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There are innumerable benefits to replacing the windows in your property with increased energy efficiency and heightened performance being two of the main highlights. 

However, when looking into replacement windows, there is a lot to consider, including whether you replace the window in its entirety, or instead strip and install window films. 

Knowing your options and understanding what best suits your needs and your home’s requirements is vital. 

In this post, the team at Alan Carnall have pulled together some of our top tips and things to check when it comes to replacing windows. 

Our top tips on window glass replacement 

Replacing your windows can be done for several reasons, and you don’t have to wait until your window reaches the end of its life before you look to replace it. 

Modern windows now have a lifespan of anywhere between 15 and 20 years, with vinyl windows coming with a guarantee of between 20 and 25! 

Providing you look after and properly maintain your windows, the average lifespan we would estimate to be around 20 years. This is to guarantee full performance and maximum efficiency. 

Signs you need to replace your windows 

You have a cracked or damaged pane. 

Any damage to your windows should be seen to immediately. Leaving it, or forgetting about it until it gets worse, only leads to further damage, complications, and cost. Often a glass repair can be carried out depending on the severity of the crack or damage. However, if the frame around the window is damaged, the entire unit will need to be replaced as the overall windows performance will be negatively affected. 

Condensation is appearing on the glass. 

Condensation is a common problem found with double glazing. Condensation occurs when there is a small crack in the seal, and condensation becomes trapped between the panes of glass. It also occurs when the gas between the double glazing begins to leak, again because of a gap or break in the seal. When this happens, a replacement window is an option. 

You have large energy bills. 

Replacing old single-pane windows with double glazing and energy star certified products can make a world of difference when it comes to helping lower your energy bills. 

Window frames aren’t up to standard. 

Over the years, window frames and sills can suffer from everyday wear and tear. Regularly checking frames is essential, as if you come across a soft frame, you will need to replace it asap. Just because the window itself seems fine and in good working order, if the frame begins to crumble further, your window could cause much more damage and chaos. 

The window is sticking. 

If your window is sticking when opening and closing, quite often this can be a simple window repair and an adjustment of the frame and mechanism.  However, we’d always recommend checking with a professional in the first instance. 

Shattered Windows. 

Shattered windows can be a different matter entirely and depending on how they have come to be shattered depends on what course of action you take. 

If your window has been broken or shattered by a storm or an accident at home i.e., flying football, then the first thing to do is keep everyone away from the area in question. 

Keeping everyone safe and away from any shards of glass helps to avoid any unnecessary accidents from happening. 

If you’re able to, clear away as much glass as possible and discard of this appropriately. Then call an emergency glazier. 

A professional glazing company who is available 24/7 and who also provide a full boarding up service. 

However, if your window has been damaged due to a break-in or vandals, speak to the police asap. 

You will then need to document all damage, as well as take photos of any shattered windows. 

This will all be essential for your insurance company to allow you to make a valid claim. 

Again, make sure to call an emergency glass repair company to provide you with an emergency boarding up service. 

Protecting your property and keeping it safe at all times is vital, and you need a company whom you can rely on and trust, a team that can be with you asap in emergencies. 

You need the team at Alan Carnall. 

At Alan Carnall, we understand that your windows provide security to your home, as well as fresh air and natural light. Having window repairs carried out asap and replacing windows when necessary should be a top priority for homeowners, and our team are only too happy to help. 

Call 0113 256 8008 to find out more. 

Over the summer months, the team at Alan Carnall have been carrying out numerous emergency glazing repairs throughout Bradford. 

Taking care of anything from stray cricket balls and footballs accidentally taking a wrong turn hitting a window, from shop fronts fallen victim to vandals, to break-ins and potential break-ins where windows have been damaged – Alan Carnall has been on hand to support customers 24/7. 

In the majority of cases, we’ve been able to carry out all minor window repairs on the spot. 

Coming fully equipped for all eventualities, our team is trained and experienced to handle it all. 

For others, we also provide a secure boarding up service, until we can return to you with your new glazing ready for installation. 

Working with local authorities, the police, local businesses and residents, the team at Alan Carnall has been instrumental in maintaining the security and safety of homes and properties throughout Bradford. 

