Category: News

It’s a question many of us are asking. How energy efficient are our windows?

As rising energy costs have us all considering how we can reduce our expenditure on certain bills, we’re becoming much more conscious of how our homes may be improved to reduce energy consumption levels. One of the key areas within the home that can be the culprit of lost energy are windows and doors.

The type of windows you have, as well as the condition they are in, can significantly influence how energy efficient any building is. Double glazed windows are the best way to insulate your home, and most UK buildings now have double glazed fittings.

Here’s our guide on how to check how energy efficient your windows really are; and what you can do to improve them if they’re not up to scratch.

Energy Efficiency in Windows

The better insulated your windows are, the more control you have over the temperature inside your home. This works year-round, whether you’re trying to conserve heat energy in the winter or cool down in summer. Energy efficient windows reduce the need for excessive amounts of heating and cooling in the home, as quality double glazing preserves a more comfortable temperature throughout the seasons.

Although having double glazing installed does cost money, it may be more cost effective in the long term. This helps save you money on your energy bills, reducing energy usage – whether that’s through heating, boiling kettles for hot water bottles, or using electric fans to cool down in the summer.

Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows

Energy efficient windows come with a range of benefits, and this is one of the reasons double glazing is so popular throughout homes and businesses in the UK. Here are some of the benefits they offer:

Temperature Control

With energy efficient, double glazed windows, you have much more control over the temperature in your home. With an additional layer of inert gas (and glass) to pass through to escape the home, you can conserve energy and keep your space more comfortable.

Reduced Condensation & Damp

Double glazing reduces the potential for condensation, mould and damp considerably. These problems can quickly exacerbate if they go unnoticed or aren’t dealt with quickly, leading to unnecessary expenses. Energy efficient windows keep the outdoors out, and your windows will appear clearer as a result.

Increased Property Value

As they are now standard for modern houses, double glazed windows can boost the value of your home. Buyers today are much less likely to opt for a home with single glazed windows, as they understand the repercussions this can have on energy costs and installation fees. Even if you buy to let, renters are more willing to spend more per month on a double glazed house.

Improved Environmental Impact

Sustainability has become a buzz word in recent years, and it will continue to be one for the foreseeable future. Younger homeowners want to know they’re doing all they can to reduce their carbon footprint, and reducing energy usage helps them with this. Protecting the planet is vital; double glazing is just one of the ways you can contribute to living a greener lifestyle.

Year-Round Energy Savings

Saving money is last but not least of all the benefits offered with energy efficient windows. The Energy Saving Trust states you can save £165 per year on your energy bills simply by replacing single glazing in a typical UK home with double glazed windows.

Factors that Affect Energy Efficiency

Although double glazing is an effective way to boost the energy efficiency of your space, there are further factors that may affect their efficiency.

Thickness of Glass

Thicker glass provides better thermal insulation as well as insulating against noise pollution, as heat and sound must pass through more material before it can escape the home.

Window Design

The design of your window itself can impact the energy efficiency of double glazing. Casement windows often provide a tighter seal than other styles, with greater insulating effects.

Professional Installation

Opting for a qualified and experienced company in installing energy efficient windows is paramount. Take the time to read reviews, ask around for quotes, and see if people you know can recommend a company. The quality of workmanship in installing your windows can influence how well they work over time. Note that upkeep can also play a role in their efficiency, so it’s a good idea to look for providers that offer guarantees – like the 25-year guarantee by Cloudy2Clear!

Low-E Glass

Low-emissivity glass features a special microscopic coating designed to reflect infrared light. This limits how quickly heat escapes the home, whilst keeping you cool in summer. Ultraviolet light is also reflected away, helping prevent furnishings from becoming faded by sunlight as quickly.

Window Orientation

As with any home, the way your windows are facing can directly impact the level of light and heat your rooms are exposed to. South-facing windows tend to receive the most exposure to the sun.

Number of Panes

Double glazing is the standard in the UK, but in cooler climates such as those in Nordic countries, triple-glazing is popular as it can further insulate the home. Two panes of glass is currently considered to be the most cost effective in terms of efficiency in the UK, however.

Air Gap Quality

The air gap in between double glazed windows acts like a cushion that prevents heat loss. If the sealant around your windows is damaged, this compromises the integrity of your energy efficient windows.

Maximise Energy Efficiency with Cloudy2Clear

If you are looking to increase the energy efficiency of your home, Cloudy2Clear can help. Our experienced teams work across the UK to install double glazing at affordable prices, where we do our best to work with materials you already have to reduce environmental impact too.

Contact or call us on 0800 61 21 119 now for a free quote from our specialists!

If you don’t already have double glazing for your business, it’s worth considering how upgrading could optimise your resources. While single glazed windows still remain in some businesses, it’s definitely become the norm to have double glazing installed. This is because double glazing is an effective way to upgrade your building; it works to reduce energy bills, improve appearance, and make your space more comfortable.

