Category: Home improvement

If you’re here trying to weigh up the best double glazing options for your home, we’ve got the perfect guide for you. Double glazing has long been renowned for its ability to increase the energy efficiency of homes, whilst also offering a range of additional benefits. Noise proofing and enhanced security are just a couple of the extras you can enjoy with double glazing – no matter which style of window frame you opt for.

Since double glazing can be installed in any style of window, it’s worth thinking about how the different options available can help you achieve the aesthetic you’re going for. As well as offering a unique look, each of the different double glazed window styles available can also have functional properties to consider.

Here’s our guide to the most popular types of double glazed windows, the architectural styles and eras they are influenced by; and the functional benefits they can offer throughout your home.

Double Glazed Casement Windows

As the most popular window style in the UK, casement windows are hard to beat. They are easy to use and open for maximum ventilation, as the hinge mechanisms used are smooth to operate. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to consider when thinking about double glazed casement windows.

Ease of Use

Casement windows are effective and easy to open and close. The self-explanatory handle means they may be more manageable than other window styles, depending on the user and their placement in the home. For example, they’re much easier to open than sash windows, which can require more energy in pushing the window up.

Security Benefits

The handle on most casement windows comes fitted with a lock, meaning you can keep your home extra secure by locking them with a key. This is ideal for if you have young children that might try to play with your windows. Casement windows are also designed to be able to lock in to the frame, while still remaining open enough to allow airflow into the home. This boosts security as it means the windows are virtually impossible to open from the outside.

Effective Slanted Design

The slanted design of the upper windows often seen in casement window designs prevents rain from entering your home. This explains why casement windows are the go-to choice for those of us living in areas that are prone to rain (such as the UK)!

Although they were historically constructed from timber, the majority of casement window frames in the UK are now made from uPVC. uPVC helps prevent heat loss and is resistant to moisture, so windows made from uPVC have better energy efficiency ratings than those made from alternative materials.

Maintenance, Hinges and Hardware

Casement windows are known to be made to last, however no style of window is immune to wear and tear or exposure to the elements. The metal hinges and hardware in casement windows can be prone to rusting over time, somewhat reducing security if pieces start to lose quality. Rusting may also impact the overall look of your windows – but it can be fixed!

Popularity and Aesthetics

As casement windows are the most common type of window in the UK, they don’t offer much in terms of aesthetic variation. Being so popular, however, means that many double glazing experts have plenty of experience working with casement windows; so maintenance and installation should be a breeze.

Double Glazed Bay Windows

Bay windows are becoming an increasingly popular architectural revival feature of the modern home. With origins dating back to the medieval era and their use in churches and cathedrals, their popularity increased; and they became a common feature within homes in the Victorian era.

Architectural and Aesthetic Charm

As a popular monarch, Queen Victoria’s influence (on everything from fashion to interior design) spread rapidly throughout the country. During her reign, she was known to favour gothic architecture and decorative elements within the home. The bay window eventually become a significant motif that now indicates the historical origins of Victorian homes throughout the UK.

Bringing in Additional Light

Today, bay windows appeal to those seeking function as well as form. Due to their angled design, they are perfectly positioned to allow extra light to enter the room. This means that, depending on the side of your home you place the window on, you could save money by reducing your dependence on artificial lighting.

Expanding the Home

The side bay windows are great for visibility, providing more panoramic views of the landscape or neighbourhood surrounding the home. They even increase the square footage of your house, jutting out of the exterior of the home and creating additional floor space to use. This space can be used for a variety of purposes, adding both functional and economic value to your home. You could add a window seat, dedicated play area, or even a reading nook.

May Require Structural Support

Be aware that when installing bay windows, you might need to consider additional structural support underneath the bay. This will depend on the placement of the bay window in your home, as well as other considerations such as the existing foundation for your building.

Double Glazed Sash Windows

Sash windows have been a popular feature within British architecture since the 17^th century. They offer a traditional look, as the style became increasingly common during the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Traditional Style and Bespoke Options

Bespoke sash windows can be made, offering a range of decorative options such as glazing bars with multiple panes of glass.