“We’re proud to support our local community by working with residents and commercial businesses to keep properties safe, secure, energy-efficient, and high performing, all by providing a first-class service, and high-class products, at reasonable prices.” 

Do you have a broken or damaged window in need of repairing in Bradford, and fast? 

Alan Carnall can help you with all your glass emergency needs… 

…available 24/7, we offer a range of glazing solutions, from temporary fixes to full replacements on glass panes and entire units. 

Our emergency glazier repair service, Bradford, is also safe contractor approved and FENSA registered. 

Benefits of emergency glazing repairs: 

• Quick and cost-effective 
• Keeps security high 
• Maintains performance on your windows 
• Provides complete peace of mind 
• Keeps the energy efficiency within your home 

We also offer a boarding up service, emergency glass replacement, and we’re known as the UPVC specialists in Bradford. 

Emergency glazing and window repairs in Bradford 

Here at Alan Carnall we have many, yes many, years of experience with replacement windows and doors, and cover all glazing solutions. 

Our emergency glaziers, based in Bradford, have become an essential part of the community. Providing a service, you can rely on 365 days of the year, day and night. 

Working with schools, colleges, shops, residential properties, businesses, and more, we’re on hand to provide emergency glass repairs, replacements, and boarding up. 

Our teams are also qualified and experienced when it comes to securing chipped glass with tough glazing films, as well as boarding up without damaging frames further. 

Every member of the team is also DBS checked and vetted and trained to the highest of industry standards, providing you with 100% confidence that we can get the job done. 

Helping the people of Bradford with all their emergency glazing needs, call us on 0113 256 8008 

There are numerous window and door companies across the UK nowadays, each one boasting that they are indeed the best.  However, unfortunately, the reality is that not everyone is, and you can often find yourself with a not so great job being carried out, all for a very high price. 

When choosing new windows and doors, you want the highest quality matched with the right level of security.  Windows and doors that are stylish, on-trend, suited to your tastes and preferences, as well as matching the style of your home. 

Everything, and we mean everything, has to be taken into consideration. 

This also includes external elements such as the weather, whether a glass repair can be carried out instead of a glass replacement and much more. 

You need an expert window glass replacement and repair company who understands your requirements and the circumstances mentioned above.  A team who can offer you a range of solutions and options, all while working within agreed budgets. 

Things to look for in a window repair company 

How long have they been operating?  

The number of years a company has been trading for can, in most cases, directly link to how much experience in their field they have. 

The more experience a person has, then generally, the more knowledge and genuine help and advice they’re able to provide. 

We’d recommend avoiding large, newly set up national companies.  Most of these organisations will not only lack experience, but they won’t have the local knowledge a local company can provide.  National companies also charge much higher rates too, so be careful! 

Also, be aware of those who are quick to offer to replace windows as the only option.   

Sometimes and in some cases, windows can be repaired, and an experienced glazier will be able to help you further. 

Latest Technology 

Companies that use the most up to date materials and technologies available to them are those that will most likely be able to carry out a window repair or replacement with ease. 

With new materials available for windows and doors, it’s vital that the company you choose, use the right tools and equipment to suit these materials (i.e., aluminium, UPVC, and wood are the top three materials used for windows). 

Find out more from a professional company like Alan Carnall when it comes to patio doors, bi-folding doors, French doors, and more. 

Customer Reviews 

Reviews are something we should all check before getting any kind of work carried out.   

Letting us know how others have found dealing with certain companies and the service that they have provided.  It’s all about putting your mind at ease that you’re choosing the best reputable company available to you. 

Make sure to ask friends and family as well as look online at third party reviews.  The internet can be the best source for information, allowing you to check that what is promised is what they deliver. 

Installation 

High-quality windows won’t look or even perform at their best if they’re not installed properly.  You need a team you can trust, trust to install all windows securely and safely. 

Certified and qualified to handle all sizes and types of glass, you need to make sure to search for specialists in glass repairs and replacements. 

Cost 

A big factor and an influencing decision-maker when it comes to getting the work you require done finally. 

