingredients (known as "regrind").

PVC frames that are made from virgin polymers are able to retain their brand new look for a very long time, far exceeding their 10 year guarantee, and will not discolour or suffer from surface cracking amongst other things.

By using re-cycled plastic in the manufacturing the costs are significantly cheaper, but the finished PVC frames will not weather particularly well and are prone to discolouration and cracking in a relatively short timescale.

Fabrication

The style in which the frames are manufactured can also have a major effect on the security and lifespan of the frames. Generally there are two methods used.:

Mechanically jointed

This is a method of bolting the separate pieces of the frame together like a big "Meccano" set. However, there are many disadvantages with this method, including poor draught proofing, movement of the joints and an overall lack of strength in the frame.

Fully welded

Each piece of the frame is welded together ensuring a draught proof fit with no joint movement producing a frame that can withstand years of daily use.

Locking systems

There are many different manufacturers of door and window security products. In considering your windows and doors we need to take into account both the safety and security of your property and those who live in it.

A good quality window locking system will have up to 4 roller cams and 2 shoot bolts per opening as well as a key locking handle.

A good quality door locking system will have 2 rollercams and 2 hook bolts as well as a locking cylinder with the handle.

An innovative hardware manufacturer Maco, whose products are used on our casement windows, are so confident in the strength and security of their products that they have launched the "Maco secure Scheme".  This offers a guarantee which will pay up to £1000 towards your insurance excess in the event of a forced entry being achieved through an opening window that was locked and featured their hardware (conditions apply?refer to Windowoman for further details)

Beading

Decorative and traditionally styled glazing beads are fitted as part of the manufacturing process to keep the glass securely in place. The two methods of installing beads are from the inside of your home or the outside.

Having products Fitted with external beads is strongly advised against as this would allow an intruder to remove the glass unit from the frame with minimum fuss and gain access to your property.

Gaskets

The gasket is the rubber seal that fits between the frame and the glass unit and also between the sash and the frame, and is there to provide a good weatherproof seal between the frames.

Budget conscious manufacturers generally fit the gaskets as individual strips of rubber, pushed into a channel in the frame. This method of fitting gaskets, whilst quicker for the manufacturer, is prone to shrinkage therefore enabling water to penetrate the double glazed unit which will allow condensation to destroy the unit.

The modern method of fitting gaskets, and the method employed by WindoWoman, is to have a single strip of rubber "rolled in" to the frames thereby making shrinkage impossible.

Installation

The actual fitting/ installation can make the best quality product ineffective, therefore defeating the object of purchasing good quality windows and doors. At WindoWoman we employ our installation teams who are all experienced trades people, so you can rest assured that the finish to your home will be one to be proud of.

By utilising only top quality fixings and sealants during the installation of your new products we ensure that your investment will only serve to enhance the overall value of your home for many years to come.