Great Ventilation Benefits

Double glazed sash windows are an appealing way to upgrade the appearance of your home; but what about the functional benefits? Sash windows are great for ventilating the home, as you can pull them wide open and let plenty of air in. It’s also very easy to install nets on these windows for the summer months, preventing flies from entering the home.

Safety Concerns for Children and Pets

Due to their ability to open so wide, sash windows might not be the best option if you have small children or pets. If you are set on having a sash window but are concerned about the safety of them, you could opt for a top-opening sash window instead. There are plenty of options you can tailor to your own needs.

Complicated Pulley Mechanisms and Maintenance

One key drawback to sash windows is that the pulley mechanisms can become warped over time, or if they’re used too frequently. Much of this is natural wear and tear that can also happen in other window styles, but it’s important to have windows maintained. It can be difficult to replace the pulley mechanism properly in sash windows, so make sure you work with a reputable expert if your windows do stiffen up or become warped.

Quality Double Glazing by Cloudy2Clear

When considering which double glazing window style is best for your home, it’s essential to consider factors such as price and energy efficiency as well as your aesthetic goals. We hope this guide to double glazing options has given you some insight as to which style of window might be best for your home!

If so, you’ll need to find a dedicated team of experts to help upgrade your windows. We can help! At Cloudy2Clear, our range of quality double glazing options has been carefully selected to suit a variety of requirements and budgets. Our skilled engineers can even help you identify which style of double glazed window would work best for your you and your home. We offer free, no-obligation quotes where we’ll send out a member of our team to help.

Contact us today on 0800 61 21 119 to find out how we can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and security with our expert double glazing services.

If you’ve had the same double glazed windows for a while, an update can not only be good for maintenance – nipping any wear and tear from long term use in the bud – but could also give you even better windows than those you currently have as technology advances.

Much like your phone, laptop, or other forms of technology; the evolving progresses and design improvements involved in double glazing are improving the functional and aesthetic quality of windows and homes throughout the UK.

These functional upgrades are ensuring we improve the thermal efficiency of double glazing to make it even more energy efficient. Outdated or even slightly damaged double glazing could therefore be costing you money! In this guide to why you should update your double glazing, we’re going to explore just a few of the reasons your double glazing should be checked to ensure lasting quality.

How to Know if Your Double Glazing Needs Updating

There are several signs that can indicate that your double glazing isn’t functioning as well as it should be. For example, condensation or a misty appearance between two double-glazed glass panes is an indication that your double-glazing sealing has failed.

This can spoil the view and lower the property value of your home, and in some of the worst cases it could also allow unwanted moisture and damp into your home.

A worn-down seal could also lead to draughts and poor insulation, which can not only be uncomfortable to you as it lets in the chill but is also bad news for your energy bills as you up the heat to combat this.

To ensure you notice any problems with your double glazing before they begin to impact other areas of your home, try to check your windows on a regular basis. This is as simple as being a 5-minute job every other month or so, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Benefits of Updating Your Double Glazing

Replacing your double glazing with more up to date and efficient windows can lead to a number of improvements – for both your home and your bank balance. From improved aesthetics around the home and enhanced security to protect your family, to combatting general wear and tear; we’ll explain some of the benefits you’ll notice if you have your double glazing upgraded below.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Possibly one of the most important reasons to replace your double glazing is to help maintain the general upkeep and maintenance of your home. Whilst occasional or minor damages to seals and chips in the frame can be repaired in the short term, all good things must come to an end, and double glazing is no exception. While double glazing should last up to 25 years with quality maintenance, it will eventually reach a point where the materials used in your window come to the end of their functioning life. In these situations, it can be cheaper and easier to replace the windows.

Ensuring timely repairs to any potential faults such as failed seals, cracks, and chips in the framing or glass can be beneficial in protecting your home from further damages. Even minor issues can allow cold and moist air in, whilst noise and security concerns may multiply.

A key purpose behind double glazing is to improve your energy efficiency – and it does a great job at this when it’s fully functioning. Rectifying any draughts or air leaks as you notice them can ensure these insulative qualities last, keeping your home and family comfortable without overspending on energy bills.

Reduced Noise Pollution

On the topic of insulation, double glazing that’s in tip top condition can also reduce noise pollution. This is an often-overlooked advantage to quality double glazing that homeowners sometimes don’t even realise they’re benefitting from until a problem occurs!

