Asgard Windows

Benefits of a Home Conservatory

Benefits of a Home Conservatory

Double Glazed Stained Glass Windows

Antique Stained Glass Windows – Beautiful, But Drafty

Stained glass windows, especially old and antique stained glass windows are no doubt stunning to look at and create a wonderful atmosphere, however with single panes of glass and frames that were set many decades before, they are certainly not energy efficient, increasing the heating costs and reducing comfort.

Unlike a typical old window, one does not simply ‘replace’ stained glass windows with modern energy efficient windows. However, Asgard Windows does have a simple and low-cost solution to suit every need.

Double Glazing Stained Glass Windows

The simple solution for the problem of drafty, inefficient stained glass windows is to add a second pane of glass into the window space. In one fell swoop, without having to modify the original window or frame, the problem is solved. No more drafts and an instant reduction in heating costs thanks to your new energy efficient stained glass windows!

This is done with a uPVC or timber frame containing a pane of glass within it. So you now have the original stained glass pane plus the new clear pane that effectively forms a double-glazed window. The gap in between is simply an air-filled void, but air is a natural insulator between the outer stained glass window and the inner clear window pane.

The new frame is typically smaller than the original stained glass window frame and so the visual aesthetics of the window is barely affected and the stained glass can be enjoyed unimpaired.

Other Benefits Of Double Glazing Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows are often found in hard to reach places or are quite tall and so cleaning them can be difficult. Asgard Windows provides this service to many home owners and with children in the home, an errant flying object could break one of the stained glass panes, which are not easy to replace.

Double glazing the stained glass windows therefore eliminates the need for any further cleaning on the inner surface as no dust or grime can get to it. It also provides a further physical barrier between the room and the original stained glass panes.

So you can enjoy less cleaning and more protection plus energy efficient stained glass windows.

How We Go About Double Glazing Stained Glass Windows

Asgard Windows will first pay a visit to your home/premises to review the stained glass/picture window that needs attention and to take measurements. We will discuss with you the frame options and once the appropriate details have been decided we will return to base to manufacture the secondary window.

During manufacture we will setup an appropriate time for the installation and once the window is ready the installation will proceed.

Our installers are all trained craftsmen and we make it a point of leaving the premises in pristine condition with no mess left behind.

Original Source Content: www.asgardwindows.ie/Double-glazing-stained-glass-windows.asp

Replacement Windows Suitable for PVC Double Glazing

We only need to look at a few homes in our vicinity, or in some of the older suburbs of Dublin to realise that all windows are not the same. Sash, tilt and tilt and turn windows, and patio doors are just a few of the most popular styles used in residences in the Dublin area. When selecting replacement windows for the home, you will find that PVC double glazed windows are suitable for most homes.

Sash windows are found in many older, traditional homes, and the original windows do give the home some style, and good daylight, but are renowned for their draughts and rattles. They are usually quite large windows as well, so they tend to make your house cold, so you need to spend a lot on heating. This is why it is recommended that replacement windows are installed in their place; of course these will be double glazed replacement windows.

However, when sash double glazed replacement windows are made from uPVC, they offer the benefits of a modern window. Qualities include outstanding thermal properties and the ability to withstand bad weather. These windows save on heating and cooling costs due to their energy-conserving nature. Aside from traditional white, they are often available in colours like cream, light oak, and rosewood.

Tilt windows are ideal for upstairs windows, because they make window cleaning much easier. To allow you to clean the outer surface, the frame tilts inward so you can clean the window thoroughly from inside the home. With their dual opening action, tilt and turn windows make access even easier. In addition, they improve ventilation and make an emergency exit simpler, while a high-security locking feature offers peace of mind. Available in many colours, these windows are as attractive as they are functional. We have replacement windows to replace tilt windows.

Patio doors come in French door style, bi-fold door style, and sliding door styles that allow plenty of natural light into the home, and offer a good view of the garden. French and sliding doors feature traditional styling, while a bi-fold door is a more contemporary option that opens inward or outward hinging so they take up little space when folded. Although these doors are quite expensive, they are very practical, giving easy access to your patio, and also allow you to leave them open in summer to take advantage of warm weather.

When selecting doors for the patio area, look for those that are durable, resist condensation, and offer sound insulation and energy efficiency. Manufacturers create these doors in a variety of colours and finishes, so you can find one to suit your home.

Choices in Glazing

Window glazing is the term used to describe the glass portion of the window. Single glazed windows are the traditional version, featuring a single glass pane. Double glazing, which features two glass panes with a space between them, offers additional insulation. Though the initial version saved much heat over single glazed windows, energy efficiency has continued to improve. Low emissivity glass features a unit filled with argon gas, taking the measure of heat loss from 2.8 down to 1.2.

Although Dublin has a temperate climate, it can get very cold in winter, so you will want replacement with modern double glazing instead of your old windows. Options include double-glazed 20mm, K glass air filled 28mm, or double glazed argon gas filled 28mm. These have varying degrees of heat insulation, and your installer will be glad to explain the differences in the performance of these replacement windows.

