6Jun.
66

How To Prepare Your Home For The Summer

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar
How To Prepare Your Home For The Summer

How To Prepare Your Home For The Summer

As the warmer months approach, it is a wise idea to prepare your home for the summer by upgrading various aspects of your Essex home. This includes updating and installing windows, doors, and conservatories to increase light, ventilation, and space. It is essential to stay comfortable, therefore, maintaining your property to make the most of it and get it summer-ready! This guide will offer tips to help you prepare:

 

Upgrade Your Windows and Doors

Upgrading your windows and doors is a wise investment that enhances light and ventilation within your home. At Oakland Home Improvements, we offer a variety of different uPVC and aluminium and wooden windows, including: 

 

Tilt and Turn Windows: These windows are superior ventilators, they can be tilted slightly or turned fully to allow maximum airflow into the home. This allows for control of both air and light due to its large pane, which provides an unobstructed view.

 

Sliding Sash Windows: Sliding sash windows allow for controlled airflow they can be slid open to create the amount of airflow required. This allows for improved air quality whilst reaping the benefits of their architectural design. 

 

Casement Windows: Casement windows are known for being highly secure whilst enabling control of airflow. Homeowners can choose to open the top or bottom of the window, which allows air to enter the property while prioritising security. 

 

At Oakland Home Improvements, we emphasise the advantages of our range of uPVC, aluminium, and wooden doors to prepare your home for the summer. However, for the summer, we advise on bifold doors, patio doors, and French doors to further the benefits of the season: 

 

Bifold Doors: Bifold doors have panels that fold back onto each other, enabling full opening of the door to increase air circulation. They also have large window panes on each of the panels which allow for maximised light to flood into the property along with a perfect view of the outside space. 

 

Patio Doors: These doors are ideal due to their sliding mechanism, which allows for installation in small areas as they do not require space to swing out. This means you have the benefits of light, air, and unobstructed views despite the size of your home. 

 

French Doors: French doors are stylish and a popular choice for homeowners. They combine aesthetic appeal with increased airflow, creating a bright and inviting space. At Oakland Home Improvements, we work with Eurocell to provide only the highest quality doors for you this summer.

 

If you are considering windows and doors this summer, feel free to contact our expert team on 01277 365 988, and we will be happy to help!

 

Upgrade to a Conservatory or Orangery

Conservatories and orangeries expand the space within your home and are perfect for the summer due to their wealth of properties. Conservatories offer a brick base and glazed structure to increase natural light including multiple windows for airflow control. Orangeries act as more of a brick extension type with a large glazed area for light and ventilation. These structures have a range of functionalities and offer another space for hosting, or act as a dining area, or a peaceful space to relax. 

 

Conservatories: At Oakland Home Improvements, we offer different types of conservatories, including Victorian, Edwardian, gable-ended, lean-to, and other bespoke conservatories to suit you and your property. We work with Ultraframe to offer you only the best quality, durable conservatory roof systems. These conservatories create a comfortable temperature for your family during the summer months, and our Ultraframe roofs reduce noise pollution and glare. Their glazed surroundings enable maximum light, saving on energy bills and their windows offer control of airflow to keep the room cool.

 

Orangeries are durable and strong, like a brick extension, but have the properties of conservatories due to their large glazed areas, often with roof lanterns incorporated into the roof. We also provide Ultraframe orangery roof systems to ensure they are high quality and weather tested. They create an ambient environment, allowing for natural air to enter as well as a great view of the outside space. 

 

If you are interested in maximising the space in your property this summer, contact us or use our online quoting engine today. 

 

Why Choose Oakland Home Improvements? 

At Oakland Home Improvements, we take pride in having over 30 years of experience in delivering exceptional results for our customers. Our expert team is on hand to assist you with all aspects of your home improvement needs, and we are proud to supply customers across Essex, including Ongar and Chelmsford..

 

We are proudly LABC registered and are accredited by Certass to ensure we are a trusted installer. Along with this, we work closely with leading suppliers including Ultraframe, Eurocell, and Smart – meaning all of our products are high quality and durable. 

