You can cut down on your energy bills by putting in new windows and doors. Find out how you can get windows and doors for free through the Help2Buy program.
Bring a WOW-factor to your front door with a set of sidelights that let light in the home. Pick from a variety of styles to fit any style.
Sidelights
Sidelights are windows that can be put on either side of an entrance. They offer a more spacious appearance than regular windows and come in a variety of designs. Homeowners can select pattern-based glass, or a decorative framework that matches the style of the main entrance. They are a great option for large doors and let natural light to flood into the stairwells and corridors.
They give your home a luxurious look and attract guests. The additional sunlight they let in illuminates your home and boosts energy levels, helping to ward off seasonal depression and boost the vitamin D, which is known to boost your immune system. The style you choose they can also improve the curb appeal and boost the value of your home's resales.
Double doors with sidelights are more than just a decorative feature. They can increase the security and safety of your home. They're designed to withstand the rigours of everyday living and can defend your home from forced entry. This is thanks to the multi-point locking system, secure frames and reinforced glass. They are also weatherproof, and come with a 10 year guarantee.
The gap between the two panes of a double-glazed doors is filled with an inert gas like argon, Krypton, or xenon, to increase its insulation and thermal efficiency. A high-quality, energy-efficient door can lower your heating costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
A good provider will be able to guide you through the various choices for privacy and glazing glass, which come in an array of colours and styles. For instance the frosted glass offers privacy without blocking the light.
Many people are concerned about the noise windows with double glazing make but it is caused by the differing rates at which the frame and window expand and contract. Choose a company that uses warm edge spacers to avoid problems. These spacers maintain the glass at a a constant temperature, preventing it from breaking or misting. They're also more durable and require less maintenance than traditional glazing.
Pet Flaps
Pet flaps can allow your dog or cat to go outside as they like without having to wait for you to let them out. This is particularly beneficial if you have busy schedules or work from home often. These pet flaps are also very beneficial when your pets love to explore a small yard. But, before installing a pet flap, be sure you speak to a local glazing business about your options. The majority of them have installed pet doors and will provide you with the best flap for your needs.
Many people believe that they can simply cut a hole in their existing double-glazed door or patio doors to accommodate a pet flap, but this is actually not feasible. The glass used in the construction of homes is tempered, which means it cannot be cut with typical tools. You will need to replace the entire pane of glass with a new glazed glass panel that includes a pet flap.
If you decide to go with this option, your glass company will be able buy the door and install it for you. This is the best option as you don't need to worry about putting up your own flap.
A variety of pet flaps are available for use in double-glazed doors, including manual operated and microchip varieties. Some are insulated to help keep your home cozy and energy efficient for your pet. There are models that can be installed in sliding glass doors that allow you to secure your pet inside the home in case you have to.
It is crucial to select the appropriate size pet flap for your pet when installing one. Most pet flaps will fit a small pet, but larger breeds may require a slightly larger door. Measure double glazing near me before you purchase the pet flap to know the size you need. Online guides can assist you in measuring your cat or dog, and determine the size of the pet door that you need.
Energy Efficiency
Double glazing is an excellent way to reduce your energy costs and keep your home warm, but it's not the only way to do so. You can also improve your energy efficiency by making other changes to your home, like installing smart thermostats, replacing outdated light bulbs, and focusing on green home improvements.
The kind of material, core, and glass options used in a door determines its energy-efficiency rating. This is determined using an amount known as a U factor, which reveals the degree to which a door can shield from heat flow. For windows and doors that have a lot of glass such as French or patio doors, the U factor must be lower. The doors with less glass or no glass will have a higher score. Energy Star certified products are the best option to ensure energy efficiency. These doors have been tested and confirmed to ensure they meet the strictest standards.
The type of gas used between the glass panes is a different aspect that can affect the efficiency of a door. Gases like argon and krypton are used to increase the insulation of doors. Some doors are also equipped with a low-emissivity coating which helps reduce solar heat gain and keeps the interior of your home warmer during winter.
You can further increase your home's energy efficiency by installing positive input ventilation or heat recovery ventilation. The first functions as an extractor, bringing filtered air into rooms and pulling out the stale air. The latter, however, moves the warm and stale air from each room through a heat-exchanger and out of the house.
It can take time to reach a point where you're making a profit on the cost of double glazing, but the long-term benefits far outweigh this initial investment. You'll be able to enjoy a more comfortable, warmer home and save money on your energy bills every year. Double glazing will also boost the value of your home if you plan to sell it in the near future. In fact, it can increase the value of your home by as much as 10%.
Condensation
Many homeowners are prone to condensation after installing double glazing. Double-glazed windows come with two panes with an air space between them. This improves the efficiency of the house. The air space between the two panes of glass is filled with a crystalline desiccant that sucks up moisture and stops the inside of the window from becoming damp or foggy. But if the desiccant degrades or is saturated by too much moisture, condensation can form within the glass.
Internal condensation is the most frequent in kitchens and bathrooms where humidity levels are high and there is little or no air circulation. It can also be seen on the inside of your windows when you've recently had work done around the house such as painting or plastering, which gives off lots of moisture.
External condensation is caused by steam or water that is vaporizing and turning into liquid when it hits a cold surface, like the exterior of your double-glazed windows. This can also be caused by the steam from your shower, kettle or hot pots and pans used for cooking. If you notice condensation on the outside of your windows it's important to be aware that this is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about, as your double-glazed windows are doing their job by allowing heat to enter your home.
If you've noticed condensation on the windows' interiors, it is best to clean it off as soon as it starts to form as if you leave it for too long, it could lead to damp or even mould. Try using hairdryers on the affected area to heat it up and maybe evaporate the moisture back into water vapour but this is not a permanent solution. Ask the company that installed your windows if they can assist you. This will not invalidate your warranty.
Dehumidifiers can be a great solution to prevent condensation. They take moisture out of the air, preventing it from sticking to surfaces. It is also a good idea to open your windows and doors frequently to let fresh air into the home, particularly on sunny days.
