Comparing double glazing quotes.

NeoVR2k6

Im currently negotiating the minefield that is the double glazing industry by getting multiple quotes.

What would be good questions to ask or ways to try and compare various quotes ive had. giving the various different manufacturers of glass and frames out there.. are some better than others?
The quotes ive had so far from local companies vary by up to 25%

The only thing ive stipulated is they must be A rated.

I have asked about triple glazing too as i would like to try and minimize external noise from the road/mway. does anyone have any views on this?

ytfcmad

Don't bother with triple glazing, ask for the DGU's to be made up with a 6.4 acoustic lam (something like Stadip Silence) and 4mm float or toughened.

The difference between frames is so minimal its not worth worrying about.

A rated is A rated whoever you buy from, the 25% difference is just the margins they choose to work with.

missprice

Can't fault my triple glazing and for the minimal extra was well worth it.

But for window quotes of any kind you need to ask for u values. The lower the value the better. And if they don't have a clue what that means ( safe style) then get rid.
For info a single glazed window will have a u value if maybe 15
Good double glazed about 1.5
Good triple glazed about 1 or maybe 1.1 or .9


Hth

Furts

One for OP.
The Building Regulations change in April. When looking at quotes make sure they meet the new requirements - otherwise you will end up having obsolete windows fitted.

I would not be surprised if some of the national companies salesmen are even aware of this. Equally, I would not be surprised if they were attempting to shift old technology to unaware consumers.

Hope this helps.

SussexFella_2

Triple glazing is really only their to achieve lower U values, as low as 0.8 if krypton filled air gaps.
New windows WILL NOT SOLVE NOISE problems at the drop of a hat! Double or triple glazed as noise will transfer through the frames.
The only REAL SOLUTION is SECONDARY DOUBLE GLAZING 6mm glass is often sufficient as it has a different coefficient of sound transmittance and enables degradation of sound waves within the wide air gap. Lining that gap with fibre board or special acoustic tiles will also enhance performance. Stadip noise reducing laminated glass is a good option in SDG or replacements.
Look up secondary double glazing on Yell?

missprice

SussexFella wrote: »

Triple glazing is really only their to achieve lower U values, as low as 0.8 if krypton filled air gaps.
New windows WILL NOT SOLVE NOISE problems at the drop of a hat! Double or triple glazed as noise will transfer through the frames.
The only REAL SOLUTION is SECONDARY DOUBLE GLAZING 6mm glass is often sufficient as it has a different coefficient of sound transmittance and enables degradation of sound waves within the wide air gap. Lining that gap with fibre board or special acoustic tiles will also enhance performance. Stadip noise reducing laminated glass is a good option in SDG or replacements.
Look up secondary double glazing on Yell?

Beg to differ, my triple glazing had to be done in two halves, upstairs and downstairs as not enough money. The wood framed triple keeps out all but the loudest of noises. So I can't hear the 12 kids next door ( yes they really have 12 kids )playing murder.

The UPvC triple has a slight disadvantage in that it does not keep the same amount of noise out. However that stuff is upstairs and as the bedrooms are not used so much when the kids are up its not such a problem. It still works well as I am no longer jolted awake when the neighbour with the van that sounds like a bag of spanners sets off at 7am, in fact its more of a gentle buzz than a loud roar.

SussexFella_2

The density of the timber frames helps reduce sound wave transfer, hence the difference between timber (hardwood) and hollow walled plastic. There is a Swiss manufacturer of plastic windows that incorporates density into the frames so that is quite good too.
As I often say; like beauty being in the eye of the beholder, noise is in the ear of the beholder. The frequencies that annoy, in a domestic situation are many and varied. Diesel thud and childrens squeals being at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Without an expensive full sound survey, every case will differ. Even fences, hedges and sheds have an impact on resonance perceived. To get a one size fits all solution isn't possible. As long as it works for you then it is all good!
Just an aside; heavy lined curtains or window shutters work well too in many domestic areas. Those that travel to hotter climates will see the shuttered windows that work well to stop solar gain but also, by accident(!) reduce sound ingress. Not very useful if you want to keep an eye on the kids in the garden or so on!!?

6022tivo

What are the regulation changes in April please?

SussexFella_2

Bit tricky this one as the industry is only just getting clear on the implications since government have been in delay with the paper since October last year.
The main crunch is relative to new build and commercial, where the intentions are to save more money and reduce carbon emissions.
In a nutshell, domestic refurbishment may not be effected heavily whilst a transitional period is allowed for compliance.
In simple terms, buy category A rated replacements and if possible ask for krypton gas in the air space gas rather than argon as argon will naturally degrade after a relatively short time of 3 to 5 years.
Also important to ensure the sealed units have "warm edge" spacers, not aluminium, that they are manufactured with a BS kitemark. The frames should be multi chamber and any steel within the pvcU sections needs to be galvanised as a minimum specification and insulated from both inside and outside.
There is also an existing scenario that requires companies to have a proven "single source" management system to ensure quality is maintained throughout the range.
Secondary Glazing already meets or beats all standards being considered or implemented.

Johnandabby

missprice wrote: »

For info a single glazed window will have a u value if maybe 15
Good double glazed about 1.5
Good triple glazed about 1 or maybe 1.1 or .9

No, single glazed window will be 5-6 depending on the frame material and size. Agree with the double and triple glazing values though, so I'm assuming that this is a typo

OP, read here for another very similar discussion re sound reduction and double glazing on this site.

Double glazing AND secondary glazing (with different pane thickness) is the best way to reduce significant noise but is overkill for most scenarios. Depends on what level of noise reduction you're hoping for!

Don't forget about ventilation - pretty pointless spending lots of money on expensive glazing units, to then put in standard trickle vents and a clear air path for noise. You can get acoustic vents if you need them.