Time to replace your double glazing?

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Unfortunately, not everything lasts forever and for all good quality fitted windows may stand the test of time, accidents, as well as long periods of time passing, can make circumstances change. 

Windows fulfill a functional purpose – they let in air and light, they keep homes secure, free from drafts and block out any noise from outside. 

Time to replace your double glazing

However, windows do need to be looked after to maintain these features and the longevity of their lifespan, and in some cases, it may be time to look at replacing your windows sooner than you think! 

Reasons to change your windows

Windows no longer open or shut properly.  This is not only a huge inconvenience to you, but it’s also a Health and Safety hazard if you let it continue.  If your windows no longer close properly or indeed they can no longer be opened due to a variety of reasons, it’s time to look at more suitable options. 

Visible damage.  Wear and tear around window frames need to be monitored, and most importantly windows replaced when cracks begin to show.  These cracks can allow for mould and damp to set in, as well as look unsightly both inside and out. It’s essential to address any damage with frames and windows asap and let the professional glaziers get to work! 

Single pane.  If you currently have a single pane of glass, it’s important to upgrade this to double glazed. Glass replacement services are available to provide such services without having to remove and fit an entirely new window frame.  Double glazing offers you better home security and much more energy efficiency. 

Windows let in drafts.  If your windows are starting to whistle with the wind, it could be a broken seal around the pane of glass and the frame, letting in drafts and cold air, and ultimately not performing adequately.  You can call an emergency glazier to help solve the problem, often replacing the pane of glass and fitting new seals around the frame and panels themselves with ease.  

Condensation.  One of the biggest problems with windows is condensation.  Often when condensation occurs, it is due to a ventilation issue, and installing higher quality glazing systems can help.  Condensation is a sign that the double glazing has failed and will no longer be keeping your home as warm as it should be. 

Accidental/Purpose Damage.  If your windows have fallen victim to an accident or an actual attempt to break them, an emergency glazier will be able to help.  Providing you with emergency window glass repairs, it doesn’t matter whether a football has shattered the glass, or the window has been popped due to an attempted break-in, professional glaziers will be able to repair and install new in no time. 

Old windows.  If your windows are over ten years old, and certainly over 20, then it may be time to replace them.  Older windows will no longer be providing you with the energy efficiencies that more modern windows will.  In addition, some modern windows also come with built-in UPVC protection, helping to block out strong incoming sun rays (stopping items in your home from fading (which is also an issue if you have single pane windows). 

Ill-fitted.  If water is leaking through the frame, it can mean that windows have not been fitted correctly or that the window seals themselves have failed, or the drainage section is blocked.  Whatever the reason, replacing your windows is most definitely the best course of action. 

Cracks and chips to the glass.  Similar to an emergency glass window repair, if these cracks and chips are left over time, the worse the situation becomes and the less likely your windows will offer you any security or efficiencies. 

Benefits of replacing your windows 

  • Helps to increase the value of your property (especially when energy consumption is now shown on all properties up for sale) 
  • Can help reduce your energy bills 
  • Can upgrade and update the look and feel of your home 
  • Offers improved security 

You don’t have to replace like for like 

You also don’t have to replace windows like for like as there are now several options available for you to choose from. 

Options including: 

  • UPVC 
  • Timber 
  • Timber effect 
  • Aluminium 
  • Composite 

All are coming in a range of colours, finishes, and configurations too. 

Emergency Glazing Leeds 

At Alan Carnall we understand the importance of having windows fitted by expert installers, that’s why all the team at Alan Carnall is trained to the highest standards, helping with regular checks, we want to help you get the most out of the lifespan of your windows. 

It’s essential to make sure your windows are up to scratch, installing glass replacements which are of good quality, robust, and energy efficient. 

If you’re concerned about any of the points we’ve mentioned above, contact us today on 0113 256 8008 

– Reference Video: Shane Atkinson

Making the most of energy efficient windows

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A known industry statistic is that 10% of household heat is lost through windows.  That’s an awful lot of wastage, and with rising energy bills, can you really afford to lose this amount, when you can act now, making changes to preserve and increase energy efficiencies in your home? 

If you’re concerned that your windows have become unreliable at storing energy then call the emergency glass repair specialists in Leeds, Alan Carnall. 

Utilse Energy More efficiently with Double Glazing in Leeds

Not only can we help you in all emergencies, but we can also work with you and your home, providing you with a range of window options, ensuring that as much energy generated from your boiler stays indoors, with windows that are made to last. 

Using energy more effectively 

People are now more aware than ever when it comes to how energy efficient their home is.  With energy efficiency ratings now being provided, it’s important to know where your home currently sits on this scale and how to improve this, if necessary. 

