My Replacement Windows

How do Solar Panels work?

June 21, 2021

9:47 am

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So how do solar panels work? You might ask!

In this article we are going to explain how solar panels work, the science behind this amazing tech and the benefits to your household and the planet.

The basic steps in solar energy generation are as follows:

Sunlight shines on to the solar panels and produces an electronic field.
The electricity produced is then directed to the edge of the panel and collected by a conductive wire.
The electricity is then passed to an inverter via the conductive wire, it is then transformed from Direct current (DC) into Alternate current (AC) which is used to power most buildings.
Now a second wire transports the electricity from the inverter to the breaker box (which is also called an electric panel sometimes) and then it is distributed throughout the household.
Any surplus energy that is not used by the household whilst the system is in operation. Will be passed back to the grid and the meter will in fact run backwards as it credits your household for the extra energy.

If you would like to learn more about Solar PV Systems follow the link here.

The Science Behind How Solar Panels Work

Most people have a basic idea of how do solar panels work. We all know that they convert light from the sun into electricity for our home.

They can achieve this even on cloudy overcast days. As the panels only require day light not direct heat from the sun.

This is great news for UK homeowners at least.

Solar panels work by converting the light produced by the sun. The sunlight shines on to the panel and the clever photosynthesis system goes right to work.

The panel is made up of lots of smaller units inside. Each of these modules is made up of hundreds of cells. These cells are known as photovoltaic cells.

Each cell is made up of essentially of two layers of conducting material sandwiched around metal or other conductive materials.

Silicon is most commonly used for this material however silicon alone is not enough, so other materials are mixed in, too.

The top layer of the module receives a negative charge from the sunlight hitting the panel. Whilst the bottom layer gets a dose of boron to create a positive charge.

Now as sunlight hits the panel the electrons from the phosphorus are jolted free and an electrical field is created.

To find out more follow the link here

How to find the right Solar Panels for your house?

Now you have the idea of, how do solar panels work you may have decided that going solar is the right choice for your household.

If so, the next step is to decide whether solar panels are suitable for your household. There are a few things to take into consideration at this point.

The direction of your roof is key. A south facing roof with no obstructions such as trees or other buildings to shade your roof space is also very helpful in gaining the most from your solar PV system.

The size of the system required will also vary dependent on the size of the household and the average energy consumption.

We would recommend you get an energy efficiency survey done before you make any final purchases to make sure you get the correct system for your household.

Contact Us

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any advice in the future.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Click the link here to contact us today.

Cheap uPVC Doors and Frames

by Wallace Daniels

March 17, 2021

1:53 pm

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UPVC Doors vs Composite doors.

UPVC Doors

Both uPVC and composite doors are cheaper options. Cheap uPVC doors are the most common option.

Cheap uPVC doors provide a very satisfying visual finish. The materials used are of high quality and long-lasting. They are very low maintenance, making them the most popular option for UK homeowners.

UPVC is a type of plastic that is very durable and can stand for many years in the UK’s present climate. This, when combined with a cheaper price tag, makes them the UK’s most popular option by far.

Composite Doors.

Also, cheap composite doors are another prevalent option. Composite cheap doors are also still very high quality. Composite doors are all made from several types of material, including uPVC, steel, wood, glass and insulating foam.

They have a similar low price tag and are also deficient in maintenance. They are the highest security and durable doors on the market, lasting more than 30 years.

Composite doors are slightly more expensive than their uPVC counterpart but benefit from lasting slightly longer with the same low maintenance.

However uPVC still remain the most popular option for UK home owners when looking for cheap uPVC door solutions.

Door options to consider

There are many options to consider when purchasing new doors for your home.

Cheap uPVC doors, as mentioned earlier, are the favourite option by far, mainly caused by the low price tag and can be combined with a five-lever mortice deadlock for extra security.

Composite doors have a slightly higher price tag but have the benefits of extra security and durability when combined with an anti-snap cylinder lock and multi-point locking system.

Timber doors are another trendy option. The price tag for timber doors can be considerably higher, and maintenance can be somewhat more.

This being said, timber is still one of the most popular options, mainly for its high-quality visual finish. When combined with either of the lock options mentioned above, Timber doors offer very high levels of security.

Should you Buy Cheap uPVC Doors or Composite Doors?

All doors are not created equally! There are many things to consider when deciding on your new door options.

The main difference is the materials used to construct the doors in the first place. UPVC doors are made from solely Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride or commonly known as uPVC.

