| Question
1 |
I'm looking
for top of the range windows in pvc-u. With
so many window companies out there trying to convince me that
theirs is the best, I'd prefer some independent advice. Can
you help?
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| Question
2 |
This is a very important decision,
choosing new windows and doors, and we feel that we should
get 3 quotes, but quite frankly I'm not too keen on having
three different double glazing companies coming to see us.
It's time consuming and I've heard that a lot of companies
use high-pressure sales tactics. Any comments?
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| Question
3 |
What is the difference between internal
and externally glazed windows? Which do you recommend?
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| Question
4 |
What is the best option toughened
glass or laminated glass? What is the difference? Is one more
secure than the other?
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| Question
5 |
What is the difference between u-pvc
and pvc-u, one supplier claims better ageing, particularly
colour, for pvc-u.
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| Question
6 |
What are the relative advantages of pvc-u versus aluminium for replacement windows?
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| Question
7 |
What is Secondary Double Glazing?
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| Question
8 |
Will my new windows and doors discolour?
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| Question
9 |
We are in a grade 2 listed building
and would like to have our windows double glazed. Will this
be OK?
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| Question
10 |
What are equal sight lines?
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| Question
11 |
We have single glazed sliding sash wooden windows and would like to replace them with single glazed windows. Is this OK?
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| Question
12 |
If we are replacing windows in our house I have heard that we need to apply for building regulations. Is this true?
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| Question
13 |
As you are window brokers and not limited to one manufacturer do you subcontract out the Fitting?
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| Question
14 |
Do you also install conservatories?
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| Question
15 |
I am looking for supply only, as my builder will be installing the windows in our extension. Is this possible?
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| Answer
1 |
That's one of the reasons You Choose! was set up. By researching
the market on your behalf we can show you several top quality
windows, and uniquely, you can compare them at the same time,
which makes it much easier and more objective to make your
decision as to which product to choose.
Being independent also means that we never 'push' any one
product at you. There is no pressure, which is one of the
many reasons our customers like dealing with us.
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| Answer
2 |
That is one of the main reasons that You Choose! was set up.
We knew that people wanted to do their research, but often didn't
like the process of seeing many different companies, often giving
them conflicting advice.
By seeing You Choose! you will find that you can save lots
of time, as you can get three or more quotes from us. Because
we are independent, we are not pushing any one product at
you.
Our expertise is in the design side, helping you decide what
suits your home best, and then giving you impartial advice.
We can usually give you a quote there and then, but it's up
to you whether you choose! to go ahead with us.
We do not use high-pressure sales tactics
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| Answer
3 |
| Internally glazed windows have the glazing beads, which secure
the double glazed unit in place, on the inside. Externally glazed
windows have the glazing beads on the outside.
From a security point of view most people would recommend
internally glazed units, as it is not possible to remove the
glass from the outside. However, using an externally glazed
window with security tape on the inside of the glass, makes
it virtually impossible to remove the glass directly from
the outside.
A wedge gasket system offers a similar security improvement.
Again the wedge gaskets need to be removed from the inside
before the external glazing beads can be removed. With an
internally glazed system there is approximately 10mm extra
of plastic (or aluminium) on each side of the sash, so you
will have more glass and less plastic (or aluminium) on externally
glazed windows. Transoms and mullions are usually welded with
internally glazed pvc-u systems and mechanically fixed with
externally glazed systems.
For higher buildings with more than just ground and first
floor, it is easier to fit internally glazed windows as most
of the work is done from the inside. We do offer both options
and can show you the difference when we come to see you. |
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| Answer
4 |
| Toughened and Laminated glass are both what is known as 'Safety
Glass'. It is normally (and indeed it must be) fitted in areas
of danger such as doors, and windows close to the floor, where
there is a danger of injury from falling against it. Both 'break
safely'.
Toughened glass is heated and cooled (tempered) during manufacturing
which makes it harder to break than normal float glass. When
it does break, it shatters into very small pieces which cannot
cause serious injury. Laminated glass is actually two sheets
of glass with a clear film sandwiched in-between. When this
is broken it stays in place, still stuck to the inner film.