The energy efficiency system ranges from A++ to C, with A++ being most efficient.  These ratings are generated by considering the entire window (glazing and frame) and have been developed by the British Federation Rating Council. 

From this rating, a u-value is then provided.  This refers to how easily heat can pass through the unit.  The higher the value, the easier the heat can pass through and the less efficient your windows are. 

How energy efficient windows can help 

Energy efficient glazing does exactly what it says on the pane; it helps to keep heat inside your home. 

Working alongside other energy efficient methods (such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, energy efficient heating systems, etc.) energy efficient windows can help you: – 

  • Improve your energy efficiency 
  • Reduce your carbon footprint 
  • Reduce noise pollution 
  • Improve thermal insulation 
  • Reduce condensation 
  • Provide additional safety and security 
  • Provide cost savings 
  • Offer a more comfortable living environment 
  • Increase your home’s value. 

How? 

Because energy efficient windows are double glazed windows consisting of a framing material where the glass seal units are fitted. 

The double glazing itself consists of two panes of glass with a small space in-between, this space helps to create a barrier which stops the heat escaping from your home.  That and the fact that space is also filled with inert, non-toxic gas, (most common is Argon gas, due to it being cost-effective, colourless, non-flammable, and non-reactive to other gases), effectively helping to reduce heat loss from properties. 

When approximately 25% of the gas has escaped, the thermal performance of your windows will start to reduce – this will happen over time and many years. 

Add value to your home by choosing the perfect double glazing for you 

Energy efficient windows come in a variety of styles, such as sash windows, casement windows, tilt, and turns and bay windows.  Offering your choice as well as flexibility.  

Choosing windows that complement your home and keep in with the character of the property is key. 

UPVC also offers the most value for money due to its robust composition; it doesn’t require as much maintenance, such as painting, like its wooden counterparts.; and UPVC also fits perfectly and more securely in place, removing any unwanted drafts. 

There’s also the option of installing low emissivity glass, which is the most energy efficient glazing system currently available.  With one of the internal panes of glass coated in the invisible substance, metal oxide, this glazing system lets in light but cuts down dramatically on heat loss. 

Glass replacement 

If you have older windows that aren’t necessarily equipped with the latest energy-efficient technology design, your windows are letting in drafts and cold air, and as a result, your energy bills are higher as you try to compensate for the heat loss…then it’s time to upgrade. 

Making the most of energy efficient windows is precisely what the team at Alan Carnall are equipped to do.  Offering you a range of solutions as well as qualified glaziers on hand to answer all of your questions as well as an emergency window glass repair service, we positive we can help with it all. 

Make sure your home is making the most of its energy efficiency, make the first step by installing and improving the energy efficiency of your windows. 

Call 0113 256 8008 

Tips for replacing glass windows for home security

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Window panes can, unfortunately, become damaged for many reasons.  You could have been the victim of a break-in where the intruder has smashed the window to gain entry; there could have been a stray cricket ball accidentally thrown through your window, causing it to shatter and break; a small crack which has decided to get bigger is now causing you problems; and even bad weather, etc. all have an effect on windows. 

Tips for replacing glass windows for home security 

No matter what the reason, the main thing is that you look to replace the broken glass in question as soon as possible to keep your property protected and maintain the security of your home. 

Carrying out replacement glass services straight away also saves you a lot of time and money in the long run, as leaving things until they get worse means just that, they get worse; with often frames being affected as well as the surrounding window area, let alone the risk of further accident or injury to others. 

However, there’s more to replacement glass and emergency glazing then you might think.  In this post, we’ll be providing some valuable tips to make sure your home security stays priority, as well as some hints on how to protect your home even further. 

Tips for replacing glass windows

Replacing windows is no small feat, and we would always recommend calling an emergency glazing company in such circumstances. 

However, to know what and how such companies do what they do and if you are looking at a DIY job, then the tips below will certainly help! 

  1. Make sure to remove all broken glass safely.  Clear away and remove any glass which is lying in the immediate area and area which you will be working in to avoid further injuries, and always make sure to wear protective gloves!  Once everything is set up appropriately, look to remove each broken piece of glass individually, before removing the frame completely (this stops glass falling out of the frame when you move it causing more damage).  At this stage, you may also have to use a jack-knife or a chisel to help chip away at the putty which is holding the frame in place, for the frame to come out whole. 
  2. Removing the putty.  Removing the putty from the old window and frame is important to ensure the new unit can be installed correctly.  If the putty is proving difficult to move, apply a little heat to soften and use the point of your knife or chisel to go around the frame, removing any remaining or stray bits of putty and debris.  You want the surface where you will fit the replacement glass to be as smooth as possible. 
  3. If you have older frames, oil them!  If you’re simply replacing the glass but not the frame, make sure to use Linseed oil on all parts of the wood around the frame.  Letting it soak into the wood before you continue. Linseed oil helps to increase the lifespan of the putty, so in return helps to keep your window pane in place without problems for longer! 
  4. Make sure only to apply a thin layer of putty.  After removing all of the broken glass and old putty, use a thin layer of new putty around the frame ready for the new window pane.  A thin layer is more than enough for the glass to be securely installed, preventing any air from getting through. 