Gaps and cracks in the window or glazing seals can greatly impact the effectiveness of your double glazing, allowing soundwaves to enter the home as well as cold air. If you’re noticing your home is a bit noisier, you may want to check for any damage to the frame and seal that can allow noise to come through.

Increased Security

In the unfortunate event that someone was to try to gain access to your home, it is the windows and doors that are in noticeably bad repair that are likely to be their target for entry.

Modern double glazing comes with much thicker, insulated glass that’s securely fitted into the frame. With two or even three panes of stronger glass, it’s much harder for an intruder to smash the windows and break in. If you do have any cracks in your window pane (on either side), it’s worth getting them fixed – these indicate weak points that intruders will use to their benefit. Another thing to check is your hinges and locks on windows and doors. While these are designed to offer maximum security, they can wear down and lose some of this function. We also offer lock, handle and hinge repairs to ensure our clients’ homes are safe and secure.

Quality working window locks and seals result in a perfect and almost impenetrable fit, reducing the chance of an intruder gaining access. Upgrading your double glazing can give you the peace of mind of that extra security that comes with knowing your windows and doors are in peak condition.

Better Aesthetics

New and repaired windows can offer improved visual aspects, as going for an upgrade also offers you the opportunity to replace both the windows and the frames with something more fitting to the style and aesthetic of your home. Updating your double glazing can also offer a potential increase in property value, as outdated or damaged windows can be off putting to buyers.

Damaged double glazing can result in unsightly condensation and moisture build up between the windowpanes. Not only does this ruin the visual purpose of windows by making them harder to see out of, but the resulting damp and potential mould build up can cause long term damage to the areas around the window. We all know how damp is notoriously difficult to get rid of, and it’s better to prevent it from forming in the first place.

Updated, double glazed windows that are kept in good condition are a good sign that your home is well looked after. If you do opt to upgrade your window frames at the same time, there are a number of materials to choose from. From the authentic and traditional appearance of wood, to sleek and chic looking aluminium; modern window frame options for double glazing are both insulative and incredibly durable, providing your home with long lasting aesthetic and functional value.

Update Your Double Glazing with Cloudy2Clear

At Cloudy2Clear, we appreciate that not all double glazing issues will need a full window replacement. While this is most appropriate in some cases, or when you’re upgrading your frame materials, we take a more considerate approach whenever we can. It’s much more eco-friendly to replace only the parts of the double glazing or window that are affected.

As our experienced double glazing engineers will assess the problem and advise on the most suitable upgrade for you, this makes our updates both effective and affordable.

To talk to us about your double glazing issues or a potential upgrade, call our team today on 0800 61 21 119. You can also fill out our contact form and your local Cloudy2Clear team will get back to you.

A key step in improving the security of your home is your front door. As the main entry to your house, it’s often the first thing any criminals will target when trying to enter your property. The good news is, there are now plenty of front door security considerations you can think about installing to keep your house safe.

Feeling safe is regarded as a basic human need. However, making sure our homes are secure is a big task. How safe you feel in your home depends on a few factors, such as the neighbourhood you live in; past experiences; and crime rates in your area. Knowing you are safe in your home is equally as important as feeling like your family and possessions are secure while you’re away.

Equipping your home with quality safety features can have additional benefits alongside extra security. If you have home or contents insurance, your extra-secure door can help lower the costs involved.

Here’s our guide to upgrading the safety of your house by choosing a secure front door.

Single-Point Door Locking Systems

Front door locks come with varying levels of security depending on the type of lock, and it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There is a lot to consider, from choosing between a single- or double-cylinder lock, to whether a standard latch with a spring bolt is enough. Or, are you going to require an additional dead bolt?

From there, it comes down to what you feel is required to make you feel secure, as there are a number of security options included with these types of locks. These options include:

• Nightlatch

A low security option, the nightlatch is a spring lock that is opened from the inside or outside by engaging the lever set with a key. They lock automatically when you pull the door closed unless the latch is held back by a small button (snib). This lock is typically part of a multi-point system, as opposed to being the sole lock.

