Covenant WindowsFrequently Asked Questions
- Q. What is a replacement window?
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A true replacement window is a window that's custom built to fit within the opening of an existing window. It's built to fit precisely and can be installed without to much disturbance of the interior and exterior around the window.
- Q. What are the advantages of custom replacement windows over pre-made, standard-size windows stocked at home centres and such?
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Because custom windows are made to fit perfectly, they provide the best energy efficiency (which saves energy costs) and install much more easily and with little mess. Also, because of the myriad of options available that affect appearance and efficiency, custom windows allow customers to design exactly the windows they need or want.
Standard windows typically cost less in the beginning, but other expenses and factors-like additional labour and the disruption to the home-far outweigh the original savings. For example, installing stock windows requires that you add brick or siding to the exterior, and drywall or other materials to the interior. I naddition, custom-made windows allow you to choose the best solution to the problems you want to solve by repacing windows.
- Q. Do replacement windows really pay for themselves or is that just a sales line?
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It's true, if you select high-quality, energy-efficient windows. Savings will vary, but expertly engineered and well built windows lower home energy consumption. With PVC-U windows, maintenance is also virtually eliminated. No need to scrape and paint windows.
These energy and maintenance savings will allow you to recoup your window investment over time.
- Q. Aren't beautiful plastic windows an oxymoron?
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Years ago that may have been true. However, today - with the options available and with advances in window design technology-quality PVC-U windows are both beautiful and unique. For example, home owners can choose from sculptured or sleek windo styles; white, coloured or woodgrain vinyl finishes; standard or diamond grids; and beveled, leaded, etched or stainglass, and these are just a few of the options available.
There are still old fahioned, low-end PVC-U windows available, but the new designs are beautiful, maintenance-free and energy efficient.
- Q. How are relpacement windows any different from older windows in terms of cleaning?
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Many high-quility windows are actually engineered to make cleaning easier. For example, vertical sliding or double-hung windows with the latest constant force balance system allow a home owner to easily move the sashes up and down. They tilt in-and lock securely in place-for safe, easy cleaning. Quite a difference from old wood windows that stick and are difficult to move up and down.
- Q. Will new windows eliminate condensation?
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Actually, no. Condensation is moisture vapor suspended in the air, and that's something no one can guarantee to eliminate. However, high-quality PVC-U windows incorporating warm-edge technology glazing systems will help to reduce condensation because they're much less thermally conductive than other window types. They can help keep the temperature of the window warmer-minimising the hot and cold differences that turn moisture into condensation.
- Q. Will I need planning permission to build a conservatory?
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Generally speaking conservatories are exempted under Building Regulations up to 30square metres. Here are some exemption criteria- under the Building regulations 1991. These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt;
- The roof has to translucent or transparent.
- The walls are substantially glazed. Must have at least half the area formed with windows
- The floor area must not exceed 30 square metres
- Must be sited on level ground
- The conservatory must be permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a dividing door.
- Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable.(If fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls).
- The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass).
- The conservatory does not contain any drainage facilities, (i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine).
- Q. What is self-cleaning glass?
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We use Pilkington Active. Which is glass with a special coating on the outside that has a unique dual action. Once exposed to daylight, the coating breaks down any organic dirt and then causes rainwater to 'sheet' down the glass to wash the dirt away. The coating has been designed to last as long as the glass itself. The coating is durable and will not need reapplying.
- Q. Conservatory roofs: glass vs Polycarbonate
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- Glass provides a better view than polycarbonate.
- Due to it's reduced maintenance requirements, self-cleaning glass is safer for hard to reach places such as conservatory roofs
- A glass roof is much quieter than polycarbonate in the rain and hail.
- Q. Where can self-cleaning glass be used?
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Almost any exterior application, such as windows, conservatories, facades and glass roofs. It is especially useful for inaccessible windows where organic dirt normally collects, where cleaning can be difficult, such as skylights We use Pilkington Active which works best where both sunlight and rain can reach the glass, although it does not need direct sunlight to work effectively.