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.

Why choose Double Glazing ?

It’s becoming increasingly popular to install double glazed windows in your home for several reasons:

To save money on heating bills…

Double glazed windows and doors are generally considered much more efficient at insulating your home than standard single-pane windows.

To save money on home insurance…
Modern double-glazed windows are considered far more secure than many older styles of windows

To reduce noise…
Double glazing is very good at reducing the amount of noise that enters through windows and doors

Double Glazing to suit your Home

Originally double glazed windows came in a limited range of styles and it was often difficult to find a design that matched the style of your property. Double glazing has moved on since then and nowadays it is easier to customise your windows and find a look that suits your home.

You can see our range by browsing our website, ordering a brochure or simply by popping in to visit us at one of our show centres.

How to choose a Double Glazing Company

All double glazing companies are not created equal, this is why we have put together a simple checklist of what to look out for, when selecting a double glazing company:

1. Do they offer a range of styles?
2. Can they provide testimonials from satisfied customers?
3. Does the company use the relevant professionals to make sure the double glazing installation is safe before carrying out the work?
4. Are the installers covered by a code of practice?
5. Is the double glazing guaranteed? and if so, for how long?

You can be sure that SEHBAC tick all the boxes. We pride ourselves in utilising quality products and delivering a professional service.

Double Glazing Contracts - Checklist

Once you have selected the company you want to install your new windows, there are a few more things to establish. The company should draw up a contract of work that clearly sets out exactly which products you have selected, and the costs involved for the purchase and fitting of them. This is by no means as exhaustive list, but your contract should include the following:

1. The price of the windows
2. Any additional costs
3. The date the work will commence
4. An estimate of how long the work will take
5. Details of your particular method of payment i.e. the deposit you have agreed to pay, monthly installments and interest rate you will pay. 

Typically a double glazing company will require a deposit of somewhere between 20%-30% before carrying out the work. This figure isn’t necessarily set in stone, so you may be able to negotiate.