What Are UPVC Double Glazing Windows?

Double Glazed windows

UPVC double glazing windows (unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) are one of the most popular choices for double glazing there is. This material is ideal to case your windows due to its durable, resistant nature.

Despite common misconception, UPVC is non-toxic, and will not do harm to your property. In fact, this strong material is actually good for the environment! With its thermal insulation feature, UPVC windows are set in place to help reduce energy loss from your home. Not only will this help the Earth in the long run, it will also help you to save on your bills!

Another reason as to why UPVC windows are so great for the environment is that they are recyclable. They can be recycled up to 10 times before it takes any toll on its effectiveness! The double glazing glass is also 100% recyclable.

What Benefits Can UPVC Double Glazing Windows have For Your Home?

First and foremost, as mentioned above, UPVC double-glazed windows can help to reduce your energy bills by up to £110 per year!

It has been shown that enhancing your home exterior with UPVC double glazing, you could boost your property value by up to 10%. UPVC windows are well worth the investment, as they earn back the money you spend on them.

Double Glazed windows

UPVC double glazing windows have many other benefits to your home, not just to your savings.

One benefit is the durability of the material. UPVC has proved itself time and time again to be strong, resilient, and weather-resistant. Its design means that it doesn’t get sun bleached, allowing it to keep its colour for years.

The average lifespan of UPVC windows is between 20 and 30 years, so you can be sure that you will get good use out of your new windows!

These windows also help to insulate your home against noise – and have been shown to reduce external sounds by around 70%. This is great for houses in busy, noisy, or built-up areas.

More great features of UPVC double-glazed windows:

  • Low maintenance
  • Deterrent to intruders/increased security
  • Cheaper than other kinds of frames

Are There Other Types Of Double Glazing Windows?

Yes, there are many types of windows that you can use to frame your double glazing in, each one having a different feature that it can bring to your home.

As mentioned at the start, UPVC windows are by far the most popular. They look great, function brilliantly, and are not as expensive as other types either!

If you need a quote, or more information, then don’t hesitate to get in touch!

A complete guide to obscure glass

Obscure glass window

Most often used in bathrooms, obscure glass comes in a variety of different forms and styles, allowing you to choose the perfect design for you and your upvc window needs. Read Double Glazing Funding’s guide to how much uPVC Windows cost.

From textured to stained, to sandblasted, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about obscure glass and how to use it effectively in your home.

What exactly is obscure glass and what does it do?

Obscure glass is a type of texture that is specifically designed to decrease visibility between two spaces. Most commonly used in bathrooms as well as in offices, it provides you with privacy but at the same time, still allows natural light to flood into your home.

obscure window

You are able to choose how obscure you want your particular glass window to be, with most double glazing companies offering 5 different levels of privacy ranging from just above transparent to fully concealed.

What are the different types of obscure glass?

As well as taking into consideration how much privacy you would like in a particular room, you also need to choose a style of glass that will not only complement the décor of your home but one that will also stand the test of time, as you don’t want to have to replace your windows sooner than is necessary.

Textured glass

A very popular option, textured glass is a rolled glass that has the pattern impressed onto one side in order to create obscurity. This type of obscure glass is translucent and non-transparent, ensuring that the views are distorted, yet still allowing natural light to get in.

Textured glass is available in many different designs including florals, foliage and geometrics.

Sandblasted or acid-etched glass

These textured finished alternatives create a frosted looking glass and provide adequate levels of privacy while still dispersing light.

As with standard textured glass, you can choose the level of obscurity that you want, with options ranging from lightly frosted to fully opaque.

There are downsides to both these options with sandblasted glass being prone to finger marks, so not the best choice if you have young children, whereas acid-etched glass is more expensive but provides a very smooth and satin finish.

Stained glass

Ideal for more traditionally-styled houses, stained or coloured glass is a simple way to add more colour to your bathroom, while at the same time, providing a good level of privacy.

You can choose from a selection of designs for your coloured glass, or if you are feeling artistic, you could even design your own.  

What are the benefits of obscure glass?

If you are undecided about whether you want obscure glass in your home, then you may be interested to know the advantages of this type of glass window, which include:

  • They are easy to clean
  • They allow natural light to come in
  • They provide privacy where needed
  • They can add a touch of style and elegance to your home
  • Obscure glass can be easily tempered to improve its strength

Is obscure glass expensive?

Although more expensive than clear glass, it can be found to suit all budget requirements. If in doubt, it is worthwhile to ask for a no-obligation quote to see if the type of obscure glass that you want for your home is affordable for you.

Most popular windows & door styles 2019/20

Window Styles
Window Styles

If you’re renovating your current home, or you’ve picked a ‘fixer-upper’, you may be looking to replace all the current windows in your home.

Selecting windows that feel contemporary and fashionable helps to boost a property’s kerb appeal.

To better understand what will sell, it helps to look around at what is on the market at the moment and decide what would appeal the most in the home you’re working with.

Industrial chic

Industrial Windows

Slate grey and aluminium frames are all the rage when it comes to fixing up a property, particularly if the building has a somewhat industrial frame.

Single-pane windows are particularly good for creating this effect, as they create quite a stylish feel of uniformity. Casement windows, which open from just one side, are particularly popular for this style.

If the phrase ‘industrial’ feels a bit intimidating, remember it’s what you pair them with indoors that offsets the brutalist aesthetic.

Bi-fold doors

It seems the bi-fold door isn’t going anywhere. This type of patio door has created the ultimate solution for adding a feeling of space, which is incredibly appealing if you want to showcase your garden.

If you have a particularly old, large home then you can add up to eight glass panels, which creates a considerable feeling of openness. In fact, many bi-fold door installations have been used to create the illusion of a glass wall, which can then be opened out completely in the summer months.

Walnut doors

Walnut house door

For those who love deep and sultry shades, walnut is one of the best options to go for. Back in the 70s, pine was popular for its pale Sandi-feel, but nowadays, homeowners are far more prepared to experiment with richer colours. If the rest of your home is lightly-toned, for example, this might be the most preferable option.

Floor-to-ceiling

Floor to Ceiling windows in London

This trend refers to both windows and doors, as you can create the effect with both. Many people who are redesigning their moderns homes are opting for glass windows and doors that fill the entire space between the ceiling and roof. This is particularly desirable for those in the countryside who have superb views to look out on.

Double-hung windows

Thanks to the affordability and adaptability of uPVC, you no longer have to rely on timber frames when it comes to double-hung windows. Many people will be familiar with sash windows, which are double-hung and are found in plenty of older properties. However, nowadays, this style of window can be used to add stylish flair to any room, and without the hassle of old mechanisms and ancient wooden frames.

The most important aspect to consider when purchasing new window styles is to ask yourself whether they suit the home they’re in. As well as being trendy, they need to fundamentally look right in the surrounding building; otherwise you could risk purchasing stylish windows for trends’ sake. However, getting it just right in terms of fashionable appeal could boost the value of your home. In circumstances where you can’t decide, sitting down with a professional to discuss your options is usually best.