Ever since the invention of UPVC windows, unscrupulous companies have used the new technology to blind people with science (mostly pseudoscience) and make money. So here’s our quick guide to the lingo, what’s actually important, and what’s nothing more than snake oil.
This is possibly one of the best advancements in window technology in the last twenty years. While we pride ourselves on being a supplier of multiple window systems to make sure we’re always installing the best solution for the homeowner, all of our windows are argon-filled.
Double glazing works by creating a barrier between warm and cold air, that’s it, that’s the science. Traditionally this was an air gap between the two panes but more recently the technology has evolved. Argon gas is both transparent and excellent at blocking heat transfer making it ideal for heat insulation.
Tripple glazing is all the rage now, and for good reason, it’s great. It costs a little more to manufacture but the theory behind the science is solid. By adding an extra layer of glazing you create an extra heat barrier and this will improve the thermal efficiency of your UPVC window unit.
So, so far so good. Here’s the problem… Like all new technologies, it can either be done well or done badly and bad triple glazing is about as useful as a paper umbrella. unscrupulous double glazing companies know that using the words “triple glazing” is enough to give them credibility with your average person. Good double glazing is better than bad triple glazing and good triple glazing isn’t cheap.
Have you ever seen a misted window pane and wondered what caused the fog between the panes of glass? It’s just moist air that evaporates and condenses with temperature change. It’s actually quite cool if you think about it from a scientific perspective, your very own miniature ecosystem, and a great explanation for how clouds are formed.
However, if you’re not an 11 year old studying Key Stage 2 science and learning about cloud it’s a real pain in the arse and ruins your view. This is where silica gel crystals come into play. Yes, those little bags that come in the box when you buy new shoes or inside a handbag. They’re there to soak up moisture. Between the panes of glass in your double glazing, you’ll see a small steel spacer bar, filling this with silica gel will add years to the life of your windows.
Now you’d be forgiven for thinking this was UPVC that was saving itself for ‘the one’ or maybe was particularly religious, it’s even less interesting but more important… Virgin plastic is simply UPVC that hasn’t been recycled. Now it’s important to say we are a very green and eco-friendly company and will always make our very best efforts to recycle whee possible but if you want your windows to keep their colour your window frames should always be virgin UPVC.
Think of it this way, your windows aren’t disposable, they aren’t going to wash up on the shore of a Caribean island once you’re done with them. This is probably one of the few uses for plastic that is sustainable and green.
This might sound like something that would make James Bond raise an eyebrow, but what if I told you you all put this on your skin every year and doctors actually advise it? It’s the main ingredient of suncream. This little chemical is what stops the sun’s harmful rays from tarnishing your skin and keeps it healthy. It does exactly the same for UPVC windows
All UPVC windows and doors look great when they’re first installed but over time most will fade turning grey or a yellow tinge. Whatever colour of window you choose titanium dioxide helps it keep its colour for years to come.
UPVC Windows contain a lot of chemicals but not all use the same mixture. A bit like a beef burger, whether it’s a gourmet delight served in a Michelin star restaurant or the local McDonalds the ingredients will differ greatly. Both are called a burger but will contain very different mixes.
Acrylic plays an important role in helping your UPVC windows and doors keep their colour. Not many people realise that UPVC is porus and like skin, dirt will get caught in the pores giving it a grey tint. Now we’ve heard all the myths about how to bring the original colour back to life, most of which are utter nonsense, some will help but once microscopic dirt gets in it’s tough to get out. A high acrylic content stops this and cuts the problem at the source.
Gaskets are one of those overlooked things on a window or door, most people don’t even know what they are but they probably play the most important role (except the lock perhaps, that has a pretty important job too).
The gasket is the small black strip that sits between your glass pane and your UPVC frame. It can either be made of rubber or neoprene and is probably the route cause of 50% of problems that result in the window being replaced. Cheap rubber will shrink, crack and fray allowing moist air to flow into the sealed unit causing misting. High-quality rubber and neoprene don’t have this problem but come at a cost
External glazing has got to be the single most baffling thing we encounter. It’s astounding how many homes still use this method ad are oblivious to the security risks.
The difference between internal and externally glazed windows is simply whether the window is installed from the inside or outside, sounds simple. Here’s the problem… If a window can be installed from the outside, it can be removed from outside and every burglar in the country knows this. Whenever our teams are asked to remove externally glazed windows it becomes a game to see who can remove the glass the fastest without breaking it. The record is less than twenty seconds. This means any thief with less than £5 worth of tools can gain entry to your home silently in less than the time it takes Usain Bolt to run the 200m
So there you have it, a breakdown of all the buzz words you’re likely to hear when buying UPVC windows and doors and what they actually mean, hopefully now you won’t be blinded by scientific terms and will know how to spot that facts from the fiction.
If you’re looking for new windows or doors in the St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool, Cheshire, or Manchester area then get in touch, we’d love to help.
