Stay safe at Christmas, despite the distractions

With festive decorations, present wrapping and Christmas dinner to contend with, local people are being reminded not to let fire safety take a back seat during December.

Many people are unaware of the potential fire hazards and toxic threats that can lurk in fairy lights, candles and flammable Christmas decorations and national statistics show that December is the worst month of the year for accidental fires in the home, with 20 people a day either killed or injured across the country.

Although fire safety is important at every time of year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season.

Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: "Nobody means to have an accident but, sometimes, our excitement gets the better of us. Without meaning to, we can forget our own safety without realising it. Be happy and have fun, but please just have a mind to the messages we're issuing while you do."

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: "Christmas can be a busy time for many people, but it can be a busy time for fire crews as well. We want  to make sure that local people do everything they can to stay safe and have a very happy Christmas."

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is offering the following advice:

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm installed on all levels of your home. Test your alarms weekly and never remove batteries to power presents.
• Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking after drinking alcohol. The majority of fires start in the kitchen. Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep decorations, cards and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
• Ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598).
• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store).
• Don't overload sockets - only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed.
• Check on older relatives and neighbours to ensure their safety.
• If you are going to light your fire, make sure you have the chimney swept.
• And finally, in the event of fire: get out, stay out and call 999.

Have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, just make sure you stay safe too.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road
Gloucester
Gl1 5AJ
01452 526028
www.candlwindows.co.uk 

Why Deceuninck?

Why Deceuninck?
In our view, Deceuninck was the best kept secret in the market. It’s a unique mix of product, quality, service, support and people. They talk of partnering – real partnering, unique in this industry - and enduring relationships; yet it’s a €536.5 million business, No.3 in most big world markets. Deceuninck’s recent acquisition of Pimaş took it to No.1 in Turkey, Europe’s second largest market, and added to our share in Russia, Europe’s largest PVC-U market.

What else don’t many people know?
I like facts, not marketing fluff, so here are 17 facts:  
Product
• Unique, modern products to suit all market sectors. Installers love Deceuninck’s ‘pretty’
windows. They’re easier to sell because they stand out and look better in the home.
FACT.  Specifiers love the symmetry in their design. FACT.

• Deceuninck is obsessive about quality. It makes its own tooling, and extrudes profiles with
tighter tolerances than the industry standard. FACT. So, they produce less waste in the
factory, and go together better on site. FACT.Innovation

• Monorail has got that ‘wow’ factor. It’s a unique large-pane sliding patio. It’s the only
PVC-U patio that goes head to head with aluminium. FACT.

• Bye-bye bi-folds! Deceuninck’s own, exciting Slide & Swing multi-pane patio door is a
door-opener. Homeowners and installers are passionate about it! FACT.

• Deceuninck’s patented, new Glass Fibre Linktrusion technology makes PVC-U windows as
strong as steel reinforced windows. They’re 30% more thermally efficient, with up to 40%
saving on materials and weight. FACT.
Service

• A wide range of foils – 18 colour ways – including accessories, cills etc. on your next order
because they’re held in stock. FACT. That’s ColourExpress by Deceuninck.

• Deceuninck leads in colour because we make it easy to sell colour. FACT.

• Deceuninck fabricators and installers sell 50% more colour than the industry. FACT.

• When other Systems companies have struggled, Deceuninck has been on time, in full.
FACT.

Support
• Technical support is good: we’re known for it. And with his Everest background, Roy has
brought a new retail dimension to helping customers grow. FACT.

• PricePad makes it brilliantly easy to sell, quote, survey and win. PricePad is a game
changer. FACT.

• Attractive, quality, tailored websites that generate business + beautiful MyBrand tailored
brochures help you and your customers sell. FACT. Who says so? Customers. FACT.

• No competition!
We help customers compete in the market; we don’t compete in the market with customers.
FACT.? 

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk 

Deceuninck

Welcome to a world of colour

Heritage 2800 Windows & Doors

Deceuninck’s Colour Express range of woodgrain foils has been specifically designed to help homeowners put together the perfect colour palette for their home. Nine woodgrain finishes available from stock, including window trims. The complete range is extremely durable and comes with a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Deceuninck’s Colour360 is the first of a new generation of ‘all over colour’ painted profile using water based paint (ie no solvents). This unique range offers you wonderful colour choice inside and out, which means your windows and doors look as good open as they do closed.

