Tonbridge Double Glazing Installer Near Me

Double glazing is a window system that's made from two panes of glass that are separated by a sealed gap to create insulation. The gap is filled with dry air or an inert gas like argon to slow down the heat transfer by reducing conduction and convection. 

Double glazing uses warm-edge spacers with desiccant to keep moisture out and prevent the internal panes from fogging or misting. Together, these features reduce heat loss, draughts, and limit your exposure to outside noise. Double-glazing frames can be made from uPVC, aluminium with thermal breaks, or timber.

Typically, installing a double-glazed window can cost £400 to £600 per window, though this depends on the window's size and frame material. For a standard semi-detached home with around ten windows, this equates to a total of roughly £4,000 to £6,000.

A typical double-glazed window installation can take around 1-2 hours to complete per window, and this includes removing the old frame and installing the new one, as well as sealing and trimming. A small property with 6 to 8 windows can often be double-glazed in a single day, whereas a home with around 8 to 12 windows will usually take 1-3 days to complete. The sealants will skin over quickly, and the final curing process takes 24-48 hours.

Double-glazed windows are designed to insulate and regulate your home’s temperature. Many double-glazed units incorporate low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and warm-edge spacers to boost your home's efficiency and reduce the risk of internal condensation.

The extra pane in a double-glazed window also reduces outside noise, and the toughened glass, multi-point locks and beaded frames improve your security. Modern uPVC or thermally broken aluminium frames are low-maintenance units that resist draughts. By stabilising your indoor temperature and reducing cold spots, double glazing can enhance your comfort and protect your furnishings from UV fading.

The main signs that show your home needs new double glazing are misting or condensation that's trapped between the panes. Persistent draughts, cold spots, or rising energy bills are also signs that you have poor insulation, and the glazing needs replacing. 

Windows that stick, drop, or won’t lock properly are all signs that there are worn-out hinges and hardware. Water ingress or black mould around the reveals are other prominent signs that your double-glazing needs replacing. As a rule of thumb, it's best to have double-glazed units that are older than 15-20 years replaced.

Yes, modern double-glazed windows can lower your energy bills since the extra panels reduce heat loss. The two panes of glass and the sealed air or argon-filled gap slow the rate of conduction and convection, which helps rooms retain heat in winter and eliminate heat in summer. The low-emissivity (low-E) coatings reflect heat back inside the home, while warm-edge spacers limit any cold bridging. 

At Window Fix Direct Kent, we supply and install the main types of double-glazed windows, which consist of casement, sash, tilt and turn, bay and bow, and French windows. For frames, we provide uPVC, aluminium, and timber. Our uPVC frames are generally the most affordable and low-maintenance units. Our aluminium frames provide slim, strong profiles that are suited to larger window spans and timber frames add a traditional look for character-focused properties.

In most cases, replacing windows with double glazing or adding new windows and doors falls under your permitted development rights, so you won’t need to obtain planning permission. However, bay windows can be treated as extensions, and you may need to obtain planning permission; this also goes for upper-floor side windows that have glazing or opening restrictions.

Quality double glazing should last around 20 to 35 years, depending on the frame material, the installation quality, weather exposure, and general maintenance. uPVC frames typically last around 20-30 years, aluminium frames with thermal breaks can last over 40 years and well-maintained timber can last up to 60 years. 

The insulated glass unit (IGU) seals are often the first component to age, and you can expect the seals to last 10-20 years before the risk of failure increases. However, keeping the trickle vents and drainage clear, cleaning the seals with mild soap, and servicing the hinges and locks can help you extend the lifespan of your double-glazing.

You can use warm, soapy water or a non-abrasive window cleaner to clean your double-glazed windows. However, you should avoid using any solvent-based or bleach products, since they can damage the low-E coatings and seals. 

It's crucial to clean the drainage/weep holes and keep the trickle vents clear to prevent moisture from building up. You can also lubricate the hinges, handles and locks twice a year with a silicone spray (not oil) and tighten any loose screws to help keep the unit functioning smoothly.