Whilst PVCU is exceedingly durable and therefore requires very little maintenance, in order to keep your PVCU windows looking their best (and indeed functioning well), we’ve pulled together some simple cleaning and maintenance tips.

Have you got a tip you’d care to share? Please let us know in the comments!

How to clean PVCU surrounds:

When researching this article we were amazed at the number of tips out there for cleaning PVCU. For the most part it is safe to use any light household cleaners on PVCU, and a little washing up liquid diluted in warm water will remove most of the dirt from the PVCU surrounds.

However if you have heavier soiling and need to use something a little stronger we would recommend the use of a cream bathroom style cleaner such as Cif, or a specialist PVC cleaning fluid. Whatever you’re using it’s best to double check the suitability of the product prior to going ahead (most cleaning agents will tell you which materials their product can be used on). If in doubt, test the cleaner on a small inconspicuous area first.

Whichever type of cleaning agent you use, make sure that your rinse the PVCU surrounds thoroughly to ensure that no residue is left.

Likewise consider which type of cleaning cloths you are using - ideally use a soft cloth or a sponge. If you have to remove very stubborn dirt, then you could try a non-scratch washing up sponge. But under no circumstances use a very abrasive cloth - e.g. a steel cleaning pad as you run the risk of scratching the PVCU.

How to clean your windows:

We could talk top glass cleaning tips forever and a day (but you might get bored, and we wouldn’t want that).

Personally, I use warm water with a little washing up liquid to get rid of surface dirt, then dry the window. To get rid of streaks polish with crumpled newspaper.

Alternatively there are many specialist glass and window cleaners on the market that also do an excellent job.

How to clean window sills:

Again, most light cleaning agents are perfectly safe to use on wooden window sills, provided that they do not react with the lacquer or paint which they have been treated with - again check the manufacturers recommendations - if your cleaning product says do not use on painted or varnished surfaces, then find a suitable alternative.

Basic Maintenance:

Around once a year check the moving parts of the window fittings and (if required) apply silicone grease or vaseline to the moving parts so the window continues to move smoothly.

Likewise cheack that none of the screws in the fittings are loose - tighten them if necessary.

Please note, most windows are supplied with a guarantee, and in order for it to remain valid you may find that any repairs need to be made by the company who originally fitted the windows. Therefore, if when checking your windows you spot something which you suspect might be a little more serious then it’s best to contact your window supplier directly, rather than trying to fix the problem yourself, as you may render your guarantee invalid. If your windows are still under guarantee then you’ll probably find that the original supplier will come out and resolve any problems for you.

Image credit newlivinghouston

If you’re considering improving your home with a conservatory, double glazing, extension etc obviously the price you pay will be a key consideration, particularly given the current economic climate.

However, according to recent research by Lloyds TSB there has been a 16% increase in the number of ‘botch’ jobs by rogue traders in the last 12 months - possibly as a result of people being more price sensitive; and therefore going for the cheapest quote.

It seems however, that many homeowners are being penny wise, but pound foolish, and they are now having to foot the bill to correct the work undertaken by unscrupulous tradesmen.

Lloyds TSB’s research suggests that on average it costs an additional £1,250 in remedial works to repair a poorly installed conservatory - a sobering thought indeed. Particularly when you consider that these homeowners were looking to save a few hundred pounds - but actually end up spending far more.

Sadly nearly a third of victims admitted that they failed to check up  on workers’ qualifications, or even seek references from previous customers.

Top Tips to Avoid the ‘Cowboys’

If you’re looking to undertake home improvements - be it having double glazing or a conservatory fitted, or getting your home extended avoid the ‘cowboys’ and check out our top tips:

1. Don’t assume that anyone who can afford to advertise will be OK - adverts in local directories / newspapers etc aren’t particularly expensive, and these publications offer you no guarantees about the businesses who advertise in them. If you’re looking for double glazing or conservatories then check that your chosen supplier is FENSA registered.

2. Get at least three quotes so you can compare prices.

3. When getting quotes make sure you’re comparing like for like so you can be sure that the cheaper quote isn’t down to lower quality materials being used.