Colour360 is a textured matt finish and extremely durable against impact, scratches and abrasion.
It comes with a 10 year warranty as standard.

• Elegant & traditional
• Ideal for period properties
• A* energy rating windows
• Triple glazed solution available
• 9 ‘wood like’ finishes from stock
• Additional colour options with unique Colour360
• Complementary hardware
• Recyclable

Sliding Door

Intelligent Design

Deceuninck’s unique Monorail is a contemporary, high performance Sliding Door System. It’s perfect for very wide openings and ideal for homeowners looking to make the most of great views and their indoor/outdoor living space.

Monorail opens up space between the home and the garden, balcony or terrace. It glides rather than slides, silently, securely and effortlessly on high quality nylon rollers, and provides excellent weather and thermal performance. It demonstrates the kind of intelligent design and thinking that makes Deceuninck products market leaders.

Key features:

• 2 panes span up to 4.5 metres
• 3 panes span up to 6 metres!
• Excellent weather performance with integrated multifunctional gasket and brush seals
• Looks and feels like aluminium with the superior thermal performance of PVC-U
• Fully reinforced PVC-U profile with galvanised steel for additional strength
• Six position multi-point locking mechanism as standard for added security
• Stunning complementary hardware to complete the look
• Contemporary colour range available from stock

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ 

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk 

Every burglary reported in Gloucestershire from 8am on Tuesday November 11 to 8am on Wednesday November 12

DETAILS | TIME | LOCATION | INCIDENT NUMBER - call police on 101 with any information.

Offender(s) attempted to force back door of house to gain entry. Unsuccessful.	Between 4.30am and 5am on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Saintbridge Close, Gloucester	75 of Nov. 11
Offender(s) gained entry through a window at the back of the house. Once inside jewellery was taken.	Between 11am and 12 midday on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Just off the A417 Gloucester Road, Staunton	151 of Nov. 11.
Offenders gained entry to the victim’s garden. They attempted to get into the house through a back door but were disturbed.	Around 1.20am on Saturday Nov. 8	Anbrook Crescent, Hucclecote	155 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) got into the insecure garage attached to the side of a house. Once inside they took a Claud Butler electric bike.	Between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Anderson Drive, Stonehouse	270 of Nov. 11
Offender has gained entry to the house through a door at the back. Once inside a clarinet was stolen.	Between 4pm and 6.10pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Oxford Way, Cheltenham	369 of Nov. 11
Offender(s) have gained entry to the house through a back door. Once inside watches, various jewellery and a small amount of cash was stolen.	Between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Winchester Way, Cheltenham	410 of Nov. 11
Offender(s) gained entry to the back of the house through a back door. Once inside several hundred pounds worth of cash was taken	Between 8am and 7.50pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Nursery Close, Chipping Campden	420 of Nov. 11
Offenders entered the property through an insecure side gate and then through the back door. A jewellery box and Samsung Galaxy S3 phone was taken.	Between 11.30am and 8.30pm on Tuesday Nov.11.	Glyndthorpe Grove, Cheltenham	432 of Nov. 11
Offender(s) gained entry to the house through the back door. Once inside a jewellery box containing assorted jewellery was taken.	Between 2.45pm and 9.15pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Devon Avenue, Cheltenham	449 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) have gained entry to the house through a back door. Once inside the property offender(s) have taken several hundred pounds in cash and assorted jewellery.	Between 6.45pm and 9.10pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Stratford Road, Chipping Campden	453 of Nov. 11
Offender(s) gained entry to the house through a downstairs front door. Once inside a laptop, Blackberry phone, a Toyota Aygo car and a small amount cash	Between 1.30am and 6.45am on Wednesday Nov. 12	Redmarley Road, Oakley, Cheltenham	33 of Nov.12.
Offender(s) have gained entry to a large barn through a door at the front. Nothing was disturbed or taken.	Between 9pm on Monday Nov. 10 and 8am on Tuesday Nov.11	Ross Road, Longhope	100 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) gained entry to the garage through an insecure door. Once inside a Yamaha motorbike was damaged.	Between 11pm on Monday Nov. 10 and 8.30am on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Gurney Avenue Tuffley	168 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) gained entry to the shed through the door and once inside power tools including a strimmer, drills and a leaf blower were taken.	Between 5pm on Monday Nov. 10 and 2.30pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Velthouse Lane, Blaisdon	225 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) have broken into a stable through the secure stable door. A number of power tools were taken including a leaf blower, chain saw and hedge trimmer were all taken.	Between midnight on Saturday Nov. 8 and 2.30pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Velthouse Lane Blaisdon	242 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) got into the garage at the side of a house through an insecure door. Once inside the building an Apollo Envoy mountain bike was taken.	Between 6pm on Monday Nov. 10 and 7.45am on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Mill House Drive	362 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) broke into the garage at the side of a house through the garage door. Once inside a Giant Avail women’s mountain bike was taken.	Between 6.40pm and 7.40pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.	Crabtree Park, Fairford.	416 of Nov. 11.
Offender(s) have attempted to break into the garage through a door at the side. Once inside they have taken a blue and red Cube Mountain bike.	Between 6.30pm on Tuesday Nov. 11 and 6am on Wednesday Nov. 12.	Hatherley Road, Cheltenham	29 of Nov. 12.
Offender(s) have entered the insecure shed after climbing over the fence into the garden by standing on a recycling box. Once in the shed a silver and blue Reebok Mountain bike was taken.	Between 11.15pm on Tuesday Nov. 11.and 8am on Wednesday Nov. 12.	Windermere Road, Cheltenham	42 of Nov. 12.

