The Zero Stress Guide to Double Glazing

How to use this Zero Stress Guide for Double Glazing

If you’re planning to change your windows or doors you need to be aware of your legal obligation to meet certain standards in the government’s Building Regulations. For while an Englishman’s home may be his castle, officialdom is storming the ramparts and demanding that it must be as energy efficient as possible. (This applies equally to the Welsh and more so to the Scots!)

So while you are under certain constraints when making such changes to your home (unless, ironically, you actually DO live in a castle, in which case it will probably be exempt), there are still plenty of decisions you will have to take – and you will make them more wisely if you are armed with all the facts beforehand.

Which is why we believe you will find this book a really useful reference. It not only gives you the background to the demands of the Building Regulations but also details the benefits of double glazing as well as guiding you through the various design options. We advise you on everything from what to look for in a supplier to how to care for your windows.

There are warnings of pitfalls to avoid and bookmarks to websites that will provide more detail on aspects of the project in which you are especially interested. In short, we invite you to benefit from our practical expertise and make the whole experience as straightforward as possible.

Of course, no project is 100% stress-free but if you follow our advice you’ll come as close to it as humanly possible.

Furthermore, get it right and you can look forward to enjoying the benefits of your double glazing for many years to come.

10 things you need to know before you buy double glazing

• Double glazing is subject to strict building regulations – make sure you adhere to them
• Safety, security and energy conservation will be enhanced
• Your chosen style should complement and enhance your property
• Cheaper prices often come at the expense of fewer opening windows
• Check whether PVCu windows are fully welded or if parts of it are mechanically fixed
• Get two or three quotes before taking a decision and check suppliers’ guarantees
• Secondary glazing is a cheaper and equally efficient option for sound insulation
• Although double glazing will cut energy bills by around 10-12% it will be some years before you save enough money to recoup the cost
• Check whether windows have any special ‘easy escape’ or ‘fire escape’ features. Special hinges can be fitted to help with this but are not usually standard items and increase the cost
• DIY is an option – but only for the competent and confident