DIY Double Glazing - When to Call a Professional

You might be tempted to save money by tackling the task yourself, but double glazing is not for beginners. Mistakes can cost a fortune, and a bad installation could damage your home’s resale value. Local business listings and online directories offer insights into a company’s professionalism, product quality, and customer service. You can also seek out personal recommendations from friends and family.

Get the Right Measurements

If you're considering installing double glazing yourself, especially when searching for "double glazing near me," it's crucial to start with precise measurements. To ensure your DIY project goes smoothly, follow these steps for accurate measurements:

Begin by measuring the width of your window frame. Use a tape measure and place it against one side of the frame, extending it to the opposite side, disregarding any trim. Repeat this process for both the left and right sides of the frame and make note of the shortest measurement.

Next, measure the height of the window opening by extending the tape measure vertically from the window sills to the head jambs on both the left and right sides of the window, ignoring any trim, and record the shortest measurement. These measurements will provide the exact size of your window opening and are essential to avoid purchasing frames that are either too big or too small.

With these precise dimensions in hand, consider visiting showrooms or trade shows where you can view a variety of double glazing options in person. This allows you to choose a style that complements your property seamlessly, both in terms of exterior and interior decor. Additionally, you can seek advice and guidance from representatives who can recommend the most suitable frames for your home.

When selecting your new double glazing, prioritize energy efficiency. Modern uPVC frames are designed to minimize heat loss, which can significantly reduce your heating bills. This feature is especially advantageous if you have young children or pets who may require a consistent indoor temperature.

Another significant advantage of uPVC double glazing is improved home security. The frames are thicker than those of single-glazed windows, making it difficult to break through. For added security, you can opt for windows with a built-in intruder alarm, which will alert you to any break-in attempts, providing peace of mind for your household. When seeking "double glazing near me," consider these aspects to make the most of your investment.

Get Building Control Approval

Double glazing has been proven to reduce energy bills, make homes more comfortable and even decrease the noise levels. It’s no surprise that new windows are an essential home improvement. However, there’s a lot to think about before you pick a style, colour or cost for your new windows.

If you live in a conservation area or a listed building you might need to get planning permission and building regulations approval before any work can be carried out. You may also need to get consent from the local council if you’re replacing more than one window or door. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, the buyer’s solicitor will probably check that any replacement glazing complies with building regulations.

This is why it’s a good idea to choose a FENSA registered company. This means that the installer will have a FENSA certificate which shows they’ve completed the work to meet the regulations.

A FENSA installation will usually be a much quicker process as the installer can self-certify that the windows they’ve fitted comply with the regulations. Using a FENSA company will also ensure that you don’t get into any trouble later on when it comes to selling your house and making sure the work you’ve had done is in compliance with the regulations.

There are also DIY kits available which can help you with installing your own double glazed windows without the need to get building control approval. This will involve removing your existing windows, taking out the beading and putty before cleaning up the aperture and then fitting new replacement double glazed units. This is a good option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their double glazing and would like to save some cash by doing the work themselves.

If you’re thinking about buying a new set of double glazing, try looking for a company that has a good reputation for customer service. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family or look up reviews online. You can also visit your local hardware store to find out more about the double glazing companies they’ve worked with in the past.

Get the Right Materials

The best frames are made from uPVC, which is up to three times cheaper than traditional wooden frames, recyclable and highly energy-efficient. You can choose from white, wood grain and black finishes and they’re available in a range of sizes to suit your home. You can also get bay windows, which protrude from a curved section of your house to give you extra floor space and panoramic views, and sash windows that sit in a box frame with two side windows.

Double glazing helps improve the energy efficiency of your property and lower your utility bills. However, there are some projects around the home that it’s best to leave to the professionals. This is particularly true if they involve risky or dangerous work that could damage your home or put people’s safety at risk.

Having double-glazed windows in your home can reduce energy costs by up to 30%, and it’s easy to find double glazing near me that is competitively priced. However, you should always compare prices and make sure to factor in the cost of materials, the price of your time, and wear and tear on your tools.

You can buy uPVC double-glazed windows from specialist companies such as Anglian, Everest and Safestyle. You can also find them in DIY stores, such as B&Q, where they’re usually stocked alongside timber frames and sliding patio doors. The best quality double glazed windows are insulated with argon or krypton gas between the glass panes, which lowers convective loss and increases insulation. This will cost you more than an air-filled window, but it’s worth the investment to keep your home warmer and save money on energy bills.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can try window film insulation, which is a cheap way to boost the insulation of existing windows. It’s not as effective as a full replacement of double-glazing, but it can be used in areas of the house where you still need to open the window and can be removed later if you decide to replace the windows. It’s a great solution for anyone worried about skyrocketing electricity prices.

Get the Right Installation

Double glazed windows can dramatically reduce heat loss in winter and help keep energy bills down. They can also cut the internal condensation that causes mould and mildew. This is particularly important in bathrooms and kitchens, where the moisture can be dangerous to health. So, if you’re thinking about getting your home upgraded with new double glazing, here are some tips to ensure you get the best installation possible.

If you are thinking of replacing your existing windows, a good choice would be to install an insulated glass unit (IGU). These consist of two panes of glass separated by a spacer and an empty layer of air which provides insulation. In some cases, this space is filled with noble gases like argon or krypton for extra protection.

However, replacing a single pane of glass with an IGU is not a DIY project for the faint-hearted. If you do it incorrectly, the gap could leak or be broken and the insulation will not be as effective. Additionally, replacing IGUs is often a symptom of a failing seal around the window, meaning that water and other substances can get in and cause damage and mould.

For these reasons, it’s always better to call in a professional to carry out the work. They will be able to advise you of the best solutions and give you peace of mind that the job is being carried out correctly.

One of the other options that is popular for those wanting to boost their home’s insulation without committing to installing double glazing is a window film kit. These are usually sold in kits and include a thin sheet of plastic that can be stuck to the window or window frame, trapping a layer of still air which works in the same way as double glazing.

To use the kit, simply peel the backing off in stages and apply the film to the inside of the window. Press it down firmly, then use a squeegee to flatten it out, working out any bubbles as you go along. If the surface is a little damp, spray it with a water bottle to help the adhesive work better. Finally, trim the edges of the film with a sharp blade and remove any excess.