Look To The Future With Optimism 2012 Glazing Sector

  

Glasstec 2012 sent out  optimistic signals in an undetermined economic climate, say the organisers.  The large majority of the approx 40,000 visitors seemed impressed and had a positive outlook about the whole affair and look to a promising 2013 in the glazing sector. More than half the visitors assessed the future economic state in the sector as a positive one. This echoed the response from the 1,162 exhibitors at the world’s biggest glass industry trade fair.


International visitors accounted for over half , with a high proportion of the visitors from  top management, who accounted for over two-thirds of attendees. 

2012 's event sent out a clear positive sign for the industry in tough economic times that are difficult to predict, but also proved its high standard as a fair of innovations .

The exhibitors reported a good level of orders and activity amongst potential customers. This news does the glazing sector good and underlines the world wide importance of the trade fair.

More specifically the special show “glass technology live” once again attracted a great deal of interest. 

More Benefits Of PVC windows And Doors Compared To Timber Windows

There are certain windows in the home that will benefit from A rated PVC Double glazing.

Bathrooms are notoriously very steamy places and will suffer badly from condensation latching on to the glazing. The Argon gas insulated cavities between the 2 panes of glass will act as a bridge between the inside and out. Along with warm edge glazing technology it will almost prevent any prolonged  major steam from building up.The option of trickle vents in the windows is an added feature for particularly steamy rooms which have small venting openers.

Kitchen windows and windows nearby windows will suffer the same problems, as cooking causes the same effect.




There are massive benefits to upgrading to PVC windows from timber also.
Mould and black marking is noticeable on old timber frames .All around the inner edge of the pane where damp starts to collect, it  beds itself in and manifests . This is not preventable on timber windows.

Once at this stage it is irreversible and can't be treated as it will come back exactly the same as before and be an eyesore for as long as the windows are in. The PVC frames are usually white on the inner side and can be wiped over really easily. 

The maintenance on a PVC Window is minimal and as long as they are kept well they will look great and bypass their guarantee no problem.

A lot of bathrooms and kitchens which are currently timber windows can be a dark colour or stained inside. With the transformation to new bright white PVC Windows,  it opens up the room completely, and gives a clean fresh look that is easy to clean .Knowing that the added benefit is that they will perform the way you need in these steamy busy rooms. It is an idea to use spray oil on hinges and any metal working parts on show on these heavily steamed up rooms regularly.


Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

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Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean

Buying Windows And Having Them Fitted Separately Can Cause Problems

Credit crunch penny pinching could cost you getting the job that your home deserves. Although there are ways to save money when looking at having double glazing fitted there is one to be beware of.




Some customers who wish to get some double glazing installed can sometimes take the route of trying to measure their windows or doors themselves and then ask around for a competitive price from individual fitting teams.

This is a very tricky and risky strategy as each individual opening for a window will pose certain skill sets needed from an experienced surveyor.That particular person will need to have come across the majority of different problems and types of property experience to get the job to an acceptable standard.

Its not even guaranteed that  the installation team will have the experience required as they are predominantly installation and don't use the same fore sight needed to have the PVC windows and doors function correctly and look aesthetically pleasing.

The other main problem is liability problems as PVC double glazing is not cheap and each frame is bespoke to that particular window opening. If you measure wrong, no matter how good at measuring you think you are you will overlook something and it is an expensive mistake. If the fitting team you have dug out prefer to measure then the liability is going to be a bit difficult as they are not a proper company. You will not have a contract or liability cover for surveying and fabrication mistakes.

Although the option of buying windows and then having them fitted separately is going to be cheaper you cant guarantee the finish the team will give you, and the whole process offers far more headaches and a lesser job overall.

There will be no submission to regulated double glazing organisations. Nor will there be an insurance backed guarantee or even the offer of one. It will also be likely that the installation process wont be covered with an installation guarantee of ten years. Neither will the actual double glazing product you bought from the window supplier in the first place.

Who will get rid of all the old windows and doors?
What happens if you're not happy with the finish or fitting work?
What happens if they damage your property or something inside it?
What happens if there is a snag and you try to get the team back? good luck.
What happens when you come to sell the house and you can't prove the energy ratings of the new windows and doors as they will be very important in the future. Will it affect your property price?

Finding the best overall product and installation from the same company is the safest way to get the double glazed home improvements that you need. Remember that its not always the cheapest option that will be the best deal in the long run. 


Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice posts on :

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

Don't Follow The Crowd When Buying PVC Windows And Doors.

Be Unique and add value along with a quick sale

Standing out from the crowd is an essential part of making your property appear to be more desirable which is the endless practise most proud home owners have in mind.