4. Do some background checks - e.g. check that they are registered with FENSA, check how long they’ve been in business, look around online for adverse reviews etc.

5. Ask for references - and make sure you follow them up!

6. Any reputable company or individual will offer guarantees for their work. Make sure your chosen supplier does too.

7. Get a written and signed agreement detailing the work which will be undertaken, the cost, how long it will take, when work will commence and how much you have agreed to pay.

8. Agree up front payment terms - e.g. deposit and payment on completion and include dates. Never pay the full amount in advance.

9. Trust your gut. Often your instincts will be correct - if you don’t feel comfortable, then find someone else to do the work for you.

10. If it seems too good to be true - it probably is!

Obviously if you are considering replacing your windows, or getting a new conservatory, we’d love the opportunity to quote. Browse our website to view our range, drop into one of our show centres, call us on 0800 666 444 or book a home visit.

Image credit a.drian

Historically, we’ve seen that during periods of recession, crime tends to increase. As such, in the current economic climate, many homeowners are understandably concerned about increased crime, and unhappily, the latest figures from the Home Office may bear these fears out.

This week, Glass Times (a glazing industry publication) reported that:

The Home Office figures for July-September 2008 showed an increase in reported domestic burglaries; and for the last four months of 2008, 31 police forces across England and Wales also reported a rise in burglaries - with 55,572 more cases of acquisitive crime taking place during those months, than for the same period on 2007. The last sustained rise in the burglary rate was back in the mid 1990s.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith warned of this in a leaked memo to Gordon Brown: “Our modelling indicates that an economic downturn would place significant pressure on acquisitive crime and therefore overall crime figures.”

So, what can homeowners do to ensure that their homes and possessions are adequately protected?

Well, whilst it might sound obvious - make sure your home is properly secured when you leave it. Make sure all windows and doors and closed and locked, as many burglars are opportunists - so if your home looks properly secured it may deter them.

Secondly, take precautions to secure any potential access point to your home. For example, if your property can be accessed via a rear or side gate, consider how this could be made more secure - e.g. invest in a sturdy padlock to secure it, or consider replacing the gate if it cannot be adequately secured currently.

Perhaps most importantly, invest in secure locks for your home - for example: 

1. Deadlocks for external doors
2. Secure locks to windows
3. Secure window shutters

Here at SEHBAC we take home security very seriously. As such, all of our double glazed windows benefit from the very latest in security features including multi-point locking systems with up to six locking points.

Likewise all SEHBAC doors are fitted with the latest multipoint locking systems, and are designed to endure sustained attempts to gain entry. 

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows and / or doors, and would like to talk to someone about security options why not call us on 0800 666 444, drop in to one of our show centres or arrange a home visit. Our staff will be happy to talk through the options with you, and offer guidance in selecting the right solution for you.

Image credit fotographix.ca

The label pictured to the right is an energy efficient window rating label.

The energy efficient window labelling scheme was created by the BRFC (the British Fenestration Rating Council). It’s aim is to rate the energy efficiency of windows in the same way as household appliances are now energy rated.

As with household appliances, the most energy efficient windows are rated A to C.

A to C rated windows also carry the Energy Saving Recommended logo which is issued by the Energy Saving Trust.

To find out more about the scheme, read on, or visit their website.

What Does the Energy Efficient Window Ratings Label Tell You?

Each window rated by the BFRC has a unique label which contains the following information:

1. The rating level - A, B, C and so on
2. The energy index
3. The thermal transmittance
4. The solar factor
5. The air leakage

In plain English, each of these factors will determine how well the window will perform in terms of:

- Helping you contain and conserve heat within your building in the winter

- Keep out the wind

- Resist condensation

- Contribute to improved sound insulation

Does the Energy Efficiency Rating Apply to the Glass or the Window?

The scheme rates the whole window (i.e. including the frame and any casement) not simply the glass.

How Much Money Can I Save?