Don't become one of these statistics - make sure your home is safe. Lock when you leave, leave lights on when you are out. Always better to be safe than sorry.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

www.candlwindows.co.uk

01452 526028

Spacer bars & measured thermal conductivity values

BFRC is responding to questions raised following its statement clarifying the situation regarding measured thermal conductivity values for spacer bars, issued on 19 September 2014.

1 Question: Why has BFRC changed the way it deals with simulating spacer bars?

Answer: BFRC has adapted its requirements to reflect the changes to BS EN ISO 10077-2 2012. This standard requires measured thermal conductivity values to be derived according to a very specific set of criteria. BFRC investigations have determined that the only way to currently satisfy the standard is to use a measured conductivity value obtained from Bundesverband-Flachglas (BF) 2 box model (currently this is the only item of data taken from the datasheet). Only datasheets currently available on the BF website (www.bundesverband-flachglas.de/shop/kostenfreie-downloads/bf-data-sheets-english) are deemed to be acceptable for new BFRC rating applications or for product substitutions.

2 Question: Can BFRC licence holders substitute components within a licenced window?

Answer: BFRC licence holders can of course change the components within a licenced window. However, as these changes are likely to have a substantial effect on the window’s energy rating performance, in most cases a full re-simulation and re-evaluation of the window in question is required. However, under certain circumstances, it is possible to substitute certain components without requiring a re-simulation. The BFRC substitution rules, which were created in 2010 following consultation with the fenestration industry, are still applicable and available, and are designed to ensure that any simple substitution of components does not result in a lowering of the window’s energy rating performance. It is important to bear in mind that simple substitution (without re-simulation) is only permissible for one component at a time. For instance, substituting a spacer bar of equal or better thermal performance is only permissible providing the type and depth of secondary sealant is unchanged. If, when changing a spacer bar, a modification to the type or depth of secondary sealant is necessary, then re-simulation would be needed, as under these circumstances it is not possible to guarantee that the window’s energy rating will not decrease slightly.

BFRC’s rules on substitution without re-simulation are designed to safeguard the homeowner in that the WER performance of a window will be the same (or slightly better) using these rules. Where the performance cannot be guaranteed to be the same or better, a full re-simulation and re-evaluation needs to take place.

Clause 4 of the BFRC Substitution Rules for Glazed Units states that: “Spacer bars (including the primary sealant and desiccant) may be substituted when the replacement has an equal or lower effective thermal conductivity (measured to 3 decimal places) than the spacer bar specified in the original licence. Effective thermal conductivity of the spacer bar (including the primary sealant and desiccant) shall be determined either by tabulated value from BS EN ISO 10077:2 2012 or if a measured value is required, thermal conductivity values shall be obtained from a currently listed 2 box model datasheet from the BF website.” (Web address as above)

3 Question: I’ve been told that my BFRC licence is valid for 5 years. Is this true?

Answer: BFRC licences are created as a result of a BFRC simulation being undertaken for a given set of components i.e. Frame sections, reinforcement (if applicable), Glass types, spacer bars and sealants. The existing BFRC licence is valid for five years provided the component parts remain commercially available. If a given component has been superseded by a replacement with equivalent or better thermal performance then simple substitution may be possible without full re-simulation. However, in cases where the replacement part has an inferior thermal performance, simple substitution is not permitted and a new licence will be required (supported by updated simulation data).