Being unique in certain ways will always attract more potential customers and a better asking price than anyone else's house in the street when deciding to move on. Therefore when designing your new windows and doors don't follow the crowd.

Being bold and adventurous will pay dividends in the long run. With practicality still in mind, try the use of the many bespoke colours that are on offer. Such as Irish oak, various shades of grey and more bold but tasteful blues and greens.

The majority of properties around have copied each others designs and gone for white PVC. These styles and colour will be budget minded but never really make any sort of impact and impression a well thought out look of bespoke double glazing will give you.

It may cost a fraction more to but the actual product but the installation cost wont be any different. It is important to realise that with the most expensive purchase of any ones life deserves the best product you can afford.

As with anything in life such as fancy German cars, fancy Italian shoes and Swiss watches they are all with intention of making a certain impression and indicate a certain lifestyle which is to suggest success. Surely your home and its bespoke double glazing is the same. 

Ask for advice and options on styles and openers as sometimes simplicity is far better than to close in all the windows with lots of openers. The rest of the street may have taken the choice to be in keeping with their surroundings and copied each others styles but there are so many window and door designs that can be  better.


Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

Upgrade The Locks In Your PVC Doors

Standard locks also known as cylinders or barrels are not up to the grade any more as far as preventing a determined up to date house burglar from breaking and entering you home.
The essential part of the whole locking system in PVC doors is the cylinder, bypass this small part and the door will engage and open freely.
Some of the new tricks that are being used are 

Bumping | A  set of skills will be needed for this as it is not easy but can be practised and perfected unfortunately. A blank key is used to imitate the usual key by cutting triangles into the blank , 1 for each pin. with the key in turned position the house breaker taps the end of the key
 ( bumping) the pins jump and find their sheer line and the key is allowed to turn therefore gained entry and no proof of anything illegal has happened. A nightmare for insurers.

Drilling | This where the cylinder barrel is drilled through straight down the sheer line drilling through each pin. 

Snapping | Where the intruder uses simple tools such as a screw a screw diver and a claw hammer. There are various techniques for this depending on the type of door handle and lock.This is the most popular amongst intruders and is very effective and very quick. Almost any door without an anti snap lock will be bypassed very easily with this technique.It can take a quick as 10 seconds and they're in.

Extraction | Where the actual lock is subjected to one of the mentioned above then forced outwards with a claw hammer.

It would be wise to upgrade every PVC door or composite door lock to Anti snap/bump/drill standard. Ordering your PVC door with these will be easier and ask your double glazing installer/supplier for the upgrade options.

Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

Cheaper Isn't Always Better In PVC windows..Beware !!

There are so many different types of window profile out there that different companies are using so from a novice point of view you would never tell the difference between them.

A window is a window ..right?

Not quite.There are major differences between them in 

Security |  depending on which choice of hardware a manufacturer decides to use it will be to maximise profits and bought in bulk. The cheaper the profile usually means the cheaper the hardware and only a 12 month warranty on working parts. Check warranties on all parts of the windows you are purchasing as different parts will have differing length of time. 


Durability | All PVC windows and doors will be more durable than a standard timber window but certain parts of the construction of the PVC window will give in before guarantees run out.
parts such as in proper drainage, internal rubber gaskets, blown double glazed units through poor fabrication and a typical one is warping beads through extreme heat .


Aesthetics | The look and design of a top quality window will show itself immediately. Along with good fabrication. As far as aesthetics and profiles are concerned there are a range of sculptured designs and bevelled ones. Traditionally a PVC window tends to be quite simple in design, but over the last 10 years there have been  a few brand in windows which have been over sculptured and a bit too ornate. Its all down to taste and what suites the property.


 Insulating Properties | Not all manufacturers invest the same amount in design and innovation to further their brand, although some window brands do . Although nearly all will attain an A rated status some lesser window profiles need a lot of extra work to attain it and may let you down.. 


 Fabrication | The quality of the fabricator should stand out a mile when comparing widows and doors. Pay particular attention to welds and how well the beads have been mitred or scribed in. Does the profile use old rubber gasket or the new Q Lon gasket.?
Does the sample cross section of profile show several chambers in construction to give it strength.?
Is the PVC window  fabricated in a machine based factory well invested in and set up for a mass turn over, or is bob and his bunch of Trainees making them in a work shop up the road?

Trust me it will make a huge difference in finish quality. Always invest in the best product you can afford as inferior products will let you down, even if it means waiting another month or so. Research is the key to getting the right double glazing.

Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

5 Tips To Combating Condensation On Windows.

Condensation is a problem the world over and that can manifest itself over a period of time and begin to cause maintenance as well as health problems. Damp issues, plastering problems , mould spores and so on can be a property nightmare.