 

Our 10-year guarantee backs all of our installations, as we are confident that you will be satisfied with our service. We believe that home improvements should be fitted to only the highest standards to ensure value and comfort. 

 

Home improvement Prices Essex

We offer a range of finance options to enable you to upgrade your home, as well as a number of affordable options to suit your needs. All of our quotes are tailored specifically to you and your home, with a personalised service from our experienced team.

 

If you’re ready to take the next step in preparing your home for summer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today or fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch with you. Alternatively, use our online quoting engine to view our range of products and customisable options to get a free quote. 

13May.
52

Why Double Glazing Isn’t Just for Winter

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar
Why Double Glazing Isn’t Just for Winter

It is often thought that investing in double glazing windows is something that you will only benefit from in the winter. While it is correct that double glazing windows are a wise choice for the winter months, as they are excellent for insulation and keeping the warm air in your home, they also provide a whole host of benefits that can be enjoyed far beyond winter. In this blog, we take a look at how double glazing is an excellent all-year-round investment that will improve your day-to-day life.

What Is Double Glazing?

The first thing that we need to establish is what double glazing is exactly. Double glazing is a window that has two panes of glass separated by a space filled with gas. Through the added layer of glass, double glazed windows have significantly better insulation when compared to single glazed windows. The space between the panes also acts as a barrier, which helps reduce heat transfer and keeps your home.

Reduced Noise Pollution

For homes that are near busy traffic or in a noisy neighbourhood, noise pollution can be a real issue that can disrupt your everyday life. Double glazing offers fantastic sound insulation, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful home with minimal disruption. The two layers of glass absorb sound waves, which reduces the amount of noise that enters your home. Double glazing can also mean you benefit from improved acoustics, as it will help keep the inside noise in your home.

Improved Security

Double glazed windows are at far less risk of breakage so you will have an extra layer of protection from potential intruders. Two panes of glass make it far more challenging for intruders to gain access to your home, so you can have peace of mind that you are safe in your home. At Oakland Home Improvements, our double glazing windows come with multi-point locking systems to further keep you protected all year round.

Increased Property Value

Investing in double glazing isn’t just a short-term investment for your home because if you ever look to sell, you will find that potential buyers will look to bid at a higher price if double glazing is in place. By upgrading your windows and doors, you’re not only improving your everyday life but also improving your home both externally and internally.

Double Glazing Prices Essex

In conclusion, double glazing is not just an investment for the winter, it’s an investment that will enhance your home all year round with improved comfort, security and energy efficiency, keeping you at a comfortable temperature throughout all the seasons. Whether you’re needing to reduce the outside noise or increase your property value, the double glazing that we supply and install in Essex makes it an excellent choice for any homeowner.

At Oakland Home Improvements, we are determined to supply and install some of the very best double glazing in Essex that you can find. We are thrilled to be Certass-certified double glazing installers for homes in Chelmsford, Ongar and the surrounding Essex aras, one of the industry’s most recognised regulators for replacement windows and doors. We offer uPVC windows and doors from state-of-the-art manufacturer Eurocell, renowned for the thermal efficiency and security that it delivers.

You can contact our team by filling out your details in our contact form or calling 01277 365 988. Alternatively, you can use our bespoke quoting engine for instant double glazing prices in minutes.

11Apr.
131

What Is The Difference Between A Conservatory And An Orangery

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar
What Is The Difference Between A Conservatory And An Orangery

With the days getting longer, Spring is finally here, which makes for an excellent time to extend your home in Chelmsford. However, finding the best way can be a tricky decision, with a variety of options to choose from. You want an extension that brings in that beautiful sunlight but is also practical. In this blog, we take a look at conservatories and orangeries and the benefits that they bring to see which could work best for your home in Essex.

A home in Essex with a modern conservatory.

Conservatories

What is a conservatory?

Conservatories have more of their roof glazed, whereas an orangery has a solid roof, which is usually made from brick and stone. Conservatories can come in a variety of different ways and, therefore so, can be adapted to what you are after. For example, Victorian and Edwardian conservatories are the classic conservatory design while still delivering modern performance. A Gable conservatory with a high-pitched roof is a great way to increase light and air in your home.