Composite doors are constructed from various materials, making them more durable and thicker than uPVC and making them more expensive.

All the things mentioned in this article should help you decide which new door solution is best for your house and fits your budget.

Contact us Today

Contact us today by clicking the link here, and in a few minutes, we will provide you with the perfect solution to new doors.

Whether you decide on cheap uPVC doors or cheap composite doors we have a solution to fit you and your budget.

How much does it cost to replace a back door?

by Wallace Daniels

March 4, 2020

5:37 pm

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Doors

composite back door, new back door, replacement back door, upvc door

Chances are that if you are think about back door replacement, it is because your existing one has become damaged or is in such a state of disrepair that you have no choice but to get a new one.

Companies like Prices For Double Glazed Windows who specialise in replacement doors are experts at finding affordable quotations.

Unlike your front door, which is one of the first elements of your home that people see and is often replaced once it becomes slightly shabby or needs upgrading for increased security, a back door replacement is often overlooked.

However, as you are here, you must be at least thinking about replacing your back door and wondering about how much it is going to cost.

There are several factors that you need to take into consideration when budgeting for a new back door, from the size of the door to your preferred door material to the type of glass you want. Plus, of course, the all-important locking system.

Not yet sure what it is that you want for your back door?

Keep reading to find out all your back door options, plus how much each one is going to cost you.

What types of back doors are available?

Replacement Back doors are very similar to front doors in some respect, with their functionality and security elements being the same.

However, it is the aesthetics of the door that will differ from its front counterpart with back doors much more likely to feature glass.

The available construction materials of back doors are:

Natural or engineered wood
uPVC
Composite
Timber clad aluminium

Once you have chosen your preferred door material, you can then look into your glass and colour options, although it is worth noting that anything other than clear glass will come at an extra cost.

Glass options currently available for back doors include:

Clear
Coloured
Leaded
Frosted
Toughened
Laminated
Solar controlled
Low-emissivity

It is also worth noting that whichever glass option you choose for your replacement back door, they should be either double or triple glazed, both for energy efficiency and for security purposes.

How much does a back door cost?

Of course, this will be dependant on your choices in regards to the above door materials and glass options. That being said, it is always a good idea to have a rough estimate in mind before you start looking.

The most popular option in the UK is a uPVC back door (762mm x 1981mm) which costs an estimated:

2 panel top glazed in white = £650-£700

2 panel top glazed in black = £900-£950

Cottage door, mid rail in uPVC oak effect = £900-£950

Alternatively, you might want to invest in a composite back door (762mm x 1981mm) which are known for their strength, security, and attractive appearance:

4 panel composite door in white = £540-£600

4 panel composite door in black = £600-£650

4 panel composite door in red = £850-£1,150

However, if you are wanting to create a more rural vibe in your home, then you may want to look into getting a wooden door, but be warned that bespoke hardwood back doors can be expensive.

Solid oak staple door = From £900

All of the above costs are supply only.

If you would like more information on the supply and back door replacement please do not hesitate to get in touch here.

A light, spacious conservatory in the UK

Benefits of getting a conservatory

by Wallace Daniels

January 20, 2020

12:32 pm

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Conservatory

Conservatory, Double Glazing, Extra Space

If you have a bit of money to spare for some home improvements, you may be weighing up the cost of a conservatory.

One of the fastest and most common ways to add value to your home is by replacing your old windows, this can be particularly expensive for large houses with lots of windows.

That’s why we want to share with you the Help to Buy windows scheme, you can read more about it and the people that it has helped here https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/special-features/help-to-buy-windows-scheme-17339330 it talks all about Help to Buy Windows and their efforts to make homeowners window replacement more affordable.

Many people want to add a bit of extra space to their home, but not necessarily undergo the full process of an extension. A conservatory provides you with an extra room that lets in plenty of light.

If you have a small family that’s starting to grow or you’d just like to make the most of the size of your property, then here are a few benefits to getting a conservatory.

Extra light

If your home is situated in a way that means it doesn’t get a huge amount of light during the day, then a conservatory will add plenty of light to whichever room or space it is attached to.

The room itself will, of course, be flooded with light, which makes it an ideal social space during the day. If you’re a plant parent and want somewhere for your plants to flourish and grow, a conservatory is perfect due to its natural heat generation.

Added value

If executed well, a conservatory will add extra value to your home in the future. It will appeal to prospective homeowners because of the extra space it adds.