4 Question: What depth of secondary seal is used for rating purposes?

Answer: All spacers bars are simulating as being positioned with the top of the bar inset 12mm from the edge of the glass, as this is how the vast majority of IGU’s are manufactured in the UK. Deviation from this depth is permitted provided documentary evidence to support the compliant manufacture is provided and is deemed to be acceptable by BFRC’s technical committee. BFRC is consulting with industry via the GGF Technical Committee which is currently reviewing the sealant depth issue. More information will be made available in due course.

5 Question: Does using the BF 2 box models prevent changing the type of secondary sealant?

Answer: The BF website lists test reports in two categories. At the top of the page are results for spacer bars which can be simulated with both PU / PS and Hot Melt sealants, as they have demonstrated the ability to Pass EN 1279 parts 2 and 3 with all secondary sealant types. At the bottom of the page is a list of spacer bars that have only been tested with Hot Melt sealant and can therefore only be simulated with this type of sealant. BFRC will only accept simulation reports that have a listed combination of spacer bar and sealant.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

www.candlwindows.co.uk

01452 526028

Beat The Burgular.

Do you know Darker Night security?!

When out at night leave on your light - leaving your home in darkness is sending a clear message to burglars.
If your lights aren't on - it looks like no-ones home.
Before you go out make sure you;

• Switch on your light timer device 

• Put expensive items out of view

• Set your burglar alarm (even if you are only out a short while)

• Lock all of your windows and doors

Darker nights

• When out at night switch on a light. Leaving your home in darkness is sending a clear message to burglars.
• When the nights become darker many people forget that when they leave the house for work in the morning they may not be back until it is dark. Making your home look like someone is always at home is the best way to deter a burglar. A light timer device is ideal as this can be set to come on and go off automatically.
• Burglars are less likely to try their luck at your property if there is a chance someone is at home and would instead move to another house that is in darkness.
• Remember to look out for your neighbours too. If there is a stranger wandering around your street looking suspicious ring 101 or 999 if there is a burglary in progress. Remind neighbours to switch on their lights too.
• There are a number of low cost gadgets that can quickly make your house look occupied from a simple timer switch to a fake TV light that flickers. Your local police supply these items at cost price.

Don’t forget …..

• If you have a burglar alarm use it!
• Lock all your windows and doors.
• Always keep expensive items out of view from prying eyes.
• Install security lights – burglars prefer to work in darkness so a brightly lit garden or front door would not be attractive to a thief.
• Register and mark your property.
• Plant prickly plants underneath your windows and on your garden boundaries.

At Christmas time ….

When you begin your Christmas shopping remember not to leave bags on display in your car. Shopping bags potentially containing expensive items are very attractive to an opportunist thief.

Don’t wrap your presents up and leave them on view under your Christmas tree. Move all expensive items away from view.

Think about where you put your empty boxes that contained expensive electrical items. If you place them by the bin you are advertising your property to a burglar who may target your property when you are out.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 5AJ
www.candlwindows.co.uk

01452 526028

New Planitherm Total+ 'raises the bar'

SAINT-GOBAIN RAISES THE BAR WITH TOUGHER, WARMER PLANITHERM TOTAL +

Europe’s leading low-E glass has now been made better than ever with the launch of the next evolution of the acclaimed PLANITHERM TOTAL+ from Saint-Gobain Glass.

The new PLANITHERM TOTAL+ has an increased g-value, making higher WERs more achievable, and also an even more robust coating to maximise manufacturers’ yield and reduce associated losses.

The g-value is stepped up from 0.71 to 0.73 thanks to the use of SGG ’s new lower-iron PLANICLEAR float substrate and further enhancements to the coating, giving not only higher solar gain to contribute to WER banding but also improved aesthetics through its greater transparency.

For IGU manufacturers, its improved magnetron coating has greater mechanical strength and scratch-resistance, reducing the wastage from accidental damage and so helping to achieve higher yield ratios.