Benefits of Conservatories

  • Conservatories are generally designed with glass roofs, so natural light can flood into your home and create a bright, welcoming space.
  • The double-glazed conservatory’s strength and quality insulation means that you can enjoy it all year round. Its excellent thermal performance means that it stays at a comfortable temperature throughout all the seasons.
  • A conservatory is excellent for indoor plants, as natural light can enter, giving the plants the sunshine they need. So you can enjoy an extension with beautiful plants that lighten up the interior.
  • Conservatories create a gorgeous link between your home and your garden, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views from the comfort of your own home.

 A orangery for a home in Chelmsford.

Orangeries

Orangeries have similar features to conservatories but are primarily built with bricks. They add a premium feel to your Essex home while still allowing natural light through flat skylights and roof lanterns.

Benefits of Orangeries

  • Orangeries have better insulation than conservatories. Because they are brick-built, orangeries offer improved thermal performance and stay at a consistent temperature.
  • Orangeries seamlessly fit with any home, whether modern or traditional. So you can have a space that adds a significant amount of functionality while keeping your home looking and feeling good.
  • You can warm your orangeries with lesser energy consumption and keep them warm longer.

Which is better, a conservatory or an orangery?

Each home in Essex is unique and has different needs, so there are a few things to consider, such as how you would like to use the extension, for instance, if you want this to be a dining area or a place to relax. Conservatories are generally a better choice for homes that want to maximise the amount of natural light in their homes. In contrast, an orangery works better for those looking for a permanent space that looks great all year round.

Conservatory Prices and Orangery Prices, Essex

If a brand new conservatory or orangery sounds like what your home needs this Spring, then you have come to the right place with Oakland Home Improvements. We have over 30 years of experience in conservatory and orangery installations in Essex and the surrounding areas. All of our team is fully trained and qualified to deliver the conservatory or orangery that you are looking for.

For more information or to get an extension price, you can speak to our team today by filling out our contact form or calling 01277 365 988. Alternatively, you can use our bespoke quoting engine for an instant conservatory price or orangery price in minutes.

 

7Mar.
143

How To Get Your Home Ready For Spring

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar
How To Get Your Home Ready For Spring

With the days getting longer, spring is finally around the corner, making it an excellent time to invest in your Essex home. In this article, we take a look at some of the ways you can improve your home and create a delightful, bright space ready for the sunny days ahead.

New Double Glazing Windows

Having new double-glazed windows installed makes for a wise investment for the spring months. Take, for example, our tilt-and-turn windows, which can be opened widely, maximising ventilation so you can bring fresh air in and allow for stunning natural light. Not only does this make for a great purchase in the spring and summer months, but when the winter does arrive, all of our double glazing windows offer exceptional thermal performance, keeping your Essex home lovely and warm.

Conservatories

Should your home start to feel cramped and in need of extra space and a little brightening up, a conservatory makes for a great solution. The conservatories that we supply and install at Oakland Home Improvements offer a comfortable living space that can be enjoyed all year round with excellent insulation that provides both brilliant thermal performance and can also reduce noise pollution. Our conservatories are entirely bespoke too, and we cater to what you need, so whether you want to have a genuine connection to the outside or delightful dining space, we have you covered.

Aluminium Bifold Doors

If you are looking for brand new back doors, an aluminium bifold door installation could be the answer. Our aluminium bifold doors‘ slimline appearance means they add a modern feel to your home in Essex. Their smooth opening feature with a unique sliding mechanism creates easy access to the outdoors, allowing you to enjoy those gorgeous sunny days. Whether you need them to be opened outwards or inwards, we can make this possible so you can have fantastic ventilation in the way that you want.

Roof Lanterns

Roof lanterns are another way to enjoy the spring sunshine as they can perfectly complement the existing space and brighten up the interior of your Essex home. Our modern roof lanterns in Essex use the latest technology, so you are not only getting stunning views, but you will also have optimum performance. The Ultrasky roof lanterns from Ultraframe use premium materials, so they will protect your home against the unpredictable British weather with dependable strength that you can count on.

