As a first time renovator looking to make a major change to one’s home, hiring a team in to do the work can often feel like a major commitment.
However, if you understand more about what you should be looking for in a double glazing company it makes for a much swifter operation. This guide to what you should know about double glazing and the companies that offer this service will help you on your way.
What is Double Glazing?
Two sheets of glass separated by a thin sheet of air or Argon gas and sealed in a unit make up a basic double glazing window – but there are many other specialised glasses available that one could consider when looking into double glazing.
Double glazing is one of the most popular modern glass techniques due to the many benefits that it can have for your home:
Climate Control: The most common reason for double glazing installation is climate control. Windows are said to be areas where insulation is at its lowest causing large amounts of energy to be lost – especially with bigger windows or sliding doors. Insulate your home with double glazed windows and minimise heat loss and heating costs in winter. As an added benefit they will also help keep your home cooler summer.
Noise Reduction: Double glazing also has noise reduction qualities and the greater the gap between panes the larger the buffer zone. Reduce outside noise such as traffic or aircraft while also isolating the inside noise like televisions and music with double glazing.
Give Your Home a Facelift: Both the appeal and value of your home could be instantly increased by installing double glazing in and around your home. The specialised glass doesn’t have to be limited as can be incorporated into almost any room of the house - and it also works wonders on skylights, sliding doors, glass conservatories and bay windows.
Security: A Double glazed unit is significantly thicker than a regular window and the range of frames available have increased security benefits.
What is Self-Cleaning Glass?
But what about keeping your glass clean? Consider self-cleaning glass.
The idea of self-cleaning glass may sound a little strange at first, but the groundbreaking technology used in the specialised glass works in a simple two stage, environmentally driven process.
The glass itself is treated with an ingenious coating which uses light from the sun to break down and loosen organic dirt. This is called the ‘photocatalytic’ stage. The second stage of the self-cleaning process uses rain or other precipitation to wash away the dirt in sheets - the ‘hydrophilic’ stage.
Solar controlled self-cleaning glass provides added insulation to your windows. Let in as much light as possible while maintaining the climate throughout your home.
What to Ask Your Double Glazing Company
When looking for a reputable double glazing company that will give you the best deal, make sure to shop around. Remember, you don’t have to use the same supplier and fitter. You can make savings by doing your homework before committing to a double glazing company. It is sometimes worth enquiring about the possibility of reduced rates if you decide to use the same double glazing company for the entire process.
Take your time and find your perfect window design, enquire with your local suppliers about costs and availability and then look around for a fitter with the best prices and skills.
Make sure that the quotes and estimates supplied to you by the double glazing company include both time and cost approximations. Although installing double glazing is a job best not rushed, you wouldn’t want to find a cheap double glazing company, only to have them in your home for any longer than necessary.
To help find the most reputable double glazing company, do some research online about the company you are considering employing for your alterations. There are many websites which specialise in relaying the public’s opinion of a product or service to others – so see what other people have to say.
Lastly, remember to insist on written copies of all quotes, estimates, guarantees and contracts.
A double glazing company can really work wonders in your home and Pilkington has been in the glass business since 1826 and is the world's technological leader in the field. With a wide range of revolutionary glass products like Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass, it’s the obvious choice when looking for glass products for your double glazing project.
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