Saint-Gobain Glass Marketing Manager, Susan Lambeth said: “This new PLANITHERM TOTAL+ not only gives higher WER performance, including the ability to deliver the new A+ band more easily, but also greater efficiencies to our customer, the IGU manufacturer. PLANITHERM TOTAL+ is one of the core elements of the residential window industry so we know these developments will be welcomed by many.

“Saint-Gobain Glass has always been a world leader in magnetron coating technology, as well as the development of all kinds of advanced glazing and this latest evolution will be a major factor in our retaining this lead.”

PLANICLEAR, which forms the substrate of the new PLANITHERM TOTAL+ was launched earlier this year as a lower-iron glass, giving higher light transmission and solar gain without the price-exclusivity of a specialist full low-iron product.

PLANITHERM has been a residential market leader for over 12 years. As well as undergoing constant evolution to retain that lead, the brand has been strongly supported by TV consumer advertising and in the trade by its unique planithern installer network and extensive marketing support material.

Triple Glazing - Some Common Misconceptions Corrected

Triple glazing has been in the news a lot this year and has been generating a lot of comments.  Gary Morgan, BFRC Technical Director, adds his expert opinion.

 

“Two panes of glass are good, but three must be better”

 

There is some merit in this simplistic statement.  Triple glazed windows are capable of achieving much higher levels of thermal performance than double glazed.  But the choice of low-e coating and gas fill are critical.  For example, consider two triple glazed IGU’s designed to fit into a 28mm glazing cavity.

 

4-20-4 Softcoat low-e, argon fill: can achieve a WER ‘A’

4-8-4-8-4 One pane of softcoat low-e, argon fill: can achieve a WER ‘B’

4-8-4-8-4 Two panes of softcoat low-e, argon fill: can achieve a WER ‘A’

 

In order to realise any benefit from the extra pane of glass, it needs to have a low e coating or the U value actually increases, meaning a thermal efficiency decrease.  Even with two panes of low-e coating, there is still no overall benefit in terms of WER performance.  The addition of an extra coated pane can, if the wrong coating is used, lead to a sharp decrease in the solar gain (g) value, which can lead to a window going from an ‘A’ to ‘B’ or even ‘C’ rating.

 

In triple glazing the use of Krypton gas in narrow cavities, or Argon gas in wider glazing cavities, does result in much improved window thermal performance.

 

“It is only possible to achieve BFRC A+ ratings using triple glazing”

 

About 80% of A+ windows are triple glazed - but 20% are double-glazed.  So it is possible to achieve an ‘A+’ with double glazing using thermally efficient frame systems and good warm edge spacer bars.

 

“Triple glazing / A+ windows can lead to overheating”

 

This is incorrect.  Is the suggestion that lower window U values result in thermal overheating?  This only occurs when the external ambient temperatures are higher than the internal room temperature (a lower U value helps to keep the room cool by keeping excess heat out).  It certainly does not cause overheating.

 

Or is solar gain supposed to be the culprit?  In triple glazed windows solar gain values are at least 10% lower than in equivalent double glazed windows.

 

Fast Facts - Property Crime

Property crime can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Check out these fast facts about property crime and find out what you can do to reduce the risk of danger to you, your family and your home.

There were an estimated 2,103,787 burglaries and354,520 robberies.

That's one burglary every 15 seconds and one robbery every 1.5 minutes.

Around 60% of burglars used forcible entry to gain access to a home. More than 30% of burglars entered residences through an unlocked door, window and other opening without force.

Typically, burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home. The more difficult it is to gain access, the more likely a burglar is to reconsider the attack.

Most convicted burglars (90%) said they want to avoid homes with alarm systems and said if they did encounter an alarm, they would abandon the attack on the home.

It's estimated that 74% of uncompleted intrusions can be credited to an audible alarm.

Homes without alarm systems are 3 times more likely to be burglarized than those with an alarm system.

Precautions to Reduce Burglary

There are four basic types of precautions which must be provided to significantly reduce the chance of an intrusion:

• Deterring Measures: These are security measures which are likely to lower the chance of a break-in when the burglar cruises the neighborhood in search of a target. Intruders search for homes that appear to be unoccupied. Thus, deterring measures suggest that somebody is at home. For example, a car in the driveway, motion sensitive exterior lights, interior lights, and radios and TVs on timers, all give the impression that someone is in the home.
  
