Getting the right double glazing information is crucial in helping you to make a decision regarding investment.
You’ve probably heard the double glazing term banded about, but often it’s not clear why it’s such a good idea for homeowners. 
The basic double glazing information concerns how it is constructed. It’s essentially two panes of glass separated by an efficient gas spacer. It’s this gas which makes the double glazing such a worthwhile investment for all homes.
Read the rest of this entry »
The extra features Apropos adds to the aluminium and glass structures we design and install (kitchen extensions, bespoke conservatories, glass verandas and other builds) are not something we offer merely as finishing touches, the icing on the cake… We believe that glazed canopies, electrically-controlled ventilation, self-cleaning glass and other features can be essential inclusions when it comes to enhancing overall structure functionality and aesthetics.
Canopies with glazed panels built by Apropos can be individually commissioned structures in themselves, in fact; sole additions to domestic and commercial properties of all types. They are particularly popular with clients looking to provide covered entrance ways, walkways and smoking shelters for both visitors and staff.
While commissioning the design and installation of an Apropos glazed canopy is usually done to solve a problem (namely, to provide shelter from the wind and rain), their visual appeal also makes them must-have structural additions for commercial clients across Britain, and domestic ones too…
Stylish protection!
On a wet and blustery day do you often struggle home from the train station or the shops and then continue to get soaked as you fight to close your umbrella while standing at your front door? And do you remain vulnerable to the elements while you rummage in your bag for your house keys? Installing an Apropos structure over your front door will protect you from all that. It will be visually impressive too, adding character and style to your home.
To the rear of your property* why not consider adding an aluminium and glass-made canopy as part of a dedicated (covered) seating area, or a place to use for barbeques? You could even request that we include a pitched glass canopy in the design of your commissioned kitchen extension or bespoke conservatory from us.
* Creating a covered walkway between your garden studio and your main property will protect you from the rain as you journey to and fro.
Slick, modern designs
Bespoke glazed entrance canopies in slick modern designs, expertly installed by Apropos, make ‘traditional’ canopies look so old-fashioned. Our cutting edge, contemporary designs allow light to flood in, while still keeping you bone dry. What’s more, they can add value to your property.
Glazed canopies you can trust
So many clients say to us how, in the past, their concerns over canopies’ sturdiness and strength had put them off adding one to their building. At Apropos, we completely understand this. When out and about, old shelters you see added to properties can often look insubstantial and flimsy, can’t they? It is as if they could be as defenceless against stormy weather as the people they are supposed to protect.
Apropos glazed canopies are made of sterner stuff than that. As well as looking good, your bespoke structure from us will stay put and provide rock-solid reliable cover, whatever the weather, for years to come.
Glass canopies as porches, lobbies, walkways from offices to car parks…
Whether you are a homeowner or a business or organisation seeking to add a glazed canopy to your building, you’ll be included in the design process throughout. This will ensure the bespoke canopy with glazed panels you get from us is exactly what you need and want. Or, if you’d prefer, you can of course leave the entire design process to our dedicated team.
Click here to request a personal consultation with a designer local to you!
Housing Executive properties will miss out on double glazed windows after the social development minister put schemes on hold, citing their expense as a major reason.
Schemes were put in place to help properties reduce their energy bills and keep warm with double glazed windows and it was understood 30,000 homes needed the work. 
The programme was initially pledged last year to the Government by Stormont ministers, but Nelson McCausland has raised concerns around the expense of those completed so far.
Read the rest of this entry »
Paying for the cost of double glazing can be a headache, especially if it’s something that’s been thrust upon you as an emergency. Quality double glazing isn’t cheap, but it’s well worthwhile and you’ll comfortably make back your initial investment.
Some double glazing companies are offering finance deals, to subsidise the cost of double glazing. But if you can, you should avoid this at all costs. You’ll end up paying back much more over the repayment period and you won’t be able to make a profit through your energy bill savings. 
Remember, the main reason to invest in double glazed windows, is to save money.
With double glazing you’ll:
- Reduce your annual heating bills by as much as £300, as the insulation retains heat in your property
- Keep your home warmer without the need to up the heating
- Make your property more secure with the latest locking mechanisms and two panes of glass
- Reduce noise pollution that enters your home, with excellent energy efficiency
- Cut carbon dioxide emissions, lowering your home’s footprint
By taking finance on your installation, you simply won’t see the returns. The interest rates which come with these loans can often double the price of your glazing, than if you paid up front.
The Anglian finance package for example, which was highlighted on BBC 2’s Don’t get Done Get Dom, shows a customer being offered a full house of double glazed windows and doors for £7,500.
However, they provided a discount if the consumer took finance over a ten year period, which would have equalled over £15,000.
If you need double glazing but you’re struggling to find a reasonably priced deal, then your best bet is to make several enquiries in order to compare quotes.
The cost of double glazing can vary from company to company, so unless you won’t to be stung, it makes sense to compare.
By using our quotation service you’ll receive up to four free quotes from vetted, reputable double glazing companies. You can compare the cost of double glazing and ensure you get the best deal. You won’t need finance, and instead you can make save money on energy bills and much more with double glazing.