Speak To Our Team Today

If you are looking to enhance your home in Essex this spring, you have come to the right place with Oakland Home Improvements. From our home near Chelmsford, we supply a wide range of UPVC, aluminium and hardwood windows, doors, conservatories and roofline products for customers across Essex and the surrounding areas. We have over 30 years of experience in installing some of the very best windows, doors and conservatories in the Essex area. Speak to our team by filling out your details in our contact form or by giving us a call at 01277 365 988. If you are looking for an instant double glazing price, you can use our bespoke quoting engine to get a double glazing quote in minutes.

14May.
533

What Is A Sliding Sash Window?

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar
What Is A Sliding Sash Window?

Sliding sash windows add elegance and functionality to your home. They come in a variety of styles, meaning they can blend into any type of property. Whether you are looking to update your wooden or Georgian windows or install brand-new ones, then we can help. 

At Oakland Home Improvements, we install sliding sash windows for homeowners across Essex. In this article, we will discuss the key features of these windows and their benefits for your home. 

 

How to Identify a Sliding Sash Window

Sliding sash windows are known for their thin frames and sliding configurations. They can be designed with traditional features, such as standard mitre welds, timber-looking joints, sash horns, slim midrail and deep bottom rails. Experience a timeless appearance while still maintaining modern-day benefits so the windows can last for decades to come. 

 

Sliding Sash Windows Benefits

Sliding sash windows offer a range of excellent benefits for your home. Read below to learn more. 

 

Smooth Opening Mechanism

By sliding the window upwards, you can control how much it opens. This feature will be helpful for those facing main roads or who want complete control over how much air gets into the home. Moreover, if you choose a style that comes with a slide and tilt feature, then it is easy for you to clean the windows and frames safely. 

 

Natural Light

Sliding sash windows, with a slim midrail option and thinner frames, can provide the perfect opportunity for natural light to enter the home. During brighter days, the room will naturally light up, so you can rely less on your electric light. 

 

Thermal Efficiency

These windows are made from uPVC, which provides excellent insulation to the home. Our windows also come with double glazing as a standard. The double glazing provides two panes of glass separated by a spacer filled with insulating argon gas. This will then help reduce heat loss so your home can remain at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. 

 

Low Maintenance

uPVC is also a naturally durable material, so very little maintenance is required to keep these windows looking good for decades to come. The material can withstand different weather conditions, such as rain or winds, without getting damaged. The majority of uPVC sliding sash windows will only need water and soap to keep the frames clean. 

 

Why Work With Oakland Home Improvement?

At Oakland Home Improvements, we are always looking for new ways to enhance our customers’ homes. From new styles of windows to expanding our customisable options, we are always on the lookout for new ideas. If you have a home improvement project in mind, talk to our team, and we will help you design a product that will match your requirements. 

 

Sliding Sash Windows Prices

Elevate your home with our sliding sash windows today. Use our online quoting engine for a free bespoke quote, or use our contact form to talk to our team. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 01277 365 988, and we will be happy to talk through your project and requirements with you.

2Apr.
646

Are Aluminium Windows Better Than uPVC?

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar
Are Aluminium Windows Better Than uPVC?

If you are looking to upgrade your windows, you are likely to be debating whether aluminium windows are better than uPVC. These two materials are fantastic for making home improvement products, but from afar, they do look similar.

In this article, we will explore the benefits that uPVC and aluminium can offer your home so you can decide which is best for you.

Aluminium Windows

Aluminium windows have sleek and durable frames, which can provide an elegant look for your property. Their thin frames and large glass area allow an optimum amount of natural light so the room can feel brighter for much longer.

Read below to find out more about their benefits.

Durability

Aluminium is a durable and robust material that will keep your home secure during harsh weather conditions. When installed with weather seals, it can help protect your home from rain or wind, so you are less likely to experience mould or dampness. No matter what the ever-changing British weather tries to bring, your new windows will keep your home protected.

Noise Reduction

As aluminium is so durable, it can help insulate the outside noise. This means you can relax comfortably in your home without being distracted by what is going on around you. This is perfect for homeowners based in a busy area of their city or if you want peace from your neighbours.