It usually shows itself in the form of droplets around the edge of windows which is the consequence of the cold outside making the window pane the coldest part of the room. The moisture warmer air inside carrying the generated moisture will naturally latch itself on to glass as it is the point where warm meets cold.

The warmer the moisture inside, and the colder of the exterior - the more dramatic the condensation will be. You will notice this when cooking and boiling food without ventilation as it completely makes the panes obscured.

We all create condensation when breathing, exercising, cooking, drying clothes, showering and so on. So the more people there are in a home and pets included, the more moisture is generated.

There are a few things that you can take into account to combat the effects of condensation on windows, and are as follows..

1) Use a dehumidifier | designed to do the job but 1 will not work for the whole of the house so they can be expensive and sometimes noisy.

2) Don't use blackout sheets or blankets over curtains for a darker room. This will insulate the cold air immediately around the window area and not allow any condensation to disperse at all.

3) Although there is bad weather during winter months and tumble dryers are expensive, try not to dry too much clothing indoors. If so use plenty of ventilation near by. Remember the evaporating water needs to go somewhere.

4) An old school tip from yesteryear | Taking a potato and slicing it in half rub it around the bottom in the U shape that usually develops. After applying it, buff the excess off but without completely removing all together. The enzymes in the potato repel the latching process of condensation. Not guaranteed though , try on one window and see the difference.

5) Upgrade your Double to Glazing to A Rated | with warm edge glazing, Argon gas filled cavities, insulated profile and 2 lots of energy efficient glass its the safest bet of combating all the effects of condensation in the home. But it still needs to be remembered that moisture reduction and ventilation will always help a lot.



Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

5 tips on getting cheaper PVC windows

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

Beware of FREE deals on PVC Windows and doors as they are not all what they seem.

To draw customers in there are a few double glazing firms that use time wasting antics such as free extra window or free door with x amount of windows. This on the face it seems to be a good deal as a back door could cost in the region £ 550 upwards.

But inevitably you will be paying for it within the price as you will never see the actual cost of materials , or the profit margin they wish to make on your new PVC windows and doors.
As each individual home and specification required is different there is no way of using a friend or neighbours price as a bench mark as to whether the quote is genuine.


There is also the practise of advertising a " from " price when listing windows and doors which will never be the price you pay as it will be the lowest price for the smallest, cheapest  window or door they can actually afford to sell and install. A lot of these adverts have  marks next them such as  ( * ) and lower down on the page out of eye line  it will say subject to size and specification.

It is an advertising ploy that is designed to get potential customers in to start a discussion with reps so that they can start to do their business.


There are also the companies that state 50% off or 35% off ? as this can't be verified as what the %  off really is i wouldn't believe in it much. As the prices are usually so escalated to begin with that after the price reduction it would end up being what you were going to pay anyway. This may be useful in general shopping stores for clothes and food as each and every can or coat is the same in its range. Windows and doors are completely bespoke to each individuals needs and measurements.

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But the ultimate strategy when looking to purchase new windows and doors is not believe everything that you read,  and that nothing is free. It is just down to how low one firm will go against another with their profit margins. And good judge of character along with gut feeling is what's needed in such a situation.
Generally double glazing companies and its industry is a very clean one and has improved its image massively over the last decade. A lot of it is down to memberships to government backed organisations that have gotten rid of the cowboys and quality has gone up as has the competition.


Rather than looking at cheapest overall price it would be better to get a local window company with a good reputation, gallery of previous jobs and high quality double glazing that you trust as not all double glazing is the same. Cheaper is not always better -  it can cost you problems in the long run.

Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

Buying Windows Can Be Done Without Problems

The double glazing industry has done lots over the years to restore peoples faith in firms providing home improvement glazing products. The glazing trade is now one of the least complained about industries, but there are still some rogue traders trying to rip customers off with bogus promises.

If you are in the market for a new set of windows and doors you need to educate yourself to know when  to spot a deal that is simply too good to be true. Here are a few things you should look out for:

Galleries of double glazed installations

Always ask companies for any images of actual work, they may have from previous customers who have had similar work done. If the company refuses to give you access to these they should be avoided at all costs when buying double glazing or replacement windows.The odd reference would be a good thing to ask for too.

Installation 

Although circumstances can sometimes change because of weather conditions, a good installer should give you an indication of how long the work should take to complete. Double glazing is a big investment so it is only right that find out how long it is going to take.

Accreditations

There are a few recognised industry bodies and if your glazing firm proves that they are registered with them, then it means that they will meet all standards to a good level. This will give you peace of mind when you hire their services. You can then air any grievances to those regulating bodies if you are not happy with the work carried out.