These tips are not exhaustive but do provide the basics of emergency glazing services.  If in doubt, please call a professional emergency glazing team who can reach you asap and at a time that is best for you. 

Hints for increasing the security of your windows

To help reinforce your windows so potential burglars can’t get in check out our suggestions below. 

  1. Use a protective film. Some homes, as well as businesses, are now investing in protective films to cover their windows, protecting them from being smashed or shattered.  These films can be hung from both single and double glazing, instantly turning them into break-in resistant windows.
  2. Use tinted film.  Tinted films are sometimes used to stop prying eyes and people from looking into your premises.  
  3. Consider security roller shutters. Slightly more cost-effective then films, security roller shutters, and window security laminates can be installed to your windows to ultimately break-proof them!
  4. Use window security screens. These are similar to insect screens but much stronger and usually made of steel.  These screens stand up well against excessive force.
  5. Install, smash proof window glass – (yes there is such a thing!)  Making homes more secure, reinforce your windows to avoid your home being a target for a break-in. 
  6. Invest in quality window locks.  Upgrading your original locks or adding secondary locks to windows helps to make them not only robust but 100% secure.  Sash locks and deadbolts are the most common additional locking mechanism added to windows. 

If you think of any further questions or would like any advice on emergency glazing services and replacement glass services, contact the experts at Alan Carnall. 

We provide a 24-hour emergency glass replacement service, on hand to give you the peace of mind and security that you deserve. 

All our team are DBS checked and vetted, fully reliable, and as a local company based in Leeds, our reputation for exceptional customer service is renowned. 

Call our team today on 0113 256 8008 and see how we can help you

Reference Video: Shane Atkinson

Emergency Glazing, The Benefits

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There is so much more to emergency glazing than meets the eye.  With more and more people looking at cost-effective solutions and alternative techniques for replacing and upgrading all of their windows and doors, emergency glazing is the technique that is providing these solutions.

Top Benefits Associated with Emergency Glazing

In this post, we’re going to look at why emergency glazing has grown over recent years and what the benefits of such a technique are.

Associated Benefits

If you’re looking to enhance your home’s value or sale potential, then it’s time to consider emergency glazing as a cost-effective way to offer your home the upgrade, increased

security and modernisation that it needs.

Emergency Glazing also…

…Helps reduce noise pollution in the home.

Proven to reduce noise in the home by 80%, this staggeringly high figure is certainly one to be taken seriously and most importantly something to bear in mind if you’re living in a highly populated area, near traffic hot spots, etc.

Suffering from noise pollution no longer has to be a problem, with the installation of emergency glazed windows.

…Enhances thermal efficiency.

In essence, if you want to save money on your energy bills (and who doesn’t) look to install emergency glazing.  This is due to this glazing contributing to reducing how much heat we lose from our homes. As windows are the primary source of heat loss, emergency glazing can provide that additional layer and tight-knit seals to keep your home warm during those colder months hence helping to reduce your energy bills.

…Saves you money.

Emergency glazing is cost-effective in comparison to replacing original windows as it doesn’t require entirely new units just the installation of additional units on the inner side of the existing window panes – easy!

It is also not subject to building regulations and can avoid the lengthy process of building control (however, an approved procedure may still be required in some cases, always check with a trusted installer first).

…Boosts your security.

Emergency glazing can, and should, be thought of as an additional barrier to prevent

criminals from entering your property.  Adding an extra glass layer of security, as well as taking into consideration toughened glass, make your home as safe and secure as it needs to be to give you complete peace of mind.

…Takes the environment into consideration.

With the impact we as individuals have on the environment a big topic for discussion across all sectors, it’s good to know that using emergency glazing plays its part in being environmentally friendly.

How?

Through its thermal efficiency offering, the fact that the aluminium used in UPVC method usage takes less amount of fuel, and it also doesn’t encourage throwing away old units, but rather using existing units and adding to these.

…Takes our health into consideration.

With tight seals and providing an additional barrier of protection, emergency glazing helps to stop draughts, rattles, pollen, dust and more from getting into your home and affecting you and your family’s health.

…Controls condensation.

Condensation is one of the biggest problems homeowners incur with their windows.  However, emergency glazing helps to eliminate this as panes of glass can be easily removed and placed back again, re-sealing the area and checking and clearing for any damage, dirt or debris, etc. which could be causing the problem.