Thermal Efficiency

Along with noise insulation, aluminium windows also provide an excellent level of thermal efficiency. When paired with double glazing, aluminium windows can create a pocket of warm air in your home so no heat can escape and no cold draughts can get in. Your home will efficiently regulate the temperature around the room, so you feel at a comfortable temperature all year round.

High Performing uPVC Windows

On the other hand, uPVC windows can also transform your home. They can seamlessly blend into the property by coming in multiple styles and colours. Their reliable uPVC frames can provide a range of benefits, including increased appearance and versatility.

Read below to learn more about the benefits of uPVC windows.

Low Maintenance

uPVC windows are incredibly easy to maintain, which is perfect for any type of homeowner. Depending on the style and materials, how to best care for them will be determined. However, most only need to be cleaned occasionally with a damp cloth.

Eco-Conscious Choice

uPVC profiles are fully recyclable, so after their lifespan, you can recycle them into something new. As we become more aware of the impact we have on our environment, swapping for more environmentally friendly products can help us take a step in the right direction.

Versatility

uPVC materials are flexible and versatile, so it is easy to make them into multiple styles. They can be made into different shapes and designs so they can seamlessly blend into your property’s current design. Customise them with various colours and finishes, and you have a bespoke window tailored to you.

Aluminium Windows and uPVC Windows Prices

Transform your home today with aluminium windows or uPVC windows. Depending on what benefits you are looking to add to your home or the type of window you are looking for, will determine which material will be best for your home.

If you are based in Essex and need help deciding, feel free to get in touch with our team today! You can use our online contact form or call us, and one of our team members will discuss your requirements. Alternatively, if you know what window you would like to order, use our online quoting engine for a free quote.

20May.
1362

How to Insulate Conservatories for Winter

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Conservatories Essex
How to Insulate Conservatories for Winter

With energy prices on the rise, your conservatory must get insulated and ready for the winter. There are many ways of insulating your conservatory at Oakland, which will save you money in the long run. Read on to find out more.

Even though conservatories look stunning, older conservatories don’t insulate heat very well, leading to a colder living space deemed unusable. Most older builds are made of glass, which is naturally a poor heat and sound insulator. If you have invested in a conservatory, you’ll want to transform it into a functional space.

Lean To Conservatories Ongar Chelmsford 

 One of the things you can do is replace the conservatory roof and add a new one. This is a popular and efficient way of insulating your home without losing the room’s character. A new conservatory roof will help regulate the temperature in your home, which will save you plenty of money on your heating bills. You won’t need to use the central heating or the thermostat, therefore reducing your carbon footprint and saving the environment in the process.

Additionally, if you put a robust barrier on your roof, keeping heat inside is another way. If you retain natural heat but aren’t getting any light; then, a glass roof will give you the best of both worlds, resulting in an inviting space.

Victorian Conservatories Broomfield

You might even have a polycarbonate roof on your conservatory. This is a poor insulator of heat because older models have a thin layer, which doesn’t absorb heat. If you upgrade it to a thicker layer, you can keep more heat in the room. Polycarbonate is a very easy material to install, and it has a lifespan of around 10 years, so it could be a worthy investment in the long run.

If you want to keep the garden feel of your conservatory, there are other ways that it can be insulated during the colder months. For instance, you can go for a solar control film which you can put on the thin windows of your conservatory. The film is very useful because it radiates heat to be kept on your property, and you can feel more private in the long run. As a result, you will benefit from a useful addition to your conservatory.

There are other ways that you can insulate your conservatory. This is through infrared heating, which will heat your objects in the room, making them much warmer. This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about cold floors, saving you money on your heating bills. Another way to make your conservatory is simply by getting a rug. Rugs, especially ones with a higher stitch count, will give your conservatory better insulation. A wool rug is traditionally warm, so you can feel confident that it will make you want to spend time in your new living space.