Read our related article: www.asgardwindows.ie/Window-buying-guide-choosing-replacement-windows.asp

Original Source Content: www.asgardwindows.ie/Replacement-Windows-Suitable-for-PVC-Double-Glazing.asp

Window Buying Guide

Choosing Replacement Windows – Your Options

So you need new windows for your home? There is a lot to consider in making the right choice to suit the look of your home, energy efficiency needs and ultimately your budget. As a leading supplier of windows in Dublin, Asgard Windows knows how challenging this process can be, so we have put together this simple guide to buying replacement windows that will outline your window options and so make it a little easier.

You can also click the link to read our other Replacement Windows Articles including Energy Efficiency.

Replacement Window Options – Materials

There are many materials that are used for windows in homes. However, the two most common materials are wood and uPVC (also called PVCu or simply PVC). There are advantages and disadvantages to both. One major requirement for most people is to have very low or zero maintenance and on the whole wood window frames will require more maintenance in the long-run, requiring a degree sanding and/or painting every 3 to 5 years. However, if you live near the sea or up in the mountains where the temperature variations and winds are more extreme throughout the year, then wood windows are not the best choice as the environment will degrade the wood much faster and so will require significantly more maintenance.

On the other hand, quality uPVC will typically be cheaper than an equivalent wood window and will require virtually no maintenance, apart from the occasional clean. You can get them in virtually any colour and if you want a wood feel, but without the maintenance associated, you can opt for a wood-grain finish, although again quality is everything to get a realistic look.

Ultimately the decision is purely an aesthetic and budgetary one. In extreme circumstances (on new builds) the planning permission may only be given if you install wooden frames. However, on the whole, Ireland’s most popular choice for new windows is uPVC.

Replacement Window Options – Window Types

Windows fall into 3 main types as follows:

Casement Windows:

Casement windows are so called because they are constructed using a number of ‘casements’ to form the window. The casement is essentially one fixed or hinged panel containing a single window or two windows split in the middle by a glazing bar. Hinges can be placed at the side or at the top and it is for this reason that casement windows are very popular in Ireland. During very warm and dry days the large side hinged windows can be opened, while on wet days a top hinged small window can be opened to allow fresh air in while keeping rain out.

Sash Windows:

Sash windows or double-hung windows, as they are also known, are constructed with two overlapping panels that slide vertically or horizontally across one another. This creates a large opening when fully opened, which is excellent for ventilation, but will also let in any rain. For historic buildings you will often find that sash windows constructed from wood are the typical choice and indeed renovations to listed/historic buildings will often require period-style sash windows to be installed to secure planning permission.

Modern sash windows also allow individual panels to be tilted to create small ventilation spaces in a similar way to casement windows.

Tilt & Turn Windows:

Tilt & Turn windows are the latest in modern design (although they have been available in similar forms since the 1900’s). A clever configuration of hinges and locks allows the whole window to tilt inwards to create a small gap for ventilation or with an alternate twist of the handle the window opens horizontally just like a casement window.

Replacement Window Options – Dividers And Leaded Lites

Windows in historic buildings typically contain multiple small panes of glass separated by dividers. This was a manufacturing requirement back then because glass makers were limited as to how large they could make the panes. These days dividers are purely aesthetic and can be used to match any historical period from Tudor to Georgian and Edwardian.

Replacement Window Options – Glazing Options

It is a known fact that single glazed windows are highly inefficient, both from an energy and sound insulation perspective. Based on this the most popular option used in most homes are double-glazed windows. These are made from two panes of specially constructed glass bonded together with a space in between. This gap in original double-glazing was filled with air, which in itself has good insulation properties. However, modern double-glazing uses argon in the space between the panes. As it’s an inert gas, it has far superior insulation properties for both energy and sound.

Triple-glazing works on the principle that if two panes of glass with a single gap between them is good, then three panes of glass with two gaps between them must be better. Indeed, tests show that triple glazing can improve heat loss and noise pollution by as much as a third compared to double-glazing, so if heat conservation or noise reduction is important then triple glazing is an excellent option.

Replacement Window Options – Glass Options

The glass used in your replacement windows can also be supplied in a number of treatments including...

Energy Conservation:

A metallic coating can be applied to the glass to increase its reflective properties in order to keep heat out in the summer for coolness and keep heat in during the winter months for a warm, cosy room. This is known as ‘Low E’ or ‘low-emissivity’ glass.

Acoustic Glass:

Acoustic glass consists of sheets of glass bonded to multiple interlayers of acoustic dampening laminate material. These layers have a dampening effect on sound waves as they pass from one sheet of glass to the next and dramatically reduce the noise that makes it through. This glass is ideal for homes close to major roads or in cities and can also be effective against the sound of rain hitting the window.

Replacement Window Options – Energy Rating

The energy efficiency of glass uses a similar rating system as used in BER ratings for homes with AAA being the most energy-saving and G being the least. Most windows sold these days have an A or B rating. The rating applies to the glass used and also the construction of and materials used in the frame. Obviously the higher the rating desired, the more expensive the window.