Make sure to compare prices from similar companies to check fluctuations etc.  Most professional companies will provide you with a free, no-obligation quote asap.  It’s also a great opportunity to talk and ask them about timescales, i.e., when they can actually start the job and how long it will take them to complete it. 

Choosing the right company to work with is just as important as choosing the right windows. 

Alan Carnall Windows is a local window repair and replacement glazing company with many, many years of experience.  Always delivering on our promise to provide high-quality work with exceptional customer service as standard. 

From 24/7 emergency glass repairs and window replacements, flexible appointments, no hidden charges, and a company who can install quality custom windows all at affordable prices – call to see how we can help you today. 

Read the next article: How to keep birds from hitting windows 

When it comes to double glazing, the well–known two panes of glass combined together have grown over the years to now be considered industry standard technology that can provide homeowners with a whole host of benefits. 

However, double glazing didn’t really become a “thing” in the UK until the 70s, when unsurprisingly the rise in energy prices forced people to look at how they could make their homes more energy efficient, in a more cost-effective way. 

Today, double glazing is almost seen as part of the norm, and if upgrading your windows or changing your glazing in some shape or form is on your agenda, this post will provide some great insight into double glazing and just what it can offer you. 

What is double glazing? 

In its simplest form, double glazing involves two panes of glass being set within a frame (also known as a unit).  These two panes are separated by a thin layer of air or inert gas (typically argon) placed in between. 

This invisible layer between the panels is what really makes double glazing so great, as ultimately it is this protective layer that helps keep the cold out and the heat in! 

What can double glazing offer you? 

Double glazing provides home-owners with many benefits.  Some of these include: 

• Increasing levels of security.  Ultimately, additional layers mean additional security.  This can be increased further still if toughened glass is also used. 
• Reducing heat loss and stop draughts coming into your home by limiting the amount of heat leaving through your windows, as well as reducing cold air from outside, getting in! 
• Reducing condensation.  One of the biggest problems with windows is condensation.   However, because of the reduction in the volume of heat lost with double glazing the internal pane doesn’t get as cold, hence will stop condensation from building up.  This also helps to reduce moisture inside the property and prevent mould from appearing. 
• Reducing noise pollution.  This is especially true when compared to single glazing, where double glazing dramatically reduces noise volume because of the additional materials used.  Making your home much quieter and all around peaceful. 

Increasing your homes energy efficiency through double glazing 

Most people look to upgrade the glass in their windows and doors because they want to restrict the heat that is lost through them.  This, in turn, should reduce heating bills and lower your energy consumption. 

This is what double glazing can offer, through both conduction and convection properties. 

Conduction is where heat radiates onto glass and through the glass pane, seeping outside (it escapes).  However, with double glazed windows, the heat doesn’t head straight outside.   

Instead, it moves between the panes of glass, and at this point convection comes into play. 

Convection is where the heat that is transferred between the panes, moving through the air or gas.  Because air isn’t a great heat conductor, the vacuum effect within double glazing becomes almost a block which ultimately stops the heat from escaping escape. 

Double Glazing – Types and Styles 

There aren’t hundreds of different types of double glazing to choose from; however, with advances in technology, there are a few! 

Floating glass – this type of glass is used for most modern windows today.  Where uniformed and perfectly flat finishes are achieved. The process to achieve such glass involves layers of molten metal and floating glass being combined together.  

Low emissivity glass – this type of glass involves coating one side of the glass pane with a thin “low e” metal to create an insulating effect.  Restricting heat escaping through the window panes hence supporting greater energy efficiency. 

Toughened glass – glass that has gone through heat tempering processes to give it the additional strength that is required.  If toughened glass does break, it breaks into small pieces instead of shattering into sharp shards. Toughened glass is now standard in car windscreens, the odd telephone box and more. 

Laminated glass – laminated glass increases your levels of window security as the laminated panels are stuck together, resulting in the pane being able to hold itself together if it breaks rather than shattering completely. 

Double glazing isn’t always for everyone 

In some cases, mainly those properties that are considered as “listed buildings,” double glazing will not be suitable, and an alternative needs to be considered. 

For example, it might be a bit strange if a period Georgian house suddenly has very new and very modern windows installed and fitted. 

So, the alternative that is often offered is known as secondary glazing. 