If you’re thinking of replacing your windows you’ll probably be looking for cheap double glazing. With the country slipping back into a recession, everyone is eyeing for a great bargain to help them cut their spending.
But double glazing is something you don’t want to purchase on the cheap. Good double glazed windows will last for over 15 years, reducing your energy bills by up to £300 a year.
Cheap double glazing simply won’t do this. The cost comes with the efficiency of the spacer, the width of the spacer and the type of glass. All three contribute to the unit’s efficiency and will ultimately affect how much you save annually.
Read the rest of this entry »
To save money on installations and feel comfortable with your purchase, homeowners should use local, independent double glazing companies – according to a Which? survey.
As part of the report Which? spoke to 2,500 people who’d had double glazing installed in the last five years. And staggeringly, just 7% mentioned that they trusted double glazing companies.
It’s no secret that many homeowners are worried about entering into the double glazing market, with a stigma surrounding cowboys and botched jobs. 
But double glazing is such a worthwhile investment that will:
- Reduce your energy bills by up to £300 a year
- Keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
- Make your home more secure, with two panes and modern locking systems
- Reduce noise pollution that enters your home, with an efficient spacer
- Cut your home’s carbon footprint, making your property environmentally friendly
Avoiding the double glazing sales pitch
The Which? research also found that 40% of those surveyed, believe it’s difficult to find good advice on double glazing.
On top of this, they asked for prices from national double glazing companies and found these quotes to be higher than the local firms. Everest and Safestyle refused the approach from Which? but an Everest spokesman said: “It’s no secret we charge a premium price for our products.”
Unfortunately, there still are double glazing companies out there who’ll attempt to carry out the sales tactics, simply to secure an on-the-spot deal. In fact, many double glazing salesmen are on a commission-only based contract, so it’s their livelihood at stake to sell you these windows.
A Which? report says: “Double glazing salespeople frequently quote a higher price to begin with, which they drop over the course of their sales visit.
“The price you’re quoted could drop by 75%, or over £10,000, during a sales pitch. You should also avoid signing up to a double glazing contract on the spot.”
Finding trusted double glazing companies
The good news is there are still reputable double glazing companies out there, all willing to provide you with no obligation, truthful quotations.
These double glazing companies won’t pretend to ring their manager and bargain a better deal for you, instead acting professionally throughout the experience and ensuring your complete satisfaction with the job.
Another way for making sure you get the best possible price on the market is to compare quotes. Which? say: “Get at least three quotes. While a third of Which? members got three quotes before deciding on the company they used, worryingly 31% only got one quote.”
Quotatis can help you with this stage of your double glazing investment. We take pride in only allowing the very best in the industry to sign up to our service.
What to look for in Double Glazing
Energy Saving Trust revealed that 62% of individuals calling its advice service are worried about their bills but energy saving items like Double Glazing can significantly cut your heating bills:
Glass: The most energy-efficient glass for double glazing is low emissivity (Low-E) glass. This often has an unnoticeable coating of metal oxide, normally on one of the internal panes next to the gap. This lets in light and heat but cuts the amount of heat that can get out.
In between: Very efficient windows might use gases such as argon, xenon or krypton in the gap between the sheets of glass.
Pane spacers: These are set around the inside edges to keep the two panes of glass apart. For maximum efficiency, look for pane spacers containing little or no metal – often known as ‘warm edge’ spacers.
Frame: uPVC frames last a long time, come in a range of colours (not just white), can be recycled and offer great security.
All double glazing companies in our network have been vetted, with references checked and approved. They’re all reputable, professional businesses, who put customer satisfaction at the top of their list.
To receive up to four free quotes from FENSA or CERTASS accredited double glazing companies, simply complete the quick form below. We’ll match your criteria to the right company and you’ll be given no obligation double glazing quotation within 48 hours.
Double glazed windows help to reduce condensation. Naturally, double glazed windows should prevent most condensation, because the moisture in your home will have nowhere to settle.
However, you can also help yourself by ensuring your home’s environment isn’t full of moisture. Condensation is a by-product of warmer homes, when warm on the inside meets cold on the outside. 
Moisture is created by everything from drying clothes, to breathing. In fact, everyday breathing can create six pints of moisture.
Double glazed windows restrict condensation because of an energy efficient spacer between the two panes of glass.
This spacer ensures the interior of your home stays warm, in keeping with your property’s temperature.
As well as preventing condensation, double glazed windows also:
- Increase your home’s security with two panes of glass and modern locking mechanisms
- Reduce your household bills by keeping your home warmer, so you don’t have to turn up the heating
- Cut your property’s carbon footprint
If you have older, inefficient double glazed windows you may have noticed water in between the two panes. This can happen after many years and means the seal has been compromised.
When this happens, your double glazing unit is no longer energy efficient, and you’ll be losing heat through your windows, which can add around £300 to your annual bills.
The new double glazed windows will also probably come with a 10-year guarantee, which proves they’ll last well for years without any problems.
