All your window glazing questions answered
Ask Holly!
Some of our most frequently asked questions about windows, answered by Holly
Hello! My name’s Holly and my Dad runs Ideal Window Solutions, your favourite local window, door and conservatory specialists. Based in Fareham, Chichester and Southampton, they expertly supply a range of high-performance home improvement products, including doors, conservatories and windows! They provide uPVC, timber, timber effect and aluminium windows throughout Hampshire, West Sussex and the surrounding area.
Double glazed windows have so many amazing benefits, so I’m sure you’re interested in all the great offers and services Dad can provide. Double glazing is a big part of our lives. I’ve become quite the expert myself! So, I’ve taken the time to answer a range of questions specifically on windows that people ask us every day. If you need to know more, just get in touch!
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What's the difference between double-glazed windows and triple-glazed windows?
Both double and tripled-glazed windows are windows with multiple panes of glass inside their frames, separated by a vacuum or a gas like argon or krypton. Double-glazed windows have two panes. Triple-glazed have three.
Both types of glazing are designed to reduce heat loss, noise and UV rays. They provide much better security and thermal performance than outdated single-glazed windows.
View our range of windowsHow long does double-glazing last?
The average double-glazed unit lasts 25-30 years before its performance standards begin to drop. In some cases, they've been known to last up to 40 years.
Do double glazed windows add value?
Absolutely, yes. Having double-glazed windows increases your kerb appeal and could add up to 10% to the value of your home. Their superior thermal performance also saves you money on energy bills long into the future.
How much do new windows cost?
Every window installation performed by us comes completely bespoke to the customer, which means there is no set cost for new windows. However, their price is affected by various factors, such as:
- The number of windows required
- Chosen window material
- Window size
- How long it will take to install them
Whatever the cost of your new windows, we make paying for them that much easier with our selection of excellent finance options.
Learn more about window finance
How secure are windows?
Very. Modern window frames are built from sturdy materials, plus modern windows are equipped with a variety of high-quality locking hardware such as multipoint locks. Double glazing is also incredibly difficult to break compared to single glazing.
Learn more about glazing optionsHow can I tell if windows are energy-efficient?
The key thing to look out for is the Window Energy Rating, which should be visible in the form of a rainbow label. These labels show a rating from A+ to G, with A+ being the most efficient and G the least.
Here at Ideal Window Solutions, we install a range of windows that can achieve Window Energy Ratings of A+.
You might also look out for U-values. The minimum U-value required for new windows is 1.8 W/m2k, which is equivalent to an E Window Energy Rating (or less).
View our energy saving windows
Are triple-glazed windows better than double-glazed windows?
Not necessarily. A window's U-values can be affected by the distance between the panes inside the sealed unit. The greater the gap, the lower the U-value, the more energy-efficient the window. IF the window frame isn't big enough, a triple-glazed window could minimise this space between the panes, and therefore perform less efficiently.
The extra panes of glass also makes triple-glazed windows much more expensive than double-glazed windows. For your average UK home, double-glazed will do just fine.
View our double-glazed windowsWhat happens if my windows break?
Unlike some other window repair companies, we offer product guarantees on replacement glass units for 5 years. For hardware such as handles and hinges, we have guarantees on replacements for 1 year.
With outstanding customer interaction, and a complete aftercare service, we want you to feel happy with your windows long after they've been installed
Find out about our window repairs
What colour windows should I choose?
All our windows, regardless of material, are available in 29 standard fade-resistant shades and woodgrain effects. These include classics like Rosewood, light oak, anthracite grey, black, brown, sage green and Chartwell green.
However, we can provide window frames in any of the RAL colours. That's pretty much any colour you can think of! French green, duck egg blue, bright yellow and more! Whatever your home's style, we have the colour to match!
Explore our range of window coloursDo new windows require planning permission?
Unless you live in a listed building or your property is subject to an Article 4 direction, you shouldn’t need to get planning permission for new windows.
Learn more
Can I view a range of windows at a local showroom?
Yes! Dad has two extensive showrooms based in Fareham and Chichester, where you can view the full range of uPVC, aluminium, timber and timber alternative window products at your leisure. They're open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Find a showroomLearn more about quality window installations with these helpful blogs and guides:
- What should I do if I can feel cold air coming through my window?
- Our favourite window and door colours of 2020
- Should I get double or triple glazing?
- Window Colours
- Why is my uPVC window not closing properly
- The top advantages of double glazed windows
- Stunning conservatory window ideas
- 6 ways to childproof a window
- Window styles FAQs
- Window materials FAQs
Our latest reviews
Replacement windows and door
The team arrived promptly. Work was done efficiently and on time. They cleaned and tidied up after the job was completed. We are very pleased with the results and would highly recommend them
10 /10
Friendly
Very satisfactory work. Measurer and fitter very efficient, professional and friendly.
10 /10
Experienced
Highly experienced and skilled operatives. Prompt arrival and left the site clean and tidy. Courteous and respected the Government restrictions at all times. Have used this Company before for other conservatory work and would use again if required.
10 /10
Replacement Glazing
Very impressed with all aspects of contract during these difficult times. Fitters were fully compliant with covid rules. Will thoroughly recommend them
10 /10
Excellent
Excellent company. From first contact with their Sales, it has been easy going and painless. Fitters have done a fantastic job throughout, the quality of their workmanship is commendable. Would highly recommend this company to anyone.
10 /10
First class
The quality of the product and workmanship is of the highest quality. Well done Ideal Window Solutions Ltd. First class.
10 /10
Job was perfect
Everything about the two men who came was superb. They were punctual, friendly and experienced. Their workmanship was excellent. Their finished job was perfect. I would highly recommend them.
10 /10
Informative & professional
This is the second time we have used this firm. As before, they were informative and professional from start to finish. Prompt, tidy and thorough always.
10 /10
Would not go anywhere else
Brilliant. No fuss . No drama. Done in a couple of hours. Very pleased. Fourth door I have had fitted by this company. Would not go anywhere else. SFK. Alec lovely guy. Kind and respectful.
10 /10