• Five-lever mortice deadlock

Often only seen now on older wooden front doors and porch doors, the five-lever mortice deadlock uses a key to move the levers within the lock into the correct position. The lock sits within the door itself and is designed to make lock picking or drilling more difficult. These locks are often paired with the nightlatch for additional security, as opposed to being the only lock on the door.

• British Standard BS 3621 deadlock

A standard of lock by the British Standards Institute for thief resistant locks, the BS3621 is a more secure variant of the five-lever mortice deadlock. It can only be opened by the key both inside and out and has a reinforced deadlock and hardplates to protect from drilling.

• Cylinder lock

Fitted into the door, the cylinder lock is a higher security level option where the keyhole and pin-and-tumbler system are within a cylinder or barrel within the door. The lock uses different length pins, so that only the matching key can unlock it. Some locks are even being magnetised to raise the pins as opposed to lowering them – making lock picking even less unlikely.

While designed to meet the British Standard TS007:2014 some older variations of the cylinder lock can be vulnerable to lock picking or snapping. They may therefore need pairing with a security handle or cylinder guard to reach optimum security standards.

Multi-Point Door Locking Systems

If you’re looking for the best security, a multipoint locking system is definitely best. This involves a number of bolts and hooks around the frame which are employed by lifting the handle. The two most common types are three point and five-point system.

• Three-point systems come with a standard combination latch and deadbolt in the middle of the door, with an additional two hook bolts at the top and bottom of the frame.
• Five-point systems have the same but with a further two additional locking points around the frame. The system allows for all locks within it to lock and unlock simultaneously with the turning of the key, and is a popular choice compared to the single point locks described above.

Pick a Secure Window

t door locks come with varying levels of security depending on the type of lock, and it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There is a lot to consider, from choosing between a single- or double-cylinder lock, to whether a standard latch with a spring bolt is enough. Or, are you going to require an additional dead bolt?

While a door without a window may seem more secure, people often select doors with windows – or even fully glass doors – for aesthetic reasons. Depending on the design of your house, a glass door might be the option that looks best. Glass doors also let more light into the home, brightening up your entrance and giving you a view of the outside world. However, there are security issues to think about if you’re looking to ensure your front door is safe.

Here are some of our tips on how to improve the security of glass doors and or doors with windows.

Make Sure it’s Double Glazed

There are many benefits to double glazing from a security perspective. Advancements in technology mean that where double glazing may have lacked in security in the past by creating a point of vulnerability, modern windows can now increase security due to the added strength.

The beading previously used on the exterior of the fixing to hold double glazing in place has since been tucked neatly within the interior of the fixing. This makes it next to impossible for the burglar to remove the glass from the outside.

With most modern double glazing being capable of withstanding a brick or stone thrown at it, it is unlikely a burglar will be making an entrance without drawing far too much attention.

Here at C2C, we specialise in the fitting of double glazing to enhance security in the home. Whether that’s your windows or doors, we keep both your home and financial security in mind. At a competitive price, our engineers can install, repair, or replace the double glazing on your door so that you can maintain security and feel safer.

Consider Reinforced Windows

Reinforced glass, as implied by its name, is stronger than the standard home window glass and comes in a variety of types. The most commonly used in homes are tempered or laminate glass. Not only can the added strength help deter break ins, but also many forms of reinforced glass do not shatter into shards, making them safer if any damage did occur.

Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than average glass. It’s the most inexpensive security glass, with additional safety measures. Again, when tempered glass shatters, it breaks into small oval shapes as opposed to sharp shards. This is especially important if you have young children or pets.

Laminate glass is made of two or more pieces of glass bonded with plastic and is impact resistant. In fact, it is often used in areas prone to natural disaster – such as costal homes or homes located on fault lines. The plastic allows it to remain within the frame, as opposed to shattering into thousands of pieces if it does break.

Think About Window Placement & Security

‘Reach around’ tactics mean burglars are able to unlock your door from the inside after breaking your windowpane. Make sure your lock is well-placed, so it can’t be opened if someone does manage to smash your front door window.