Double Glazed Conservatories Doddinghurst

You can also insulate your roof because it is a valuable way of escaping. And what’s more, there are a lot of different choices that you can choose from, including uPVC and aluminium foils. This will keep your home warmer all year round, which will make the space more comfortable for you and your family. Insulating the windows is another way of keeping the space warmer in the winter. This can be done with double or triple glazing, creating a robust thermal barrier that keeps natural heat indoors and cold air out. Additionally, with airtight seals, you can stop cold air and water from seeping in. What’s more, you can even add tape or film to trap heat indoors, which will make your home much warmer.

When the weather gets colder in the winter, you will suffer from draughts and condensation. These issues can lead to mould spots and condensation, resulting in your home being unattractive in the long run. As a result, you can ensure your conservatories will be much warmer for you and your family.

One alternative to insulating your home is to use electric radiators instead. This is because it can convert natural energy into heat, making it efficient and saving you plenty of money on your energy bills. The radiators themselves look very stylish and attractive as well.

We hope you found this article helpful, with plenty of ways to insulate your heating. If you want to find out more or ask us any questions, you can either fill in our online contact form or call us on 01277 365 988. Our friendly team will be very happy to help assist you with any questions you might have.   

 

 

 

 

Tags: Conservatories, how to insulate your conservatory this winter
20May.
1619

How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Secondary Glazing
How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows

At Oakland, we understand that poorly insulated windows are a big problem in your home. This is because they can cause problems such as mould, draughts, and condensation. It is a problem in winter because your home’s temperature will change quite dramatically.

Thankfully, there are several different ways to improve your home, and we are here to help you. Some of them are easy enough, so you can try them out for yourself. However, there are others, such as secondary glazing, which could require special installation. We will give you a list of the things you can include. Read on to find out more!

Insulating Curtains

You might not think it, but thermally insulated curtains are a great way of preventing draughts in your home. As a strong layer of insulation, they can help block out sunlight thanks to their thermally efficient nature. Thicker curtains are better for controlling air movement while also blocking out sunlight easier. You can even customise them to have a different colour scheme because it adds to the visual aesthetic of your room and will also help increase your home’s value. Potential buyers will be wowed by these curtains’ ability to keep your home insulated and warm, blocking out the cold air in the process. This gives your home a sleek and attractive look.

Window Insulation Film

Another method you can try out yourself is installing a plastic window insulation film. These warm sheets will block out the cold air easily. Putting the film on is a simple process because all you have to place the sheet on the window’s inner frame, and the warm material blocks out the cold air.

uPVC Window Cost Roxwell

Draught Snakes

You can also install draught snakes yourself. They are very easy to install because they are dry fabric tubes that can be stuffed with a filler such as dried rice, that can warm your home from cold air. This will be perfect for insulating your home because you can stop cold draughts from coming in, leaving your home warm and comfortable. This also has other benefits, such as being very easy and cheap to construct, and you can be very creative with them. For instance, you can choose plenty of colours for them, adding a splash of personality to your window.

Secondary Glazing

Secondary Glazing Essex

You can also install an extra panel of secondary glazing in your window. Secondary Glazing consists of an extra panel that can be fitted on an existing panel. It is robust, making it a permanent solution that helps keep your home warmer for many years to come. It is a versatile option that can be fitted on both modern and heritage properties. You don’t even have to worry about it as you keep your home warm from cold spots, including condensation and mould. These can be extremely problematic for your home because they can lead to health problems in the future.

Secondary glazing is a very good option because you can benefit from controlled ventilation in your property. This means you choose how much air you want to let into your home. This is thanks to secondary glazing having ventilation vents that don’t let any moisture in your home. This means you can choose how warm your home is while not worrying about moisture building up too much.

Window Insulation Tape

You can also get some cheap foam tape, which will help stop draughts and cold air from coming in. It is not a permanent solution for removing cold air from your windows; however, if you are looking for a quick and simple way, the insulation tape is an ideal option.

Caulking the Windows Shut

If you don’t want cold air to come through your windows, then caulking the windows shut is another option. You can do this by applying the caulk across the joints of the windows, and they will block out any damaged areas of your window frame. This is a flexible way of not letting cold air into your home.

As you can see, there are so many ways of making your home feel warmer. If you want to find out more, you can call our friendly team on 01277 365988 or even fill in our online contact form.