Installing double glazing for your business provides plenty of benefits. Enhancing security efforts, reducing noise pollution, and improving energy efficiency are just a few of the benefits you’ll notice with double glazing. Here’s our guide to the benefits of double glazing for your business…

Improved Security

Security concerns are one of the main issues our business clients ask us about. Upgrading your business’s windows to double glazing will make your premises much harder to break into. If you have single glazing, it’s relatively easy to break into your building; thieves can spot this. If there is only one layer of glass to penetrate in order to enter the business, this unfortunately makes your premises a much more appealing target in comparison to your double-glazed neighbours.

Double glazing offers worthwhile security benefits, as that extra layer of glass can deter thieves. The costs associated with upgrading to double glazing could negate any costs or losses that may be involved if you were to experience a break-in.

From another perspective, double glazed windows can enhance security by offering improved soundproofing qualities. The insulating gas that sits between double glazed windows even acts as a cushion for soundwaves. This offers an improved level of security in ensuring any confidential conversations or transactions are kept within the building.

Noise Insulation

There are certain business sectors that benefit even more from double glazing, due to its soundproofing properties. Hospitality venues, bars and restaurants, and hotels should all have double glazed windows for this exact reason. Even if you have a shop on a busy high street surrounded by traffic, your business will benefit from double glazing. It may not seem like a necessity, but your staff and customers will notice the difference!

The double layered glass, alongside the soundproofing gases suspended in-between, offer impressive noise insulation benefits. Double glazing is designed and fitted to enhance insulation, offering up to a 70% reduction in noise levels.

Energy Efficiency

As energy bills continue to rise, we’re all thinking of ways to save some money. This is especially important when it comes to maximising energy efficiency efforts within your business.

Installing double glazed windows for your business can help keep energy costs down. Double glazing works to regulate the temperatures inside your building. Double glazing is well-suited to the climate we experience here in the UK, providing a natural balance of both cooling and insulating benefits, depending on the season. In winter, double glazed windows will improve insulation – preventing heat loss from the building and even reducing condensation, which can cause mould.

In the summer months – especially at work – many of us can be drawn towards using cooling devices. Whether this is a re-chargeable fan or a plug-in device, our efforts to cool down the workspace uses up energy! Double glazed windows can prevent your building from becoming too warm, helping cut down on those energy costs in the summer too.

Enhanced Safety

Installing double glazed windows in your business will reduce the risk of safety issues.

As mentioned above, double glazing can help reduce the risk of theft from your premises. Multiple layers of glass are obviously harder to break through, so potential intruders may be deterred by the existence of double glazed windows.

Here’s where we’ll mention something that may not have yet crossed your mind. Fires can happen in any business; and they are unfortunately always an underlying risk. Double glazing can help contain fire within a building or room. The double panes of glass, separated by the argon gas installed to maximise insulative properties, act as a barrier to slow the spread of damage to your business in the event of a fire.

Argon gas is an excellent insulator of heat, hence its use within double glazed windows. It is non-flammable and is classed as a ‘non-reactive’ gas. As a noble (or inert) gas, argon does not react in the presence of a flame or heat. These fire-proofing properties of double glazing are a frequently overlooked safety benefit to consider when people ask us about upgrading their businesses – but it has even saved lives in the past!

Aesthetics

One of the key issues our clients come to us with are complaints about the appearance of their windows. If you have condensated windows, these can cause ongoing problems such as damp and mould. This doesn’t look good for business, whether you’re looking in from the outside, or working from the inside. With quality double glazing, your windows should remain clear and free from condensation.

Having double glazed windows also provides you with a visible layer of security. Without knowing it, customers are subconsciously evaluating the trustworthiness of your business even as they approach your building.

Double glazing sends a clear message, and many customers will notice the upgrade. Double glazed windows show you have made the effort to make your building comfortable for both employees and customers; that you have taken steps to improve energy efficiency; and that you are up to date with the most effective means of improving your sustainability efforts as a business.

Double Glazing for Business by Cloudy2Clear

If this guide to the benefits of double glazing for business has enticed you to upgrade your own business, we can help. As trusted double glazing specialists working across over 35 areas nationwide, we’re the go-to window experts for businesses across the UK.

At Cloudy2Clear, we’ve been installing double glazing upgrades for businesses for decades. Equipped with our valued team of skilled engineers and an enduring passion for improving the energy efficiency of buildings across the UK, we know we can upgrade your business with quality double glazed windows that last.

Our 25-year guarantee is always there to ensure you get the most out of your double glazing. If any issues do arise after installation, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible service. Give our team a call today on 0800 61 21 119.

Alternatively, you can complete our online form with any queries you may have. Your local Cloudy2Clear team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Wondering about the ins and outs of double glazing repairs? We’ve got your top 5 most frequently asked questions covered. From costs involved to the amount of time double glazing repairs take, here’s what you need to know.