Strong Hinges

Hinges can often be a point of weakness that intruders will look to exploit, hence why the quality and placement of your hinges is crucial in maintaining security. Out-swinging doors in which the hinges are exposed to the outside can be of issue due to the ease of access for burglars. It’s useless having a good lock and secure door if it can just be removed from its hinges! If the hinges are already damaged, worn, or of poor quality, entry becomes even easier.

If this is the case, it may be best to replace your door hinges with stronger security hinges, allowing not only for the replacement of old damaged hinges but also combatting the flaws of the outward swinging door.

Interlocking security studs in a security hinge work to lock the leaves of the hinge together, preventing the door being lifted off its hinges. A secured hinge pin means there would be no way for the intruder to knock the pins out and again, take the door from its hinges.

Cloudy2Clear can help with broken doors and windows. While many companies request the replacement of the entire window or door to achieve this, we replace just the broken part instead.

Strong Handle

One of the weakest parts of the door and lock, the handle is where intruders are most likely to begin with their attempt to enter your home. There are a number of ways to exploit this weakness, so ensuring your handles are in the best condition they can be – and are reinforced – can help protect the door lock components from picking or snapping.

Some features of a strong door handle include:

• Hardened metal body and bolts– this protects from the hardships of both simple wear and tear over time, and the brute force of any potential intruders.
• Cylinder guards– sitting underneath the external handle, the cylinder guard protects the cylinders of the lock from snapping should the handle be removed.
• Anti-drill rotating disk shield – protects the barrel from being drilled.

Keep Your Home Secure with Cloudy2Clear

Making sure your home is safe is a practical way to achieve peace of mind. By selecting a decent front door that keeps your family and possessions secure, you’re taking sensible steps to improve your home – and your safety. This can help alleviate those everyday worries surrounding the security of your house.

Once you have your security features installed, the key is to then keep them well maintained. This prolongs the quality of your doors and windows, ensuring your home remains safe for years down the line. Any worn down or broken parts can lead to defects in your safety features, so it’s important to check them regularly for signs of wear and tear.

At Cloudy2Clear, we specialise in repairing and installing quality double glazing for windows and doors. We work with our clients to make sure our developments leave them feeling safe in their homes. Our expert repair services for locks, handles, and hinges are also a popular choice for those looking for reassurance and security.

To get in touch and discuss how we can help, fill out our online contact form now. You can also give us a call on 0800 61 21 119.

There are a few ways to increase insulation in the home, reducing your energy costs. Many of these methods also reduce your carbon footprint, such as having loft insulation and wall insulation installed.

But did you know that installing double glazing is usually the simplest, and the effective way to upgrade your home? Not only can it work wonders on heat insulation, but it also upgrades other elements such as security, style, and noise insulation.

If you already have double glazing, you will know how much of an investment it was – but you may have recouped the costs involved already. If you’re here looking for double glazing maintenance, feel free to skip to the conclusion – we can help!

If you don’t already have it, the idea of double glazing may have nagged at you before. Perhaps your current windows are unsightly and need an update. Maybe they’re just not doing the job as well as you’d hoped – single glazed windows are a recipe for a cold, draughty winter, so now is the ideal time to have them upgraded.

We know double glazing is an investment; but the insulation it provides will certainly save you money by reducing your heating costs alone.

Here’s our guide to whether double glazing is worth it – and how long it takes to recoup the cost of double glazing installation.

Why Would I Need Double Glazing in the First Place?

Given that more people are spending increased amounts of time at home working since the pandemic, we were noticing increased energy expenditure even before the energy cost crisis kicked in. These savings, and improvements in quality of life provided by double glazing, are only expected to improve in the coming years!

Double glazing is a method of reconstructing your windows to create a sealed air pocket, nestled between two panes of glass. Further to this, the application of quality glues, specialised glass, and durable frames helps to maximise the reduction in heat and sound transfer from inside to outside, and vice versa.

This reduction of thermal emission will keep the home heated for longer, even with a lower thermostat temperature. Essentially, you won’t require the heating unit to be cranked as high to maintain a constant, comfortable temperature throughout the home. This will save you money on your energy bills.

Your main questions at this point are likely:

• How much money will I save with double glazing?
• Can I justify the cost of having double glazing installed?
• Aren’t my current windows suitable?
• Where can I find a reputable double glazing specialist?