Original Source Content: www.asgardwindows.ie/Window-buying-guide-choosing-replacement-windows.asp

Benefits of uPVC Front Panel Doors

Benefits and Advantages of uPVC Front Panel Doors

Commonly known just as PVC doors, the UPVC door has great attributes such as its Security, Durability, Effective Insulation along with having a large selection of high quality of Design. We will endeavour to detail the benefits of a UPVC door for your home, helping you make an informed decision.

Security and Safety

UPVC doors are made up of unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride PVC, a substrate that is extremely strong and durable. UPVC front doors are therefore, extremely hard to break, ensuring your home has far more protection from criminals, along with the elements. This material component in the door is resistant to rot and rust, and will not warp or have any deterioration over time, which can often be a problem with other doors. UPVC is a reasonably priced material, compared to wood or aluminium. They are also far more resistant to fire; making them a much safer option for households. UPVC doors do not cause or assist in the development of a fire, and are actually self-extinguishing.  For best performance and added security, a UPVC door should have thick reinforced UPVC panels along with 63mm or 70mm top quality internal glazed system with toughened safety glass.

Adding Efficiency to your Home Energy

UPVC doors and windows are a great choice for insulating your home. Aside from just keeping heat in and draughts out, UPVC has the ability to reduce noise, especially for homeowners living on busy roads. One reason for this is that they are designed to fit exactly into the frame of your door, which eliminates the space or crevices.

Potentially, homeowners can avail of savings up to 30% of their domestic heating costs. Installation of your UPVC doors and windows minimises the loss of heat directly from your home. They will not allow in draughts during the windy, cold months and are resistant to damp. Similarly, by eliminating condensation it stops the possibility of mould forming.  

Durability

With the make-up of UPVC doors, outlined above, it means they can withstand the weather conditions that we typically experience in Ireland. UPVC doors are storm proof and can be sealed ensuring they are water tight to prevent access into the home. They also have a low maintenance requirement, giving the owner little to worry about over the years.

A Large Selection and Range of Designs

A great advantage of UPVC front doors is that there is a very large selection of designs to choose from, which will compliment your home. Choose the minimalist, flat panel design which is a great option for people on a budget but want a high quality, durable door. Alternatively, there are many designs and styles which can be customised to form your bespoke door.Along with front doors, UPVC is excellent for patio doors as it allows in natural sunlight which can also save you on your energy bills on sunny days.

Summary

All in all, the UPVC options being so vast and wide-ranged afford the customer with superb choices. With its low maintenance and secure offerings, coupled with its durability and energy savings – the UPVC door has become such a popular choice among homeowners.

Original Source content: www.asgardwindows.ie/Benefits-UPVC-Front-Doors.asp

Taking Care of Your Windows and Doors - Preventative Maintenance

Asgard Windows supply and fit your windows and doors to a very high quality as standard, and with that typically are relatively maintenance free. However, there is still a number of things that can be done over time that will help you get the best results and longer lasting windows and doors. Asgard Windows has a simple guide on aftercare of your new windows and doors giving you the benefit of a longer lasting life.

Start with the Frames

Cleaning your PVC or aluminium frames at least every 6 months or so, with warm soapy water. If you are exposed to sea salt spray then this should be increased to about every 3 months. Never use abrasive cleaners or liquids, as they can damage the frame itself. The same applies for windows on the outside, where special care must be taken not to damage the mastic seal or waterproof seal around the frame of the window.

Patio Doors

All tracks must be wiped clean, freeing up and debris and grime for its smooth running on the rail. Any drainage channels must be clear of any blockage.

Moving Parts

All mechanical or moving parts of a window or door need to be lubricated with a WD40 Spray to keep parts running well. Parts include handles, hinges, locks, letter plate springs, striking plates and tandem wheels on patio doors. Asgard Windows provide a 10-year guarantee on such parts but with regular maintenance these will remain in great condition for many years.

Vents in Windows

Vents in windows will build up dirt on the stays  if they are left open for lengthy periods. This can hinder the vent’s opening and closing operation. Never use force to try free it, always use a lubricant to free it up and take away the grease or grime build up.

Sliding Panels on Windows

All tracks within sliding panels must be cleaned with a soft cloth and soapy water.

Condensation

Condensation is not caused by double glazing but actually reduces it. Condensation naturally reduces by ventilation, but typically modern buildings have draught proofing, cavity wall insulation and other means of being sealed and air-tight, thus increasing the chance of your house building up moisture. Controlling the temperature through heating and ventilation is the most effective way of reducing or eliminating condensation. Modern homes can suffer condensation when there is inadequate ventilation. For older houses, where there is sufficient ventilation, a change in temperature is likely to increase the chances of condensation occurring. An example of this is where the temperature in a room is increased considerably by a radiator situated under a window. To help reduce condensation here a gradual temperature increase is required.

Original Content Source: www.asgardwindows.ie/window-maintenance.asp