Do Double Glazing Repairs Have to Be Expensive?

Contrary to popular belief, double glazing repairs don’t have to be a drain on your wallet. While the notion of repairing your double glazed windows might sound costly, it’s usually far more economical than buying new windows altogether. At Cloudy2Clear, we offer cost-effective solutions that focus on replacing only the glass panes with imperfections, avoiding the need to replace the whole window and frame.

This approach can save you over 50% compared to full window replacements from other providers. So, no, repairing your double glazing doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. It can also save you money in the long run.

How Do I Know My Double Glazing Needs Repairs?

The first signs that your double glazing needs attention are usually quite evident. They could range from drafts coming through the frame, to visible condensation between the panes. If your windows aren’t opening and closing smoothly, that’s another red flag. Finally, if you notice any chips, cracks, or fogging on your windows, it’s high time you seek professional help to keep your windows in peak condition.

Recognising the early signs that your double glazing needs repair can save you time and money in the long run. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:

• Draughts: If you’re feeling cold air coming through the frames, that’s a sure sign that your double glazing hardware needs to be professionally assessed for damage.
• Condensation Between Panes: Visible moisture between the glass panes indicates that the seals on the double glazed units have failed.
• Difficulty Operating: Windows that are hard to open, close, or lock need immediate attention.
• Foggy or Cloudy Glass: This usually means the unit’s insulating properties have deteriorated.
• Cracks or Chips: Physical damage to the glass or frame can worsen over time and compromise your home’s security.
• Increased Energy Bills: If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your heating costs, your windows might be letting out more heat than they should.
• Strange Noises: Whistling or rattling sounds are usually signs of gaps or loose fittings around your pane or frame.

If you encounter any of these issues, it’s advisable to seek professional help as soon as possible to maintain the longevity and efficiency of your windows.

How Long Do Double Glazing Repairs Take?

The time taken to repair your double glazing can vary depending on the issue at hand. If you’re looking to replace a window, typically it can take as little as 30 minutes.

However, more complex problems may require more time for a thorough evaluation and remedy. Our aim at Cloudy2Clear is to get your windows back to their best in the shortest time possible, without compromising on quality. We do our best to carry out each repair with as minimal disruption to your home or business as possible, and our experienced engineers are great at achieving this!

Do I Need a Professional Double Glazing Fitter?

While DIY solutions might sound tempting, hiring a professional double glazing fitter brings an unmatched level of expertise and assurance that you may struggle to achieve alone. A professional can assess the quality of your windows, recommend the most cost-effective repairs, and conduct those repairs to a high standard. Moreover, using a reputable company ensures that you benefit from guarantees on the work completed.

Your double glazing is a key feature of your property, and it’s important to remember that things can go wrong if you don’t source a highly experienced provider. Here are a few of the issues that can arise with less-than-perfect double glazing repairs:

• Leaking and Water Damage: Incorrectly installed seals can lead to water seeping in, causing damage to walls and floors.
• Reduced Energy Efficiency: Poor fittings can compromise the insulating properties of your windows, leading to higher energy bills.
• Security Risks: Improperly installed or repaired windows can be easier to break into, compromising your home’s security.
• Invalid Warranty: Some warranties require professional installation and repair. DIY work could void these terms. Failing to meet building regulations due to amateur installations may even result in fines or legal actions.
• Aesthetic Issues: Shoddy work can result in uneven gaps, misaligned frames, or visibly poor quality, affecting the appearance of your home.
• Draughts and Noise: Improper installation of locks and hinges can let in cold air and noise from the outside, making your living space less comfortable.
• Glass Breakage and Mechanical Failures: Incorrectly fitted glass can create pressure points that may cause the glass to crack or shatter over time. Poorly installed locks, handles, and hinges may also fail to function correctly, requiring further repairs or replacements.
• Increased Repair Costs and a Shorter Lifespan: Low-quality materials or improper installation can result in frequent repairs and shorten the lifespan of your double glazing. Mistakes made during DIY repairs usually require more expensive professional rectification later on – due to the time, expertise, and additional materials required.

How Much Does Double Glazing Repair Cost?

The cost of double glazing repairs can vary based on the specifics of the job. To give you a ballpark figure, the average cost for a full double-glazed window from other providers ranges between £350 and £400. However, we pride ourselves on offering a more budget-friendly alternative.

For instance, replacing a full bay window might normally cost around £1300 for three frames and six windows. In comparison, Cloudy2Clear can perform the same task for approximately £599, including VAT. To sum it up, we can provide quotes that are potentially better than half the price offered by other companies.

We also offer repair services for locks, handles, and hinges, giving you a well-rounded, cost-effective solution for maintaining your double glazed windows.

Quality Double Glazing Repairs with Cloudy2Clear

For more information on how Cloudy2Clear can help you save money and efficiently repair your double glazed windows, call our team on 0800 182 2045. You can also fill out our online contact form, and we’ll get back in touch with you.