You may even benefit from house hunters who actually have a preference towards a home with a conservatory.

Before you part with your cash, do have a look into which conservatories homeowners tend to prefer, as this will guarantee a more universal appeal.

Extra space

Although it is not the ideal space to put your bedroom, for example, it is still a relatively flexible use of space. You should see your conservatory as an extension on your home, giving you more indoor square-footage to spend time in.

They can open out in the summer to give you a bright and breezy place to spend time in with friends and family, and a cosy space in the winter with clear views of the outdoors.

Variety

While many of your neighbours may have opted for a Victorian style conservatory, as these frequently go in and out of fashion, they aren’t the only option available to you.

You can choose a lean-to conservatory for a more discreet use of space, or an Edwardian style version to add a bit of classic sophistication. Each style of conservatory comes with its own price point, with lean-to being the most affordable and orangeries being the most expensive.

The style that you opt for may also depend on how much space you have and what you want to use it for. An Edwardian style or an orangery, for example, could be useful for those who want to blur the distinction between extension and conservatory.

If you have yet to decide whether you want to get a conservatory, take a visit to some showrooms or contact a contractor for a quote.

Having an idea of how much you can expect to pay will help you to set aside some budget and come to a decision on a style. The benefits to your home’s value, light and space could be well worth the investment.

Some surprising cost perks of getting your windows replaced

by Wallace Daniels

October 24, 2019

1:56 pm

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Windows

You may have heard about the many benefits of getting your windows replaced with much more energy-efficient, double-glazed versions, but many worry about the first hurdle: will it be too expensive?

On top of this, many homeowners are worried about the cost in the long-run, and whether it will be an investment that’s worth making.

Panic not, however, as there are many funding options for those who want a more secure, energy-efficient home, and not have to empty their bank account to do so.

Help2Buy

Many people have heard of the help to buy mortgage schemes, aimed at helping younger generations to get a foot-hold on the housing ladder. Did you know, however, that the same principle exists for those looking to get replacement windows?

There are a number of installation companies that are partnering with the Help2Buy Windows Scheme, which provides homeowners with access to otherwise expensive home-improvements. This breaks up the cost of the overall payment, eliminating the need to pay a large, lump-sum up-front.

This funding method makes it more affordable for those who do not have large sums of money in the bank, ready to spend on home-improvements.

As with many other funding policies, your needs will be assessed individually so that an estimate of how much funding you will need can be decided.

While the funding itself isn’t actually provided by Help 2 Buy Windows, one of the aforementioned associated installation companies will provide this instead.

Best4less

This cost-saving measure aims to prove to customers that they will be getting a high-quality product when they replace their windows. We deal with manufacturers directly, which means that we don’t have to pay full retail costs.

To put it simply, this process cuts out the middle-man, which means that the customer doesn’t have to foot the bill for their replacement windows changing hands.

Savings in the home

Window replacement isn’t just about improving the physical appearance of your home; it’s also about saving money. Trapping heat in your home effectively is incredibly useful when you consider about half of our monthly bills go towards keeping it at the right temperature.

Water leaking into the home and heat loss are both two indicators that your windows are not currently serving your needs. If you would like a home that’s warm and toasty during the harsh winter months, then well-fitted and double glazed windows are for you. Without them, you will be losing money if heat filters straight back outside again and into the atmosphere.

If you are looking for a double glazed windows cost calculator, want to know how much UPVC windows would cost, or whether you would qualify for a grant, then be sure to swing by our website.

We have a full list of prices, so you can accurately estimate how much it would cost you to get your windows replaced.

Whether it’s standard window sizes UK you’re after, or you just want to know how replacing windows could help your home, then give us a call.

A common question is whether double glazing or triple glazing is best. We suggest that Double Glazing is suitable in most cases for homes in the UK.

Woman looking out of Double Glazed Window

How much do new windows cost?

by Wallace Daniels

September 14, 2019

4:31 pm

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Windows

Are you looking to replace your windows? You may be looking for new windows if you are refurbishing your home if you are looking to make your home more energy-efficient and to help you to save on energy bills, or if you are changing the design of your home.

However, if you are deterred from investing in new windows due to the cost, it is possible to get new windows for a range of prices at My Replacement Windows.

Read on to find out how much new windows cost and how you can find the right windows for your price bracket at My Replacement Services, as well as the needs of your home.

What factors affect the cost of windows?