•  Preventive Measures: These are security measures which make the actual break-in more difficult and/or time consuming. Intruders spend no more than 60 seconds breaking into a home. Measures which rise this time may cause burglars to change their mind. Some examples include deadbolt locks, bars on windows, and pins in sash windows. 
  
• Detection Measures: These are measures which detect the presence of an intruder on the premises and send a message out. Only a burglar alarm serves that purpose. 
  
• Managerial Measures: In nature, these measures are in the deterrence category. They are not physical precaution measures like the three previous categories but are associated with the deterring category in their objective, which is to produce the impression that somebody is home. They include stopping newspaper and mail delivery, notifying police when you will be away, and having neighbors watch your home. 
• 
  

• Burglars report that doors and windows are often left unsecured, or even wide open, allowing them to literally let themselves in.

This was also backed up by 64% of householders who confessed to occasionally leaving doors unlocked whilst away from the home, and a further 37% whilst inside the home - even though statistics show that 22% of burglaries are carried out with the thief aware that the home was occupied.

One offender often gained entry to homes by putting their hands in a letterbox and pulling the keys out.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 5AJ

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk

Patio Doors and Composite Doors

Patio Doors
Patio Doors are most commonly made from PVC-u, and have a sliding action. The finish may be white, or a light or dark timber effect. Some patio doors have more complex opening arrangements than the simple sliding action. for example, some can tilt for ventilation, and hinge outwards. Patio doors can also have a concertina action, with the doors typically opening outwards, or inwards for opening, otherwise known as bi-folding door. This has the benefit of providing a full width clear opening to terrace or garden.

Viewed from inside or out, patio doors transform the look of your rooms as well as your home as a whole. Illuminating interiors with natural light, providing comfort from the elements and affording security with peace of mind, are the essential criteria for all window and door products. These are the standards by which our reputation has been established. Good looks, great performance and long lasting peace of mind.

Composite Doors;
Where a door will be exposed to weather or particularly harsh or humid climates - composite doors are a smart choice. These doors realistically imitate the look of wood, thanks to a combination of moulded wood grain texturing and the fact that they can be stained to match most popular wood, such as Golden Oak or Rosewood.
The word Composite is used to refer to doors and Windows that are made up of more than one material. A composite door can look very much like a wooden door and part of the reason for this is that the mould was originally taken from a very old real wood door with outer frame moulded from PVC-u.

Your composite door will not crack, dent, peel or expand due to weather conditions. Unlike timber, they will not rot, bow or split and have a thermal insulation value of up to four times of timber doors.

C & L Windows and Conservatories LTD

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk 

Condensation the answers?

Condensation is a relatively new phenomenon resulting mainly from changes in lifestyle and our desire to keep heating costs as low as possible. Condensation is related to the way we heat, ventilate and insulate our homes. In days gone by, most homes had one or two chimneys; allowing up to four air changes per hour. Doors and windows were generally less well fitting than they are today. This natural ventilation was the very process which prevented condensation. To cope with increased fuel costs came the trend to insulate. This resulted in loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing. However, it is also a fact that energy-efficient homes are more likely to suffer from condensation - because anything that keeps warm air in will also keep fresh air out, creating the ideal conditions for condensation to form. Before we tackle the problem, we have to understand exactly what condensation is, then find the best way to deal with it. Condensation is merely the air’s natural moisture content settling on cool surfaces. The amount of moisture in the air is called relative
humidity. If the humidity level rises above 70%, mould and mildew will be encouraged to grow.
Astonishingly, the average family creates up to 20 pints of moisture every day, simply by washing, cooking and breathing. This moisture must go somewhere and be dealt with to avoid condensation.

What is condensation? 
Condensation is water vapour suspended in air. where does most water vapour come from? The most common sources of water vapour are cooking, drying clothes on radiators, washing up, in house plants, moisture in newly built properties and extensions and from the breath we exhale. where can condensation occur? Due to the thermal currents within a house, condensation can occur in a number of places, usually at cold spots i.e. An unheated room or a conservatory without any form of adequate heating. Condensation forming on the room side surface of a sealed unit indicates a high water vapour content present and that the temperature of the room side glass surface is inadequate. Condensation within the airspace of the sealed unit indicates the unit
has broken down.

