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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

WOOD
Wood the centuries old material used in the construction of windows and doors is still the most easily repairable on a DIY basis.

Pro's
Best natural insulator.
Strong.
Easily repaired.

Con's
Needs decorating about every 5 years.
Fewer suppliers.
Anything other than standard frame sizes are expensive.
Draught stripping not as effective as PVC or aluminium.

Timber is a natural insulator but can rot if not treated with a preservative.
Microporous decorative finishes, which allow the wood to breathe, have reduced maintenance to approximately every 7 years.

Things to look out for:

There are two types of timber, Hardwood and Softwood. However some softwoods are harder than some hardwoods and vice versa but generally hardwoods are less likely to rot.

You may prefer the more expensive hardwood for its low maintenance and natural appearance, on the other hand all softwoods used in the construction of windows and doors should have been pressure treated with preservative to protect against rot and fungal decay. Ask if this has been done.

The best wooden frames are constructed using mortice and tenon jointing for longer life in use, others may employ a combination of mechanical joints and glued doweling. It's worth enquiring how your windows/doors were made.

How is the wood finished, has it been treated to increase its life expectancy? Is the window/door fitted with draught/weather proof stripping?

Some manufacturers use a slightly thinner timber and the double glazing is stepped out over the edge. Where this method is employed greater care needs to be taken that the edge of the double glazed unit is properly sealed.

METAL
Aluminium is the most commonly used metal in the construction of domestic doors and windows. It has greater structural strength than PVC allowing slimmer frames to be produced.

Pro's
Does not rot or rust.
High structural strength.
Good choice of paint colours.
Wide choice of handles and locks.
Draught proof weather-strip built into frame.

Con's
Transmits cold/heat, poor insulator.
More expensive than plastic.
Fewer suppliers.
Needs repairing by specialists.

It does not rot or rust, but can decay if the surface is badly damaged and not repaired. It is available in a natural matt finish (mill finish) or a bright anodised finish but factory applied paint colours have become more popular.

It will accept a variety of different thicknesses of sealed double glazing units and there is a wide choice of operating handles and locking devices available, to give different levels of security.

Things to look out for:

Does the unit comply with any of the recognised standards such as the
BBA, ABI, BSI - 5750 & ISO - 2002?

If your window is "Direct fix" then this can mean less maintenance as you don't have to paint the window frame.

Because aluminium is a good conductor of cold or heat, ask if the window/door frame has been designed to counter this by fitting a thermal break within its core - many old windows or door frames will not have this feature. This will reduce extreme temperature changes being transferred from the outer window to the inner surface, which cuts down on condensation.

If the window is externally glazed (i.e. if the glass been put in to the frame from the outside), then does it have any additional security features such as security tape or clasps?

You should never use abrasive cleaners on your aluminium doors and window frames.

Thanks to Window Watchdog

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

Thank you for visiting the links below.

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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