The cost of the windows that you are looking to invest in is affected by a number of different factors which may influence their pricing.

My Replacement Windows can give you advice on the right type of windows for your home, as well as how this may affect the cost of your specific windows. To understand the cost of your windows, you need to consider the factors that may affect this.

The materials that we use at My Replacement Windows can impact the cost of your windows, as these materials are worth different amounts due to their rarity and the ease of producing them. For instance, wood grains such as oak will be more expensive than uPVC. However, within this cost, you need to consider longevity; while PVC may have a cheaper initial cost, wood windows will last for much longer than to wood’s durability, and so you will need to spend less on maintenance and replacements.

Another factor which can affect the cost of windows is their size, with smaller windows being much cheaper than larger frames due to the fact that they will use less material. At My Replacement Windows, you can book an appointment to get a quote based on the exact specifications of your individual windows and needs before you buy. However, the cost is also affected by the shape of these windows, as speciality shapes will usually have to be custom designed and can use more material than traditional or double-hung shapes.

The style of windows can also influence their cost, with more modern and unusual styles costing more than popular choices. For instance, casement windows and sash windows are much more costly than other types of windows, as they are less readily available and not as popular for customers. Contact My Replacement Windows to discuss the style that you are aiming for and how this may affect the cost of windows in your home.

What types of windows are there?

Casement windows: Our casement windows usually come in adjoining pairs, with each opening out the opposite way to give a clear view of the outdoors. They can open out and inwards, or can be raised up or down, depending on your preference.

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Sash Windows: In My Replacement Window’s single-hung windows, the bottom sash or window moves up and down to open, and the upper stays permanently still, whereas in double-hung windows, both of these move up and down, and can be tilted outwards for cleaning purposes.

Bow Windows: My Replacement Windows also provide bow windows, which are similar to bay windows in that they are curved, although they also make the outside of the house curved.

Bay Windows: These are large windows that are often found in terraced or Victorian houses, but which we can fit in every type of home. They protrude outwards from the room’s wall and create a small area which can be used as a window seat.

How much do new windows cost?

If you decide to opt for UPVC windows from My Replacement Windows in your home, then you can expect casement windows to cost between £150 and £900 depending on the size, whereas sash windows will cost between £700 and £1,100.

For instance, 600 x 900 uPVC windows can cost you as little as £2350 for the ground floor of your home. However, if these are wooden, prices range from £700-£1500 for casement and £1,100 and £1,900 for sash windows.

However, the only real way to determine how much your new windows will cost is to make an appointment for a quote. At My Replacement Windows, we will be able to provide you with an individual quote for your home, which details the best options for your type of building.

Using this, you will then be able to opt for the type of windows that you want that suits both your own preferences and the needs of your home, and this will also give you the ability to discuss your options with our team of trained experts.

What should you consider when getting new windows?

Energy efficiency may affect the cost of new windows, with an A+++ being the highest rating that you can look for with us at My Replacement Windows. Even though these are more expensive, they can help to save you money in the long-term by reducing your energy bills, meaning that they may even eventually pay for themselves.

You also need to consider any additional costs for fitting the windows. Although it is possible to self-install the windows, here at My Replacement Windows, we can help you to install these windows with our expertise, giving you a stress-free experience and leaving you safe in the knowledge that your windows are fitted correctly, reducing the need for replacements.

The quality of your windows can also affect the cost, but you should always make sure that you choose a window company that you can trust to provide you with high-quality windows, especially since their lifespan can be over 25 years. My Replacement Windows can help to provide you with durable and long-lasting windows that can both match the style of your home and ensure that they can last for as long as possible.

When considering the cost of new windows from My Replacement Windows, there are a wide variety of factors that you need to think about, including the quality, style, and material used.

However, it is important that you find the right windows for your home, as this can help to add character to your home, while also saving on your energy bills.

Call My Replacement Windows to find out the types of windows that we have on offer.

Types of Replacement Windows and Materials

by Wallace Daniels

September 11, 2019

2:34 pm

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Windows

When you install replacement windows in your home, research your options. A homeowner must consider achieving a balance between practical elements such as energy efficiency with appearance.

You can choose many styles when you replace windows in your home, including casement, double-hung, bay, awning, and bow windows. You also will learn, when replacing windows, that you can get special shaped windows, and those with round tops, too.
Descriptions:

Bay replacement windows feature a large centre pane with 2 smaller panes on either side. It protrudes from the side of the house.

