In fundamental terms the practice of trapping air between two sheets of glass (i.e. Double Glazing) would appear to be quite simple, this however is not as easy to achieve as would appear and there are a number of pitfalls. The very first attempt to produce double glazing was tried in St Helens (Lancs) and this consisted of sealing round the perimeter of double glazing using melted lead. This trial method was proved to be unsatisfactory in terms of economics and weight.

A very enterprising would be manufacturer of double glazing structures in Hull tried to use a one part acid cured silicone sealant as the edge seal in double glazing, this was shown to be unsatisfactory in terms of the amount of moisture vapour that passed through the sealant and condensed between the sheets of glass. This obviously defeated the object of the exercise. Alternative methods using one part polysulphides and one part polyurethanes were also tried but failed for the same reason. Once again great disappointment in Hull Double Glazing!

A breakthrough was found using the relatively new product of 2 part epoxy-polysulphides. These proved to have a lower moisture vapour transmission rate than the Hull inspired one part sealants however they still allowed more moisture through than was desirable, this was overcome by incorporating a powdered molecular sieve compound in the spacer bar that was used to keep the two sheets of glass apart in the double glazing unit. A very neat solution!

The race was now on; manufacturers of units devoted to the sole use of installers of double glazing from Hull to Liverpool and from John O`Groats to Lands End were all trying to develop new double glazing sealants. The first contender to try and oust epoxy polysulphides were 2 part Polyurethanes, a second serious contender were manufacturers of 2 part polysulphides. Eventually Polysulphides and polyurethanes dominated the market.

The main reason for this domination was that polyurethanes and polysulphides are flexible whereas epoxy polyurethanes are not, as a result if you live north of a line from Hull to Liverpool the winters are much colder and since epoxy polysulphides are inflexible they are subject to cold cracking at the lower winter temperatures. This is obviously very undesirable as the double glazing unit will fail.

Product development was involved and eventually usage of 2 part sealants was abandoned in favour of single part hot melt sealants. These were much easier to apply, were cheaper and did not suffer the drawback of being 2 part products.

Derek Pearson

Post from: Double Glazing Hull

Sealants Used In Double Glazing

If you’re thinking about double glazing your Hull home the chances are you’ve already decided on UPVc frames. After all if the double glazing industry is to be believed if you want maintenance free double glazing UPVc is the only way to go. While true wooden frames do have some distinct advantages over UPVc.

Because wooden frames are usually made to order the look of your windows can easily be changed to match your surroundings. This is particularly important in a conservation area where UPVc would stick out like a sore thumb and you may not be able to get planning permission without windows that match your surroundings.

I’ve lived in houses that have had UPVc and timber frames and I have to say I preferred the more natural look of the wooden frame. Yes the window frames do require a little bit of maintenance after the first few years but it’s not as much as you might think. Normally you just stain them once every 3-4 years to prevent the frames rotting and to refresh the colour. Wood has it’s own natural beauty and in this age of conformity it’s nice to step out of the conventional box once in a while.

Even though you may not have considered wooden frames as an alternative why not ask for a quotation? They may not be as expensive as you think and I believe you’ll be very impressed with the overall look you’ll get.

Buying Double Glazing in Hull just got a whole lot easier.

Post from: Double Glazing Hull

Why Choose Timber Frames For Your Double Glazing?

For double glazing Hull you have a wide range of contractors to choose from, from large national companies with offices everywhere to small contractors who will probably do you a much better job and good after sales service.

Hull double glazing companies can put you in any kind of windows you want from UPVC in white to mock wood in various shades of brown you can honestly also get hardwood windows put in as we have but they are very expensive and quite difficult to maintain as they need painting regularly.  We don’t do is often enough and are beginning to look a bit dodgy, although I wish the decorator will get round to doing for us as I can the downstairs rooms but… I have no desire ever to climb a ladder to paint my windows and the window cleaner never cleans the window sills to the covered with what the birds did.

Hull double glazing companies can also do repairs on windows and doors so that you don’t need to replace them they can provide you with Window and door locks and conservatories, replace broken glass and deal with any repairs if there’s a burglary, although the burglars should not have been able to break through double glazing and it is never wise to leave a window open when you go out.  Unless you have a large guard dog, which tends to put the opportunist thief off as a thief never knows whether or not the dog will bite some large ferocious looking dogs are complete cowards.

A good Hull double glazing company will provide a 24 hour emergency service from replacement glazing and can also do you a very nice conservatory.  A conservatory in this country would not be my choice as you will freeze in winter and roast in summer and it means you have acres and acres of glass to keep clean and life is busy enough.  Some companies fit to triple Shield glazing standard which is much more efficient than keeping heating and traditional double glazing and improves energy usage a good double glazed window will be home office security approved and have proper locks.

Post from: Double Glazing Hull

Double Glazing Contractors Hull

When it comes time to look at double glazing Hull and East Yorkshire because your existing window frames are falling to pieces most people start to panic. Of all the items you may want to buy double glazing can be one of the more stressful items you’ll ever have to buy.

From strong sales tactics to shoddy workmanship and leaking windows the double glazing industry has had a bad press. To be fair most double glazing in Hull companies are reputable and will do a good job it’s the few cowboy window companies that have given the rest there bad name.

So if your in the market for double glazing how can you avoid being the latest victim?

• Buying the right type of double glazing is very important. It should fit in with the surrounding area and not look out of place. If it stands out like a sore thumb people may complain.
• Do you need planning permission to install double glazing. Normally you don’t but if you do and you haven’t got planning permission you may be asked to remove the windows. This is particularly true if you live in a conservation area.
• Find out exactly how long it will take to fit the windows and how long it will be before they can start work.
• Always shop around and never accept the first quote you’re given. Don’t fall for the “This is a special price for today only you have to sign up today”. Remember the cheapest quote isn’t always the best quote. Quality windows and installation can be expensive.
• Ideally you’ll buy from a double glazing in Hull that has been recommended to you by a friend or family member. That way you can inspect the quality of windows and workmanship before you buy.
• Never hand over the compete amount before the job is finished. Always hold some money back in case you’re not entirely satisfied with the job and need some remedial action taken.
• Make sure your double glazing company belongs to a recognised trade body you can complain to if there’s a problem.

Most double glazing companies are going to give you what you asked for make sure that’s exactly what you want. Sometimes windows seen in a brochure can be difficult to visualise fitted to your house. You can’t ask for a refund if they don’t look as good as you thought they would.

Double glazing Hull salesman are not the ripp off artists they once were. Do your own due diligence and research properly before you commit to this expensive purchase. If you don’t you’ve only got yourself to blame.

Good luck and enjoy your double glazing from a local Hull and East Yorkshire company – It’ll be with you for many years to come.

Post from: Double Glazing Hull

Double Glazing Hull And East Yorkshire