Tags: How to stop cold air from coming through your windows, oakland home improvements
23Feb.
1933

Double Glazing vs Secondary Glazing to Prevent Condensation

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Double Glazing Ongar

tilt and turn windows

Even with modern innovations in window technology, condensation continues to be a problem in homes across the country. The mild and humid climate we have here in the UK can often make condensation appear inevitable and can cause some worry when those little droplets start appearing on the windows regularly.

Condensation happens when the water vapours in the air come into contact with a lower temperature surface and leave droplets of water on the surface behind. Single glazed windows are the most prone to condensation as they don’t retain heat well, often becoming as cold as the air temperature outside. Problems can arise down the line as excessive condensation can lead to build-ups of black mould, which can harm the house’s occupant.

Double glazed and secondary glazed windows offer higher protection levels from condensation than single glazing but do so in different ways. A double glazed window has two panes of glass with a space between them. This space can be a vacuum or filled with a gas such as Argon. This space stops heat transfer between the two panes of glass from your house to the outside. On the other hand, secondary glazing involves installing a layer of glass on the inside of a single glazed window. The glass layer protects against the cold and keeps the heat from coming directly into contact with the pane of glass touching the cold air outside.

Both double glazing and secondary glazing offer adequate protection from condensation but determining which is better can be tricky.

Double Glazed Windows and Condensation Prevention

Double glazed windows tend to be considered the best option for insulating heat in your home. Most can cut down heat loss by 40-50%, with some even reaching as high as 65% if the gap between the two panes is filled with a thermally insulating gas. The resulting temperature of the inner pane compared to the outer pane is much higher. As a result, the water vapour in your house is not likely to deposit onto the inner pane of the window because the surface temperature is not lower than the air in your home. Compared to a single glazed window, the single pane is in contact with both the cold air outside and the warm air in your home. Any water vapour in the air in your home will come into contact with the cold surface of the single pane of glass and will deposit droplets through condensation. Therefore, water droplets are less likely to appear by having a warmer inner pane.

However, there are several key issues with double glazing that can make it an invalid option for preventing condensation. Firstly, if you don’t already have double glazed windows in your building, it can be incredibly difficult to have them installed as they require an entirely new unit to be built to house them. Furthermore, this can be a costly process that can take some time, especially if the occupant has to acquire certain permissions to change certain property elements. Finally, condensation can still occur on double glazed windows if poorly ventilated the building. Humans (and pets!) breathe out moisture throughout the day, and in spaces with little ventilation, particularly smaller ones, windows can appear to be steaming up. Water droplets can form from this steam, and condensation is happening regardless of how warm it is within the building.

Secondary Glazed Windows and Preventing Condensation

casement windows prices

Secondary glazing goes a long way to answering these key issues. As a fitting rather than a new installation, secondary glazing allows the occupant to retain the aesthetic of their home and not have to acquire permissions if their home requires it. In addition, secondary glazing can be fitted quickly and easily, circumventing the practical issues of installing double glazing cost-effectively. Secondary glazing provides adequate heat insulation for homes with single glazed windows installed. However, the main benefit of secondary glazing compared to double glazing is the level of ventilation for the property that isn’t achievable through double glazing. Ventilation is one of the most effective ways of preventing condensation because it allows the water vapour in the building to disperse outside. We are all breathing moisture into the air, and it helps to give that moisture somewhere to go instead of becoming trapped in the property with us.

Whilst double-glazing does cut down heat loss significantly, its lack of ventilation can hinder it from preventing condensation. As a cheaper and often more practical alternative, secondary glazing offers good levels of insulation, coupled with good levels of ventilation that go a long way to preventing condensation. Therefore, whilst both types of windows are excellent at reducing and preventing condensation, secondary glazing tends to win out when comparing the two.

If you’re interested in Oakland Home Improvements secondary glazing you can get in touch with our online form or you can check our double glazing quote engine and see how much your new window could cost today.

Tags: condensation, double glazing, preventing condensation, prevention, secondary glazing, secondary glazing vs double glazing, windows
27Jan.
1416

Can I Install Secondary Glazing in a Listed Building?