When you’re considering double glazing, you have a choice of which frame to use too. The popular choices are uPVC, hardwood and aluminium. However, for a cost-effective frame that looks great, whilst being extremely durable, uPVC is your only option.
Hardwood suffers many problems after installation such as rotting or warping. It’ll need constant care and maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition.
On the other hand, aluminium is much more expensive and if you’re on a budget, just isn’t a realistic option.
uPVC doesn’t have to be that traditional white colour either, and if you would prefer to, you can choose to have other colours such as woodgrain, grey or even black. Choosing another colour makes the window look larger too, which is great for the aesthetic appeal of your home.
If you’re interested in double glazed windows, we can provide you with up to four free quotes from reputable, vetted professionals. Just complete our quote form and we’ll put you in touch with the top companies in the industry.
Replacing new double glazing windows could cost landlords more in
the future, as a new proposal would force them to install energy efficient measures too.
Other home improvements such as boilers and conservatories could also be included in the scheme, which is being dubbed as the ‘green tax’. Under the proposals, landlords would have to install insulation such as loft lagging or wall cavity insulation, as well as new double glazing windows.
All improvements made under the new scheme would have to comply with full Building Regulations. However, it hasn’t been made clear as of yet whether emergency installations would apply to the scheme, such as when a boiler suddenly breaks down.
If the insulation work would have to be completed at the same time, it could mean delays for tenants without heat or hot water.
The Government is looking to extend the requirements for ‘consequential improvements’ under Chapter 4 of a consultation on Building Regulations.
If these changes are processed successfully, any work carried out on the home would trigger a requirement to install further energy efficiency measures.
Under the new green tax regulations:
- Landlords replacing double glazing windows would have to install other efficiency measures
- This could be loft lagging, wall cavity insulation or other insulation
- The added insulation would add to the initial costs facing landlords
- This scheme would come into effect in 2014
- Replacing double glazing windows now will help to avoid this green tax
The consultation paper says: “The reason for proposing these changes now is to recognise the urgency of reducing emissions from the existing building stock, and, in a time of rising energy prices, to make homes and non-domestic buildings easier and cheaper to heat.
“It would also take advantage of a new market mechanism which has the potential to remove some of the existing barriers to action – the Green Deal.”
The paper mentions that the opportunity would be there for further energy efficiency measures to be carried out whilst double glazing windows or a boiler is being replaced. The scheme could be put in place as early as April 2014, but the outcome of the consultation will not be known for some months.
The renting market has already faced tough changes recently. Last week new look Energy performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced, meaning that from 2018 properties with the two lowest ratings would be banned from the market. Landlords would have to upgrade energy efficiency measures to boost the rating.
The sun came out in force last week, signalling that summer is just around the corner and winter is well and truly in the past. For those with wooden windows, you’ve probably seen how harsh the weather can be and maybe you’ll need to replace with the best double glazing available.
And you can easily check if there’s damage to your wooden windows and they need replacing or repairing. By opening the windows you’ll be able to see if there’s water trapped inside. You’ll also be able to see areas of rot, which can be chiselled away and filled with a two-part epoxy wood filler.
Cleaning and oiling the hinges and catches will also allow for easier operation of the wooden windows.
- Wooden windows can rot and warp over time
- Old windows will collect water in the air gap, reducing efficiency
- Draughts can start to occur in inefficient wooden windows
This could be yet another occasion you’ve been forced to make repairs and it may be time to upgrade to the best double glazing available on the window market.
By upgrading you’ll help to make your property more energy efficient, which will reduce your annual energy bills by as much as £300 a year.
On top of this, you’ll improve your home’s Energy Performance rating, reduce carbon emissions and make your windows more secure.
The best double glazing for your home
When replacing your old double glazing windows, you can either go like-for-like and choose wood, or upgrade to uPVC.
However, uPVC is considered as the best double glazing by homeowners and installation companies because it’s far cheaper, is maintenance-free for years to come and provides excellent efficiency. As the cheaper alternative, replacing costs are low, making it the best double glazing window in the industry.
uPVC won’t rot or warp like wood, so it doesn’t need that constant care and attention. uPVC won’t rust either and you’ll only need to give it a paint every few years to keep it looking in tip-top condition.
What’s more, uPVC doesn’t have to have that traditional white look and can be manufactured to your personal tastes. With the latest locking mechanisms installed you’ll ensure that your home is better protected against possible break-ins.
In fact, surveys suggest that potential burglars avoid double glazed windows, especially if they’re fitted with modern locking. It’s clear that uPVC is the best double glazing material and will ensure you cut your bills and have a warmer home.
Double glazing replacement windows help to retain heat in the home, cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. For every homeowners looking to save some money in the tough financial climate, double glazing replacement should be near the top of the list.
Here are 10 other reasons for double glazing replacement windows
Double glazing replacement windows will cut your energy bills
If you want to keep your home warm all year round, then double glazing replacement windows should be a priority. When you combine the double glazing technology with low-emissivity glass you’ll allow heat and light into your home and prevent it from leaving. Together this means your heating bills are reduced and cuts heat loss.
Read the rest of this entry »