So, how long will it take to make back the money you spend on double glazing? This will depend on each individual home, but it can be calculated.

How much Money will I Save with Double Glazing?

Energy Savings

Double glazing throughout your home will typically save approximately £150 a year in an average UK home. However, with the rising energy prices looking to increase by 80% this winter alone, these energy savings from double glazing will no doubt also increase dramatically. Double glazing is a future proof investment in this way, as it is a fixed cost. On average, double glazed windows last about 20 years. If installed professionally, this timeframe will only increase – and you’ll get to enjoy your investment much longer.

The Energy Saving Trust has some useful information on how much it costs to have double glazing installed. The quotes you will receive will depend on the size of your house and whether your home is fully detached, terraced, or semi-detached. A bigger, detached home will inevitably have more windows than a smaller terraced house, increasing the cost of installation. If we imagine it costs £7,500 to install A rated, PVC double glazing on an average-sized semi-detached house, we can then calculate the average amount of time it takes to recoup the cost of double glazing.

With the average energy savings from double glazing at £150 a year, it will take you 50 years to make back the money spent on installation. However, these savings are rising. If energy costs increase by 80% as predicted, you can expect save around £270 a year. It then takes just 27 years to recoup the cost. That’s not to mention the added value that double glazing adds to your home if you did wish to sell within that timeframe.

Increased Value of Your Home

Double glazing is relatively standard now, so the addition of it to your home can significantly affect a buyer’s offer, as well as a real estate agent’s recommended pricing. It is hard to quantify the value that it adds as every home is different.

If your windows are a significant feature within your home, you can be sure that it will add upwards of 5%. If we say that your house price is £150,000, this can add an extra 5% of value to your home – this is equal to £7,500!

That £7,500 of extra value covers the cost of having double glazing installed in the first place. With the extra energy savings you will have made – at £270 per year with the current energy increase estimates – you will actually be making back good savings on your investment. In 10 years, double glazed windows would have saved you £2,700.

Improved Quality of Life

Besides the insulation keeping in the heat, double glazed windows can 8improve your quality of life in a few ways:

1. A Quieter Home. Double glazed windows reduce noise pollution you may hear when inside, which is especially useful while working from home – or if you live in a busy, built-up area. You can then make your own music a bit louder too!
2. Prevent Damp. There will be considerably less condensation in your home, reducing the chance of mould growing that can damage your home, your furniture, and your health.
3. Enhanced Safety. There is a much greater degree of protection from potential intruders. Double glazed windows are always designed to make it much harder to access a residence from the outside, and there’s that extra pane of glass to prevent them.
4. Modernise the Home. Double glazed windows modernise the look of your home. This may just seem like an aesthetic thing, but upgrading has an impact on the overall monetary value of your home too.
5. Improved Maintenance. They are easier to maintain due to the materials and construction methods used. Many double glazed windows also feature low e-glass, which is more reflective of incoming light. This protects the glass from overheating, and also stops too much heat entering your house – where it can then potentially damage furnishings. The designs and materials are also easier to maintain, reducing stress and cost.

If we recap the questions from before:

Finding a Reputable Double Glazing Specialist

The average lifespan of double glazing is around 20 years. Despite this, at Cloudy2Clear we offer a 25-year guarantee on any installations completed by us. You can contact us now for a free quote, and a free consultation.

If you do already have double glazing but notice you have steamed up, condensation, or clouded windows, this means your double glazing has failed – and therefore isn’t insulating your home properly. If your existing double glazing needs maintenance or repairs, we are the people to call.

Our Commitment: Quality Service & Sustainable Windows

We always focus on eco-friendly processes, minimising waste by finding out what it is that may need genuine replacement, and only replacing that specific element of your window or door. We also work to repair, clean, and maintain what is still working efficiently. Unnecessarily replacing the entire window unit is something we consider very wasteful, and we believe that we should play our part in making more sustainable choices as we help homeowners reduce their energy usage.

Cloudy2Clear was established in 2015 and has expanded to serve over 35 locations throughout the UK since – so you can be sure we know our stuff when it comes to double glazing.

You can call us for that free quote now, on: 0800 61 21 119

Or for other ways to get in touch, please visit our contact page.