Things to Consider When Buying Double Glazed Windows

If you’re looking to equip your home with new windows, double glazing is a cost-effective option that can save you money in the long run. You’ve probably already considered the advantages to installing double glazed windows – but there are a few other things to consider before you make your final decision.

As double glazed window repair specialists at Cloudy2Clear, we’ve got a great deal of experience regarding what to look out for when thinking about your new installation. Here’s our guide on what you should consider when buying double glazed windows.

Find the Ideal Type of Glass for Your Windows

There’s much more to double glazed windows than just the double glazing feature itself. The type of glass you choose for your double glazed windows can have a significant impact on the performance of your windows. Different types of glass are best suited to different environments, and can offer additional features that you might not have previously considered.

Here’s an overview on the various types of glass you can use for double glazed windows and their properties.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

Double glazed windows are allocated energy ratings that demonstrate how energy efficient your new windows will be. Grade A is the higher rating with the better performance in terms of energy efficiency, while C is on the lower end of the scale.

·       Grade A

Grade A and A+ windows offer the highest levels of energy efficiency available on the market. They insulate the home impressively well, retaining any heat stored in the home for longer periods of time. While this rating will help you to save money on heating bills in the long run, it’s a more expensive option to buy. If you have no concerns about your budget and are willing to invest in a long-term double glazing solution, Grade A windows might work for you.

·       Grade B

Grade B windows are energy-efficient, though they’re not as high performance as Grade A. If you’re working with a mid-level budget and looking to keep your homes well insulated, Grade B is an ideal option.

·       Grade C

For those with a limited budget, Grade C windows still offer energy-efficiency advantages, albeit on a lower scale. Grade C double glazed windows still help save money on heating with their heat retention properties, but they’re not as efficient as Grade A windows.

Types of Glass

As well as choosing the right level of energy efficiency that works for your home and your budget, you can opt for different types of glass in your windows.

·       Self-Cleaning Glass

Self-cleaning double glazed window glass helps keep your windows looking fresh without the need for all the extra cleaning effort on your behalf. Self-cleaning glass is treated with chemical coatings that either dispel rainwater away from the window or allow dirt to dissolve away in sunlight. Self-cleaning glass is perfect if you’re fitting double glazed windows into spaces with lots of windows that would otherwise require lots of manual cleaning, such as conservatories.

·       Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is toughened glass that’s been thermally treated to improve durability and strength. Ordinary glass, when broken, can shatter into dangerous jagged shapes that can cause more harm if we come into contact with them. Due to its careful chemical or thermally treated properties, tempered glass shatters into small pieces that are not as likely to cause so much damage. Tempered glass is therefore ideal for situations where human safety should be considered. For window applications, it’s recommended if you live in an area with high burglary or crime rates.

·       Noise Reduction Glass

If you live in an area prone to noise pollution, consider noise reduction glass. This type of glass insulates your home from external noises by minimising the sound waves that can penetrate through the glass and into your building. Noise reduction glass is ideal if you have an office in the home where you need to be able to concentrate. It can help if you have trouble sleeping at night due to outside noise, or if you live close to a main road and can hear the traffic from inside your home.

Think About Upgrades and Extras

Double glazed window companies each offer different advantages when you shop with them. From warranties to extra security features, it’s important to check what’s on offer before you buy so you can compare the benefits effectively.

Check how long the window’s warranty or length of guarantee lasts before you commit to a purchase. With Cloudy2Clear, all our work is guaranteed for 25 years. This means whatever happens, we’re always on hand to replace your double glazed windows within that time – free of charge.

Look for Quality Customer Service

Many service providers seem to offer great quality customer service on the surface – it’s what they do best. But for some, when you dig a little deeper, you can find negative reviews concerning both the quality of the work and the long-term quality of their customer service. Always check the reviews of companies by using reliable review websites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.

The double glazing service you choose should impress you with quality interactions right from the very first enquiry you make with them. The company you go with should value you as a customer, providing the best possible customer care that really makes you feel looked after. They should be willing to listen to and answer any enquiries, no matter how small. If they fail to provide adequate service from the beginning, you can trust that any potential disputes further down the road will be tricky to navigate and resolve.

Double Glazed Windows with Cloudy2Clear

When you’re investing any amount of money into your home, you want to look for that quality reassurance that helps you put your trust in your choice of specialist. At Cloudy2Clear, our customer-service focused team are dedicated to ensuring each of our clients is 100% satisfied with our work. Our 25-year guarantee shows our dedication to our craft, so you know you’re getting the best for your money.

For a free, no obligation double glazed windows quote, fill out our contact form. You can also call our team on 0800 61 21 119 and we’ll discuss exactly how we can help you.