Emergency glazing shouldn’t just be considered in an emergency, we can, and we should think of it as a cost-effective solution to upgrading our homes!

Offering a whole host of benefits, now is the time to find a company whom you can rely on and trust to make sure you reap the rewards.

Emergency glaziers at your service.

Alan Carnall in Leeds is a local company who has been offering emergency glazing services for many years.

We too understand the benefits that such a technique offers and as well as the above benefits we also know that emergency glazing is easy to maintain and helps to reduce our carbon footprint.  It really is a great cost-effective technique.

If you have any questions and you would like to find out more, as well as receive a free, no obligation quote from the experts in emergency glazing, contact a member of our team today on 0113 256 8008, we’d be happy to help.

When do you need to call a 24-hour emergency glass repair service?

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Every situation is different, and when it comes to needing an emergency glass repair service, this might be something you need day or night, at any time over 24 hours.

You can’t prepare for a broken window, and unfortunately, these instances often happen when we least expect it.

However, when they do happen, you need a repair company you can trust.  Trust to be able to act with speed and offer the quality of service that puts your mind at rest, solving glass repair problems quickly and effectively, offering you and your property complete protection.

When do you need to call a 24-hour emergency glass repair service 

But when might you need to call an emergency glass repair service?

There are many situations where we recommend you call an emergency glazier asap.

These include:

During the Winter

Picture the scene, a snowball fight has commenced between you and the kids and everyone is going crazy, however rather than a soft snowball, a piece of ice wrapped around the stone is soon thrown, hitting your window and smash – you not only see the break you hear it.

A ball through the window at any time of year is terrible, but during the winter because of the

Weather conditions and drop in temperature, it can be dangerous.  No one wants to let the cold into their homes, let alone freezing temperatures, so you need to call a 24-hour emergency glass repair service immediately.

The team on call will be able to assess the damage, boarding up the window in question securely and tightly so no cold can get through, and come back at a time that is convenient to you with the replacement glass.

Office Windows

Everyone likes to work in a nice office environment.  It’s where the majority of us spend our week, so we want it to be not only clean and tidy but safe and secure too.

If you have a broken office window which goes unrepaired, you can leave yourself wide open to criminals and potential break-ins as it becomes easy to access into your property.

As a manager or business owner, you also want to be seen by your staff to take such matters as broken windows seriously and have repairs carried out asap, keeping your business premises secure and your employees safe.

Renting or Selling Property

If you’re a landlord or property owner, then it does fall within your remit to maintain the conditions of your property, and this includes repairing and replacing any broken windows.

Repairing broken glass should also be taken into consideration if you’re looking to rent or sell your property.  As potential tenants and buyers are inspecting your property, one thing that can be sure to put them off is a broken glass window or door that you never got around to replacing.

Make sure you get repairs done quickly and don’t miss out on those opportunities to close the deal.

Summer Months

We’ve covered why it’s essential to replace broken glass in winter due to the cold weather, but the opposite is also true for the summer.  A broken window pane can make closing and opening windows impossible, and with not everyone having air conditioning units installed, letting some air into your property during summer is a must – make sure you call an emergency window repair service as soon as possible.

Kids!

Ok, yes in some instances it has been their football or cricket ball that has caused the damage in the first place but when this does happen you have to act fast.  No one wants glass or debris left lying around and most certainly until the window or door in question is appropriately boarded up it is also extremely dangerous.

Call an emergency glazing company asap to avoid further damage and a worse accident from happening.

What to do in an emergency glass situation?

Every situation is different, however below are a handful of useful points to remember,

covering the basics of broken glass.

1. Assess the situation

How has the glass broken in the first place?  Has it been an attempted break-in, burglary, football through the window, or a small crack which has now decided to get bigger?

2. Call the right people

After assessing the situation make sure you call the right people, for example, if it is a break-in or burglary make sure to contact the police immediately.  Then look to contact your insurance company to start the claims process, and thirdly make sure to call the team at Alan Carnall to help with boarding up and emergency glazing.

3. Make sure to take photos

this isn’t so you can remember the incident but rather to support your insurance claim.

4. Let Alan Carnall secure your premises

with our boarding up service, putting your mind at ease that no further damage is incurred.

5. Make sure to clear away any broken glass and debris and dispose of everything appropriately.

We organising with the emergency glazing team a time to return with the replacement glass required.

Being in business for many years and having a team who are trained and qualified to the highest standards means Alan Carnall are ready to help you in any situation.

We help to secure businesses immediately after a break-in, allowing you to continue operating smoothly.  On call and available day or night, our prices are extremely competitive, offering a boarding up service as well as storefront window repairs and replacements like no other.

Call us today on 0113 256 8008 and see how we can help.