A bow replacement window is comprised of several panes of glass of equal size installed to form a curved shape protruding from the side of the house.

Awning style and casement windows will either push out, like an awning, or crank open. They can look very clean and modern, and feature a hinged opening.

Double hung replacement windows are energy efficient, and carry off a classic look. Usually, they are constructed so that you can tilt them open for easy cleaning.

For special shaped or round top windows, you’ll need to consult with a designer or architect, who can recommend and design any structural changes that need to be made.

Materials:

uPVC replacement window price is by far the most cost-effective, and they are usually the best choice in most applications. The window frame itself is usually dead air space, providing a heat/cold exchange of your climate control.

With uPVC replacement windows, this space is solid uPVC, giving the window frame insulating properties. This will keep cool air indoors in the summer, and warm air indoors in the winter.

The only real drawback to uPVC replacement windows cosmetic, as they’re not available in every colour. However, the benefits of uPVC replacement windows often will outweigh this design problem.

Wood replacement windows are perhaps the most esthetically attractive windows, and many people choose wood replacement windows, which often come with cladding.

uPVC or aluminium clad wood replacement windows are much more resistant to the elements than wood that is not clad.

Wooden windows usually lose their beauty when exposed to the elements, and require a lot more maintenance, such as scraping, priming, and painting or treatment with wood stains. It also is usually more expensive, and the upkeep adds to the expense.

You’ll find aluminum windows most commonly in commercial applications. It is a very poor choice because aluminum is not a good insulator.

Putting aluminum windows in your home will result in higher energy costs. You can, however, choose aluminum clad wooden windows with acceptable results.

Fibreglas windows are growing in popularity because the construction techniques have improved the product.

Fibreglass frames used to be weak, and not very good a insulating. Now, technology uses a combination of epoxy resins and fibreglass cloth to construct strong frames for replacement windows.

You can even get wood windows with fibreglass cladding. Fibreglass is a good material for extremely large replacement windows, because it is more lightweight and strong, too. Fibreglass, however, may require painting.

Andersen Windows has developed a product called Fibrex. Constructed of epoxy resin and wood, it requires no maintenance since it is very durable, but can be painted.

It looks like a wood replacement window without the degenerative qualities or maintenance needs. The replacement window cost of the Fibrex materials is more expensive that the others mentioned, here. Get a quote for your replacement windows here.

Energy Saving Issues

by Wallace Daniels

September 1, 2019

11:32 am

uPVC Replacement Windows

There are many brands in the window industry such as Anderson, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Jeld-Wen. In general, if you choose one of the products from these companies, you are choosing the best that is out there.

Most of these companies produce high-quality uPVC windows. Being one of the best types of replacement windows and materials, uPVC never has to be painted, and it never warps or rots like wood.

It is also much more attractive than standard aluminium windows which cover many homes.

Single or Double glazed?

Houses built before the ’80s generally have single glazed windows. When replacing windows with cheaper and lower quality than double glazed, the long-term expense of single glazed windows can be staggering.

Even if the unseen open spaces are covered to avoid allowing drafts, the heat and cold transfer of a single glazed of glass can make a big difference. For example, using ENERGY STAR replacement windows, double glazed, can save as much as £500 per year by choosing double over single glazed windows.

Time is also a factor. Double glazed windows that have lost the vapour barrier between the glazing over time can also cost money. A new set of ENERGY STAR double glazed replacement windows can potentially pocket another £100/year in savings.

Glass panes alone are one of the worst insulators that can be used. but add a second pane with a vapour barrier in between, and you have one of the best. Add uPVC replacement windows to the plan, that will never rot or rust, and the savings in energy costs simply grow.

Security

Did you know that the correct replacement windows can save money on your homeowner’s insurance? They improve security as double glazing simply make it harder for intruders to break in. With the right kind of locking mechanism, you’ll be even safer. Increased safety equals lower insurance rates.

Costs

Some studies show that heating and air conditioning costs can increase by 25% with improper windows. With quality replacement windows, you can save 30% on energy costs.

With the energy-efficient models, you can save up to 50%. Difficult New England winters will no longer lower your bank account, and harshly hot Arizona summers will not draw the dollars out of your pocket. What replacement window price should you look for?

A moderately-priced window can cost approximately £600. The best window out there will be about £850. With heating or cooling costs of about £300 a month, you’ll potentially have a savings of £1800 a year. It will take just a few years to pay for your new windows.