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Fensa (FENSA), document L building regulations and other double glazing considerations in the U.K..

"After hearing of my friends and colleagues difficulties when buying double glazing, and about to purchase double glazing myself,
I realised that there is an awful lot of information and mis-information about double glazing or plastic windows and conservatories.

Its probably one of the biggest home purchases home owners will make so it needs to be right. I have tried to include every scrap of information I could find about double glazed windows and doors and conservatories on this site to help you make an informed choice.

My grateful thanks to all those companies and sites that have provided the information and inspiration for my own efforts."
'Joe Public'

UPVC

WOOD

ALUMINIUM

Most windows today use some form of insulating glass (IG). These comprise of two (or more) panes of glass sealed together with a dry cavity between them. Because the moisture in the cavity has been removed it acts as a buffer to keep warm air inside the building and the cold air out. This sealed air barrier can work in reverse in the Summer.
In recent years the double glazed unit (IG unit) has been re-engineered in order to meet stricter performance criteria in terms of longevity in service and to keep heat, cold and sound where you want them.

Your choices of glass:
Float glass - Non-treated glass.
Safety glass - Treated glass usually toughened or laminated.
Security glass - Laminated glass - Special treatments added dependent on requirement.

Decorative glass - Most of us are proud of the appearance of our homes and the use of decorative glass inserts has increased dramatically in recent years.

Options include:
Self adhesive lead strip - This is a quick and cost effective way of reproducing the appearance of traditional expensive leadwork.

Coloured film - These sheets of translucent coloured plastic film create the effect of a stained glass window when used with self adhesive leadwork strips.

Beveled glass - These small pieces of shaped (beveled) glass distort light in an attractive way when applied to the external face of a double glazed unit.

Georgian inserts - The effect of small square Georgian style panes can be reproduced by the inclusion of grilles which are sealed into the cavity of the unit.

Leaded window information:

The most common lead light designs are rectangular/square and diamond shaped designs. Other alternatives such as Tudor and Elizabethan designs are available.

If you wish to add a leaded design to existing windows strips of lead can be purchased from many DIY stores and applied yourself. (Varying widths available - 6 mm and 9 mm are most common) This does however require a "steady" hand and lots of patience. This process is often referred to as "single leading" because you can only apply the lead to one face of the glass - i.e. not the side of the glass facing towards the inside of the sealed unit.

Whilst the above can be quite satisfactory it will never look as good as "double leading" - where the lead is applied to both sides of the outside piece of glass in a double glazed unit prior to assembly. Please note the lead is only ever applied to one of the two pieces of glass making a double glazed unit. The inside is usually left as clear glass in order to make internal cleaning internally easier.

Special Note:

Be aware that because the lead that's on the inside of the sealed units will never "face the elements" it will after a period of time still look "new" and "pristine" while the outside will change colour/age. One alternative to letting this happen is to have the lead "aged" before the sealed unit is made and whilst this will cost more it's worth considering if you think this may bother you.

Also be aware that when lead is newly exposed to the elements it will go through a "staining" process where white carbonate forms on the lead and you may see white "streaks" on the glass. In time this will end as the lead "ages". One way to prevent this - is to apply Patination Oil to the lead. This process provides a more pleasing finish. (This is also a good idea to use when inserting lead flashing on conservatory roofs)

You may find out more about lead, Patination Oil and a new product called LEADSHIELD (a solvent free replacement to Patination Oil) visit the British Lead Mills web site at www.britishleadmills.com

(With thanks to windows-today.com)

Site designed and built by 'Joe Public' 2004
Last updated 01/05/04

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With grateful thanks and acknowledgement to those companies, individuals and web sites that have helped or provided inspiration for this website, whose sole aim is to help buyers of double glazing and conservatories etc get all the information and facts they need to make an informed purchasing decision. 'Joe Public' is not affiliated to any product, service of manufacturer, and always strives to retain the utmost impartiality in all matters. The companies, individuals and websites below are listed in alphabetical order to retain impartiality on Joe Public's part and are acknowledged solely for their assistance and their desire in furthering customer knowledge and perceptions of the replacement window industry. Joe Public apologises if any companies should feel agrieved of the use or mention of their name, material or product, but will always strive to show/portray their contributions in a favourable light in the spirit of friendship and betterment for all.

www.bacwindows.co.uk - www.bac-double-glazing.co.uk - www.fensa.org.uk - www.ggf.org.uk - www.purple13.co.uk -

www.thewindowman.co.uk - www.windowquoter.co.uk - www.windowinfo.co.uk -

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