Condensation

Condensation

Condensation in homes is caused by varying factors such as type of heating , lack of ventilation  - and not helped by showers , drying clothes inside the home – all this water vapour has to somewhere and normally it is the glass

Fact 1

Fitting double glazing is never a cure for stopping condensation on the inside  – it normally help though

Fact 2

With the widespread use now of the energy efficiency glasses eg. Planitherm plus  and the filling the cavity with argon we now get condensation forming on the  OUTSIDE of the glass. In a  nutshell there is nothing that any firm can do about this as the rules about glass was set by Building Control.

This should clear when it warms up

Tecno facts

The glass combination is low iron glass, soft coat, argon gas and warm edge spacer. On occasions there will be  condensation (moisture) appearing on the outer pane of glass, on cold mornings, and clears up within a couple of hours.
It says to me that the units are working so effectively that warm air from the inside of a house, is not getting to the outer pane. In other words, the windows are performing extremely well at cutting out heat loss.
On a positive note, the householder will notice a difference to the temperature of the home.

What is an 'A' Rated Window

Background – The WER  ( window energy rated ) scheme came into being October 2010 – this was meant to give clarity to consumers to choose windows using the familiar rainbow energy efficiency label

Windows can pass the FENSA test by either using a window that has been already certified on the WER scheme ( this is the vast majority of windows )  OR the window can be calculated using U vales – a window must have a U value of 1.6 or less ( remember lower is best )

The minimum compliance for a new window from October 2010 is a “C” rated window – although the majority of firms offer an “A” rated as well.

To see the difference between A and C rated windows you can go to the GGF website and click on the carbon calculator . The difference by the way is not very much.

If you go to our website you can see the make up of a typical “A” or “C” rated windows – but each window manufacturer is slightly different

Fensa

FAQ

1)  What is FENSA  - FENSA standards for Fenestration Self-assessment Scheme – launched in 2002  to as a means of compliance to Building Regulations.

Fensa makes sure that the correct type of heat retention glass has been used , checks on whether a certain sealed units should have been toughened  and checks that where possible there is a means of escape from bedroom windows.

2) Do I need a FENSA certificate for a garage window ?

NO – You only need a FENSA certificate for windows in the main house

3) Do I need a FENSA certificate for a conservatory ?

Again NO – Conservatories do not come under FENSA jurisdiction

4) Do I need a FENSA certificate for a back door

Most probably No – if the area of glass is less than half of the BRICKWORK OPENING SIZE  - then a certificate will not be needed

5) Can I complain to FENSA if I am NOT happy with my windows

NO – Fensa is not a quality mark for installation  If you are concerned about lack of aftercare  choose a window firm belonging to the DGCOS  or the GGF.

Double Glazing Sales Tactics

Things that my be said to you by a double glazing salesman which in most cases will be untrue

1)      I am going to ring my sales manager to see if he can reduce the price 

2)      As your house will make a perfect addition to our brochure I can offer you a further 20% off

3)      As you are lovely couple I give you my word that I will see your order through from survey to completed installation.

4)      I have worked for this company for over 5 years and this is the finest company I have ever worked for

5)      I need to see both the husband and wife together for health and Safety reasons

6)      If you order the three windows I will give you a free door

7)      I can give you £500.00 scrappage for your old windows ( no government scheme actually exists )

8)      We have reached our monthly target so we can reduce your price

9)      Whilst are fitters are here they will carry out FOC any repairs to your home

Local or National?

Well this is always a thorny issue

You say that we have a vested interest – I can only point you to WHICH for their conclusions

We at Sunrise Windows are also members of the DGCOS and the GGF

Double Glazing Maintenance

If anybody says the windows and doors are maintenance free then most probably they do not know the industry well.

Here are a few guidelines for keeping your windows in tip top shape

Frames – wash with hot soapy water together then again with a PVCu cleaner you could buy from the sheds – try not to use abrasive cleaners as this will scratch the frame

Gearing – the sliding bolt method of locking ( called an espagnolette ) is always the achilles heel of any window or door  – these need to be lubricated with oil ( not WD40 ) every 6 months – we always say when the clocks change – this will stop them seizing up  - as rule if it moves oil it.

The same applies to PVCu front doors – also put a bit of oil on the key to lubricate the inside of the cylinder

When oiling a door always put a rag on the floor to catch the drips

On a sliding patio door always oil the rollers as well as the lock

Triple Glazing

Triple Glazing

The new buzz word around at the moment ( October 2011 ) is triple glazing

The two main advantages of triple glazing is better noise reduction and better thermal efficiency

From an industry point of view the main problem is the weight – a triple glazing will give an extra load on hinges

Many windows are currently under test so watch this space!