Your new windows/doors should automatically have Safety Glass
where it is legally required by Building Regulations. This
will normally be toughened glass, which is cheaper to produce
than laminated glass. It is not necessary to fit it elsewhere.
Sometimes laminated glass is used for very large panes because
it can be produced in larger sizes than toughened. Laminated
glass is sometimes considered to be better purely from a security
viewpoint because, although it breaks more easily, it stays
in place.
Bear in mind that if laminated glass is put into opening
windows, or doors, it is much heavier than toughened glass
and will produce much more 'wear and tear' on the hinges.
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| Answer
5 |
| To answer the question very simply,
there is no difference between u-pvc and pvc-u.
Both terms refer to unplasticised (hard) pvc, which is used
extensively in building products where rigidity is an important
attribute.
Plasticised (soft) pvc on the other hand is used where flexibility
is important, for example medical tubing applications, insulation
sheathing on electrical wiring, etc. Pvc-u is more to do with
commonality of terminology worldwide than it is to do with
formulation. Any claims of better performance of pvc-u over
u-pvc are therefore spurious. |
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| Answer
6 |
Pvc-u
Good insulator
Low maintenance
Many suppliers/usually the cheapest option today
Now available in wood grain and coloured finishes
Aluminium
Virtually no maintenance over its long lifetime
Slim, strong sections that will not warp or twist
About one third the expansion of pvc-u
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| Answer
7 |
| Secondary glazing is another window fitted on the inside of
your existing window, this is usually with aluminium with or
without a hardwood sub-frame, it is some times called secondary
windows.
Secondary glazing can be used in addition to double glazing
in particularly noisy areas, e.g. close to airport. It could
also be used when existing windows are not to be replaced
and are single glazed, e.g. in a listed building. |
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| Answer
8 |
| No. The colour is guaranteed for 10 years. Recycled pvc-u
is not UV stable and will discolour. This is not generally used
in the extrusion of window and door material. If it is, then
it is normally used in such a small percentage that it does
not have any effect on the window performance.
Modern Double Glazing is generally manufactured from 'virgin'
materials and advances in technology allow the inclusion of
UV Stabilisers in the extrusion. The finish will still tend
to 'fade' slightly over the years, as will almost any surface
exposed to the elements. |
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| Answer
9 |
| Unfortunately, if you are in a grade 2 listed building; most
planning authorities will not allow you to have double glazing.
You can replace your windows, usually with single glazing
only, in the same style as the original. If the windows themselves
are in good condition, but you'd like to improve heat and
sound insulation, then the solution is to fit secondary glazing,
which we can also provide. |
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| Answer
10 |
| If you look at a double glazing installation and you cannot tell which
are the openers and which are the fixed panes, then you're probably
looking at equal sight lines see our gallery.
With equal sight lines you either have an opener or a dummy
opener (dummy vent). This is an opening sash which doesn't
open, so it's the same size as an opener. With non-equal sight
lines the openers jut out more than the fixed panes.
Aesthetically, equal sight lines look more pleasing to the
eye, and you will get more plastic (or aluminium) and less
glass. |
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| Answer
11 |
| Unless you are in a Grade 2 listed building, you must
replace with double glazed windows. In a Grade 2 listed building you have to replace
with like for like single glazed windows – see Question 9.
At You Choose, we can help you with all of these options.
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| Answer
12 |
| This is true and will typically
cost you upwards of £200. However, if you use a FENSA
registered company, such as You Choose, it is not necessary
to apply for building regulations. |
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| Answer
13 |
| Whilst our fitters are self-employed they work
exclusively for You Choose and it is one of the most important reasons that our
customers recommend us to their friends and neighbours.
Our fitters will lay dust sheets in all areas that we are working so you can
rest assured that you will be coming back to a clean tidy house with brand new
professionally fitted windows and doors.
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| Answer
14 |
| Yes, we most certainly do and we can do the
groundworks or work with your own builder, if you prefer. See Case Study 6.
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| Answer
15 |
| Whilst we prefer to supply and install, we are
happy to do a supply only job.
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