Contract of works

Never hire a company who refuse to deal with contracts. This leaves you open to all kinds of potential issues. A signed contract will give you the peace of mind you need and clearly state what will happen for how much.

You will find 99% of those within the double glazing industry to be reliable, but it doesn't do any harm to stay on your guard.

Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

Living On A Busy Road ? Let A Rated PVC Windows Take Care Of That.

There are massive benefits to upgrading PVC windows but one of them is usually forgotten. As the heat retention and condensation combating properties take centre stage when customers are being informed of the new technology and benefits of new windows and doors.



There is just as an important one which would benefit a lot of people throughout the country living in busy areas, high streets, airport and factory areas.

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It is the reduction of noise pollution greatly which is a massive plus from the simple upgrade from C rated to A.

The Argon gas in between the 2 panes of glass act as a brilliant insulator and noise reducer, giving the home a better quality to live in. This upgrade is a small % of the cost of the newly bought double glazed windows and doors and is well worth a look at even if for certain rooms in the house.

Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean 

10 Tips To Re seal Your Old PVC Windows And Doors

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With a lot of double glazing firms giving guarantees and warranties for as long as 10 years, there wont be a guarantee as long on the silicone seals of the windows and doors.

Therefore depending on the grade and quality of the silicone it may begin to perish , discolour, peel away, shrink and leave gaps or simply start to fall off ! 

Most people would dread the thought of sealing windows up them selves or even bathrooms for that matter.
But with a few simple guides and tips you may surprise yourself what finish you can achieve and protect your home from serious water damage for small cost.

This guide is for brick to brick installed windows( casement windows) if the windows have had white PVC trims attached , either treat them as part of the frame or carefully remove the silicone that is adhered to them.

1) Buy a stiff scraper to take of the old silicone
.
2) Don't use a sharp chisel as you may end up slicing gashes into the PVC window frames.

3) Buy some good quality solvent from a local PVC outlet or supplier. If they don't sell it they'll know where will.

4) Buy some kitchen roll or use purpose made large rolls from the PVC Window supplier.

5) Starting with a ground floor smallish window first begin to remove the old silicone .
If the quality of silicone is bad it may come of in one piece. Pay particular attention to the brickwork also as it will look unsightly if left on.
lightly using a hammer and  tapping the scraper on the surface of the brick will take it of gradually. 

6) Once the silicone is removed there may be residue and a few small bits , remove this with the solvent and paper towel. At this point it would be a good idea to give the whole of the window a good clean , along with the glass using glass cleaner. The window is ready for sealing. Dont use solvent on wood grain finished windows, for these you can clean with WD40 type spray oil.

7) There are 2 options now depending on how much of a gap is around the outside of the window.

    option A)

Using masking tape carefully tape around the sides of the window that is required to be sealed. leaving around a 5mm gap for the silicone to catch on to the frame.Using this technique will ensure that there is no mess and give a standard finish in which ever colour you wish to use.

     option B) 

Using clear/ transparent silicone and straight seal - this is probably for someone who has a small experience of mastic sealing on a DIY level, although it will probably give the best finish. The clear silicone will not show up if you make a mistake and smear up the brickwork if not whetted in carefully.It also has the advantage of not catching the dirt like white and your white PVC windows looks great for many years longer than any other colour. 




8) On deciding option A or B take your nozzle of the silicone and cut to the size of the gap you wish seal over. Attach to the silicone cartridge place in the mastic and you are ready to start to seal.

9) The secret trick about sealing silicone is consistency and consistent required pressure as...... and when. Keep an eye on how quickly the gap is sealing up as it will alter from top to bottom. Remember that you can put more on, but will really struggle and make a mess if you put too much on...Take your time.

10) Only use the weight of your finger to smooth it down. You can either lick and wet your finger to smooth it down and wipe the excess on the paper roll. Or alternatively spray the silicone seal with the spray glass cleaner and use that  to smooth it out. If you don't wet the surface of the silicone first then it will catch and stick to your finger and drag off.

Finally remove the masking tape or clean up the edges of the straight seals with the paper roll. And the PVC double glazed window should be ready and good for at least another 5 years +. Always try to buy the best grade silicone you can find as it will make the difference in finish and durability. Use the Internet to research the highest grade you can find and ask your supplier for a discount for buying large multiples.

Company information

More technical information on varying types of doors, windows and conservatories can be found here as we have been collecting knowledge and giving the professional finish for 23 years. Contact us or browse our website @    Southport Doors & Double Glazing

More advice and posts on :

What is PVC ? and what does it stand for ?

combating condensation

Tips on how to re seal your own windows and get a professional guide

The professional view on how to sell your house and what areas to address

What benefits are there with PVC windows

Are the locks secure in your doors? check this post to see what we mean