By installing energy efficient windows a typical homeowner could see their household energy bills reduced by as much as £461 per year*. Of course the amount you save will depend on the size of your home, and the size and condition of your current windows.

How Much Carbon Can I Save?

Energy efficient windows can assist you in reducing your carbon footprint by up to 18% - so it’s a worthwhile change both from a financial and environmental perspective!

How Do I Know if the Windows I’m Buying are Energy Efficient?

Firstly, be sure to check that the company providing and installing your windows is registered with the BFRC - you can easily check this by clicking on this link: http://www.bfrc.org/Consumer/search_companies.aspx

Additionally, when speaking to your chosen supplier / installer, ask them about their BFRC rated products - if their windows carry the energy efficient label, then you can rest assured that you are getting an energy efficient window.

How Much do Energy Efficient Windows Cost?

The cost of energy efficient windows depends on a variety of factors including the frame materials used (i.e. timber, aluminium, PVCU), and the sizr and style of the window.

Additionally, the higher the energy efficiency (i.e. the more energy efficient a given window is) the more it costs - so an ‘A’ rated window will cost more than a ‘C’ rated window; but this cost can be off-set by the savings you will make on your energy bills. 

SEHBAC & Energy Efficient Windows

Here at SEHBAC we understand the importance of energy efficiency when considering replacement windows. As such all of our windows are energy rated. We’re also very happy to talk you through the various options and their associated costs.

View our full double glazing range, or call us on 0800 666 444 to discuss your needs, we’re here to help you.

*in an electrically heated house, taken from DTI Quarterly Energy Prices. December 2007. Calculation provided by the BFRC.

Increasingly, consumers are thinking ‘green’ and are looking for more information on the environmental impact of their purchases. As such, many people are concerned about the use of PVC, and as such seek alternative materials for their replacement windows and doors; or if they are planning to have a conservatory built.

However, a recent press release from PVC Aware aims to highlight the environmental creditials of PVC, and address the concerns of those consumers. 

Jon Skinner who chairs the PVC Aware committee says “PVC’s environmental credentials are well proven, but as yet, they are little known, in part because the majority of the tests are relatively new. Equally, few people are aware how recyclable PVCU is. The double benefit is that it has environmental advantages and is affordable.”

The Facts about PVC:

1. It’s 100% recyclable.
2. It’s manufactured using 57% chlorine (sea salt) and a comparatively small amount of oil.
3. Very low maintenance (i.e. unlike wood, it never needs re-painting!)
4. The PVC Industry has committed to recycle 100% waste by 2010.
5. Old PVC window frames can be recycled to fabricate new ones - with a minimal impact on the environment. Plus, PVC window frames may be recycled up to 10 times - offering a potential lifespan of more than 350 years!
6. PVC windows are energy efficient and will help you cut your carbon footprint and your utility bills.
7. PVC is available in a wide choice of colours and finishes so you’re bound to find something to suit the style and character of your home.
8. PVC manufacture releases very few dioxins into the air. In fact the average European PVC plant would need to run non stop for 30,000 years to produce the same level of emissions as are released on a single Bonfire Night!
9. PVC is totally inert in the environment.
10. Today’s advanced PVC products already include a high proportion of recycled content.

The good news is, that today’s advanced performance PVC windows and doors can deliver significant energy savings. As such they can play a positive role in making homes more sustainable by cutting carbon emissions, not to mention heating bills. And while glass remains the most important single factor in window energy efficiency, PVC remains far more thermally efficient than alternative materials.

Here at SEHBAC we offer a wide range of PVCU double glazing, doors and conservatories. We’ve over 38 years experience and we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and providing them with the ideal solution for them.

We’d be happy to talk to you, and explain the options further - why not give us a call on 0800 666 444, request a brochure so you can view our full range, arrange a home visit or get a quote today.

PVC Aware is an organisation set up to promote the sustainable values of PVC as a material for window frames and other building applications. They are committed to implementing and promoting procedures to ensure that all off-cut and post-consumer PVC material is recycled into new products, thus preventing waste.

All images, and stats from this post were sourced from the PVCAware.org website.