Double glazing cannot cause condensation
I did not have condensation before my new windows were installed. There must be something wrong with them. This is a common assumption but, unfortunately, it is also incorrect. Windows cannot and will not produce any water. This ‘water’ is produced by our normal living activities. Therefore we, the householder have created the problem. 

How do I know if I have condensation?
Condensation will take many forms, the most common being steamed up windows and puddles of water on the window sills. In extreme cases, dark spots of mould will appear around the windows, wall coverings and mastic seals throughout the house.
If you have a non-condensing tumble dryer, make sure it is properly vented to the outside of your home. Remember, tumble dryers can create 16 pints of water vapour during one cycle.

How can double glazing help?
Sealed unit replacement windows act as an insulator which will reduce heat loss which under normal circumstances, would be conducted from the inside of the room to the outside. Please remember that sealed units act as an insulator and are not a source of heat, therefore all rooms should be adequately heated - especially conservatories. The likelihood of condensation forming on a warm surface is therefore reduced.

How do I reduce condensation?
Condensation can be controlled by providing natural ventilation to change air on a regular basis and by maintaining an even temperature. This is achieved through ventilating units which are controlled by humidistats, an airbrick, or by opening a window. Please remember that the airbrick must be open to achieve good results. An effective way of controlling condensation would be to install a dehumidifier. This cost could be avoided if the problem is
one of ventilation, by installing an airbrick thereby creating ventilation or controlling those causes of moisture, that result in a build up of moisture in the air.

Breathing. 
Two sleeping adults exude two pints of moisture in 8 hours, which is absorbed as water vapour into the atmosphere. 

New property 
The bricks, timber, concrete and other materials in an average 3 bedroom house absorb 1500 gallons of water. The same principle will apply to a conservatory base and the construction materials used. As with any new building work, please allow a period of drying out to ensure problems are not encountered in the future.

Kitchens & Bathrooms
Prevent water vapour finding its way into the other rooms of your house by closing the adjoining doors and leaving a window open after cooking or showering to allow a change of air. Extractor fans and cooking hoods work well for this purpose.
If you find dark mould spots forming treat the affected area immediately with a solution of household bleach or milton fluid. This will kill the mould spores and prevent them from spreading to other areas. All new houses with improved insulation and replacement windows are likely to trap moisture build up. This can be identified and dealt with, as long as all the rooms are heated throughout the house, and the air is changing regular basis.

Conclusion
Condensation is the result of a build up of moisture caused by normal lifestyles and the continual improvement and modernisation of our homes.
Replacement Windows can not produce condensation. Double glazing will act as insulator if there is sufficient heat within the house in the beginning. Therefore it is wise to attempt to control the amount of water vapour displaced within the household and to provide controlled ventilation to dispel the moisture before a problem arises.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

01452 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk 

Product Care and Maintenance

When buying new windows and doors you will need to know the basics of keeping your home looking great and as new owners of top quality products, you'll have to spend very little time keeping them in excellent condition.
To maintain your products they will benefit from a small amount of care and attention.

1. General cleaning of PVC-U and aluminium products; Frames are best cleaned by regular (six monthly) washing with warm soapy water. If exposed to smoke, cooking fumes or external pollution, or you are in a coastal location, please wash more frequently as these conditions can cause permanent discolouration. Avoid leaving anything that can rust on the external cill of your products as this will become more permanent
2. Residential Doors, Patio Doors and Bi-folding Doors; The cill frame and any stainless steel tracks should be cleaned with a soft brush and warm soapy water, taking care to clear all drainage slots. Any hinges, locks or wheels, should be regularly lubricated to ensure smooth movement and slick lock operation.
3. Casement Windows; Keep the friction stays clear of dirt and debris. If stays become too slack, tighten gently with the small brass friction screw, ensuring the tension is equal on both sides. Lubricate all visible moving parts on the stays and the locking systems, with a silicone based spray or light machine oil. Clean off any excess lubricant. If handles become loose, remove the cover caps and tighten the screw gently, then replace the cover cap. Continued use with wobbly handles, can damage the gearbox on the locking mechanism.
4. Glass; Glass is best cleaned with warm soapy water or with readily available consumer glass products. however avoid spraying the frames with these chemicals. If you have leaded glass, this will appear silver when new, oxidisation will occur and the lead will change colour, ending up as a dark grey colour. This is normal and will take a couple of months before stabilising.
5. Drainage; From time to time, particularly after heavy rainfall, you may notice a small accumulation of water in the bottom of the Cill frame. This is normal, this water will eventually disperse through the drainage slots and into the dispersion channels designed inside the PVC-u profiles. It is vital to keep these drainage slots free of dirt and debris.
6. Condensation; Your new windows should help reduce condensation in your home. The latest energy saving glass means the inner pane is much warmer than single or old double glazing. however, condensation is caused by the humidity in the house, usually coupled with poor ventilation.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd

48, Stroud Road

Gloucester

Gloucestershire

GL1 5AJ

(01452) 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk 

Trickle Vents - Always a tricky one

Trickle Vent Windows Advice

A recent question and answer session posed in the Daily Telegraph about the use of trickle vents has been the source of much debate on Twitter by members of the installation community.

Jeff Howell’s advice to a reader on whether he or she needed to replace windows with trickle vents with like has served to highlight the complexities facing many a homeowner and installer.

The Glass and Glazing Federation outlines the current correct guidance on using trickle vent windows.

All buildings have to be ventilated in order to maintain the health and well being of everyone using them. There are two kinds of ventilation: background and rapid. Background ventilation can be provided by trickle ventilators. Rapid ventilation by opening the window.

The need for background ventilation depends upon the building and how it is currently being ventilated. When it comes to replacing windows an installer will need to determine if background ventilation would be required.

If a window is not well ventilated then it can lead to condensation build up which, if left, can lead to the proliferation of potentially harmful mold spores.

Current building regulations* state that it is only mandatory to install trickle ventilators within a replacement window if there was a trickle ventilator within the existing window. This is so buildings that were originally designed to have background ventilation continue to do so. Removing such vents could lead to serious problems with condensation at any point of the room where it loses heat (a thermal bridge) and not just on the windows themselves.

The above answers the reader’s question posed in the Daily Telegraph but it was not the same advice given in the article itself which referred to a period in 2010 when originally trickle ventilation was going to be installed in all replacement windows. This recommendation was changed following discussions between the fenestration industry and the Government department responsible for buildings regulations, which agreed this would not be required.

A FENSA registered installer guarantees your job meeting Building Regulations. The installers have been vetted and undergone inspections to enable them to self-certify that their work passes Building Regulations.

FENSA is the first glazing self-certification scheme to start in the UK, they have 12 years of raising standards in the glazing industry since it was established in 2002, and it continues to work closely with government and industry. FENSA installers are continually vetted and inspected to ensure that compliance with the Building Regulation standards is being maintained.

On completion of the work you, the homeowner, will receive a FENSA certificate soon after the job is finished. This needs to be kept safe as it will be requested by the solicitor when you come to sell your home.

Benefits of FENSA

Other than knowing your windows and doors are being fitted to the high standard demanded by Building Regulations there are more benefits of using a FENSA installer:

• Offer Guarantee/Warranty: to cover the costs of completing rectification work in respect of defect.
• Insurance to back up the guarantee/warranty in the event the installer ceases to trade.
• Deposit Protection
• Replacement certificates – Can be ordered online. FENSA can offer support to your solicitor when tracing missing certificates during the sale of your property

How to get the best from your installer

Here are some hints and tips for when you are searching for your window and door installer (or indeed any contractor), and some practical steps to take when dealing with them.

• Get recommendations from family and friends.
• Shop around and ask for references – and follow them up!
• Get everything in writing – including cost estimates, timeframes, product selected etc
• Ask three installers to quote for your project.
• Ask them what insurance they provide – for things such as deposit protection.
• Check your installers’ credentials. If they claim Competent Person Scheme registration they will be listed on the relevant website: www.FENSA.org.uk

If you decide to go with an installer not FENSA registered you will need to organise an inspection of your installation job by your local building inspector. This can cost up to £250. If the installation is deemed to be below standard then the homeowner will be responsible for sorting out any problems. This is why we highly recommend using a Competent Persons Scheme like ourselves.

C & L Windows and Conservatories Ltd
48, Stroud Road
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 5AJ
(01452) 526028

www.candlwindows.co.uk