Posted by: Andrei Categories: Secondary Glazing
Can I Install Secondary Glazing in a Listed Building?

Can I install secondary glazing in a listed building? The short answer is yes. If you live in a listed building, getting new windows can be a nightmare. It’s because, when you’re lucky enough to live in a building that’s known for its beauty or its history, it’s more difficult to change the design. However, that often means that people who live in listed buildings have to put up with windows, doors and more that leave them cold and uncomfortable.

But what if there was another way to make your listed building better? Instead of replacing the windows with new designs, potentially sacrificing the classic style of the property, you can protect those windows with secondary glazing. Secondary glazing is best thought of as a brand-new window for your old one; it covers the top of the window, effectively creating a whole new system. When combined with the old window, you effectively get double or triple glazing for your home, improving its insulation.

Because of this, it’s incredibly useful to install secondary glazing in a listed building. You’ll be able to get better insulation and security, and the new secondary glazing will protect the old window in your home from wind and rain, meaning it also lasts longer. And, because secondary glazing is made-to-measure to keep the look of your old windows, it’s more likely to be approved for a listed building. At Oakland Home Improvements, we can help you fit secondary glazing in your home in Essex and the surrounding areas today.

Secondary Glazing

Why Should You Install Secondary Glazing in a Listed Building?

Firstly, secondary glazing in a listed building can protect the character of your home. Often, new windows are too modern to fit in a classic home, with materials like uPVC and aluminium offering a sleek look that doesn’t go hand-in-hand with an old-school property. However, secondary glazing blends in with your classic windows, meaning you lose none of your current home’s style. As a result, secondary glazing works well in a listed building because it’s difficult to see!

However, secondary glazing is much easier to feel when sitting at home. It’s because secondary glazing doesn’t only preserve the look of your old windows but works to fix many of the issues that come with them. For example, secondary glazing can add another layer of protection from the elements, covering any gaps in your old windows that may have emerged from weather exposure. Because of this, you’re less likely to worry about draughts, damp spots and condensation affecting your home.

Secondary glazing can even make your home more comfortable. By installing this additional layer of glazing, you can reduce the amount of noise you hear from outside your home by up to 80%, meaning you can make the sound of traffic turn into a whisper. Not only that, secondary glazing makes your home more thermally efficient, saving you money against triple glazing while keeping the charm of your classic windows. You can save thousands of pounds on your energy bills over time!

secondary glazing in a listed building

Benefits of Secondary Glazing in a Listed Building

Fully Bespoke – At Oakland, we can help you create fully bespoke secondary glazing to fit any window perfectly. You can customise every aspect of the design to ensure you get the right option, including the window’s colours, finishes, and style. No matter what you need, we can make sure you get new made-to-measure secondary glazing to suit you. Not only that, Oakland’s friendly team of local installers will provide a service as personalised as your new secondary glazing will be.

Easy to Install – Secondary glazing is much easier to install in a listed building than new windows. When you fit new windows, you have to go through the hassle of taking the old windows out before you can even get started, and older windows are usually more complex to remove. On the other hand, secondary glazing goes over the top of your windows. As a result, the process takes less time and is quicker and smoother for your installers, meaning less stress and fuss for you and your family.

Likely Approval – When you install secondary glazing in a listed building, you’re much more likely to get approval for the design. Instead of replacing your old windows, you’ll be preserving what makes your home valuable. Not only that, you’ll probably have a much easier time during consultations with planning authorities, heritage organisations and even your neighbours by installing secondary glazing. So, not only will secondary glazing save money, but you’ll also save stress by installing it inside your home.

secondary glazing in a listed building prices

Secondary Glazing for Listed Buildings Prices

At Oakland Home Improvements, we make it easy to install secondary glazing in a listed building in Essex. All you have to do is get in touch using our online form to let us know your requirements, and we can begin to plan your new installation. And, if you’d like to see how much our double glazing could cost, you can use our online quoting engine today. It takes minutes to use, meaning you can get a personalised price for secondary glazing sooner than you think!

Tags: bespoke secondary glazing, Can I Install Secondary Glazing In A Listed Building, secondary glazing, secondary glazing in a listed building