Secondary glazing is where the existing window and pane is added to, rather than replaced.   

In these instances, an extra panel is placed on the inside of the window and attached to the frame.  Excluding any draughts, reducing noise, and helping to keep the heat in – just like the offer of double glazing. 

Secondary glazing can also be easily removed when it’s not needed.  So, for example, in the summer months with south facing windows, you may want to let more light into your property, and in these cases, the additional panels can be easily removed to achieve this. 

Secondary glazing offers you everything that double glazing can provide, without compromising on the look and style of your home. 

Your Choice 

Due to the continuing rise in house prices, most homeowners are now looking to stay put and making home improvements instead.  Making changes that not only upgrade and modernise properties but changes that will help to save money in the long run too. 

Having double glazing installed and fitted can be one of these improvements, with energy efficiencies, noise reduction, and an increase in safety all on offer. 

Double glazing is now the standard offering for glass upgrades in most homes. 

Let the team at Alan Carnall transform your home today. 

Call us on 0113 256 8008 

Read the next article: Ins and Outs of Double Glazing

Choosing the right windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries, anything to do with glazing – requires careful consideration when it comes to replacement glass, upgrading or installing new. 

You need to think about style, design, energy efficiency and more! 

It’s also not just about new windows and doors either; you need to find a company that can also offer you glass replacement services and in some instances emergency window glass repairs!  

To help you with all of this and more you need to use a company you can trust and rely on, as trust us, replacing windows or certainly installing new is no small task. 

Things to ask and research when looking for a good glazing company

Check their financials!  Ok, so we’re not saying start an investigation into the firm you’re considering using, but it is worth checking their financial standing by checking reviews online, speaking with previous customers if possible, do they have a high public profile – have you heard of them before, what is their history?  Do they belong to any professional trade bodies or have worked for any large or local clients etc. All of these questions and more fall into this category and can put your mind at rest with the company you’re choosing to work with. 

What are their company values/promises?  Do they have any?  Is this something they publicise, i.e. that they provide exceptional customer service, their teams are all fully trained to the highest standard, etc.  These people are coming into your home either as an emergency glazier or carrying out a full installation of new windows. Either way, you have to know you can trust them. 

How do they respond to your questions and queries?  Do they put your best interests first providing you with the right solutions, or do they do the hard sell?  You need to look at their expertise, knowledge, and professionalism. How they respond to your questions will provide you with everything you need to know. 

Check cancellation policies.  Most glazing companies will have what is known as a “cooling off” period, which is usually around 14 days, giving you the right to change your mind and opt out of any agreements you have made.  Make sure you read all of the contracts and terms and conditions before you sign on the dotted line.  

What guarantees or warranties will you receive?  What guarantees are you provided with that the double-glazing work you’ve had carried out is insured if something goes wrong within the first 6months, for example?  You need to have complete peace of mind and working with a reputable company will help provide you with this. 

Don’t be put off

There’s more to choosing a glazing company than meets the eye, and quite often people can be put off from getting work done due to bad experiences reported by others, rumours and more. 

We’re here to tell you don’t be.  Don’t be put off by the volume of products available to choose from, pushy salesman, too good to be true discounts, fear that the installation will go wrong, negative perception of double-glazing firms, etc, etc! 

Glazing companies and in particular emergency glaziers are on hand to help and support you. Providing you with the best solutions suited to your requirements. 

But, to help you avoid those pushy salespeople further you could also consider checking: 

• How long the company been trading for. 
• Are the fitters/installers employed or subcontracted? (subcontracted can mean that sometimes anyone can be used without being properly vetted and checked) 
• Do the sales team work on commission only? (This can help determine how pushy they will be) 
• Are windows manufactured in the UK? 
• Do they have a showroom you could look around? 
• Do they have any trade body membership? 

Buy double glazing with confidence…

With Alan Carnall, Leeds, we offer our customers, the best advice, service, and products around.  We’re on hand for all glass replacements as well as providing the best emergency glazing in Leeds. 

Ultimately when it comes to choosing the right glazing company for you, take your time, get quotes and get options. 

Call Alan Carnall today on 0113 256 8008.